This is a topical issue with headlines currently highlighting the impact of high temperatures across Europe and in the UK we experienced unprecedented extreme heat events last summer.  It is clear that designers and end-users need to start having discussions now about how they are going to manage their future cooling needs. As Lamb emphasised: 'Last summer's 40-degree temperatures suddenly got everybody's attention.' 

The panellists agreed that there is also a need for a change to design standards to ensure they take into account likely future conditions, rather than looking backwards at previous operational averages. Just a few decades ago, designers were typically designing for ambients of around 30 degrees, whereas customers today are looking at around 40 degrees. Whilst this approach might help businesses address concerns about system reliability during future temperature increases, contributors to the podcast also highlighted that this could lead to increases in energy use and therefore there is an equally pressing need to achieve improvements in energy efficiency at the same time.  

Just one of the things this will require is a more collaborative approach with building designers. During the discussion, the panellists emphasised that businesses have to consider their refrigeration needs at a much earlier stage in building planning and construction. They also highlighted the contribution that improved planned maintenance and changes to operation can make such as reducing door openings, access for condenser cleaning and better insulation.  By thinking about these types of considerations from the outset, not only can energy be reduced but more effective temperature control within buildings can be achieved.

“We need to consider everything,” said Churchyard.  

There is an opportunity now for the industry to make its views on adaptations known with a Call for Evidence issued by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee into Heat Resilience and Sustainable Cooling that is open until 17th August. 

To listen to this new podcast episode subscribe to the 'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast https://tipoftheiceberg.podbean.com/