Extreme heat events are among the most serious effects of climate change. Forecasts by the German Weather Service show that heatwaves will occur more frequently in Germany in the future. What do property owners need to be aware of?
Elderly people, the chronically ill, pregnant women, children and people in need of care are particularly at risk. Property owners, managers and tenants are facing new challenges: They must view heat protection as an investment in the substance, usability and future viability of buildings. Summer heat protection starts with the façade, includes windows and roller shutters and extends to green roofs and solar control glazing. External shading such as awnings or shutters are particularly effective. Light-colored façade paints and roof coatings can also help to reduce heating. For flat roofs, green roofs not only make sense from a climatic point of view, they also increase the service life of the building fabric. Controlled domestic ventilation with heat recovery can improve air quality
The Association of German Engineers (VDI) has defined new standards for heat protection. The expert recommendation on heat action planning (VDI-EE 3787 Sheet 13.3) deals with short and medium-term measures to reduce heat indoors as well as long-term solutions in the areas of urban planning and construction. "Heat protection is preventive disaster control. The implementation of this joint task requires a coordinated approach in the areas of social affairs, health, environment and crisis management," emphasizes Dr. Thomas Griebe, Chairman of the VDI "Heat Action Planning" committee.
With the new publication "Heat Action Plans in Municipal Practice", the German Institute of Urban Affairs provides cities and municipalities with practical recommendations for the development of effective heat action plans. The publication contains examples from Germany and France. The findings from France show proven strategies, warning systems and measures for dealing with heatwaves from which the population in Germany can benefit.
Photo: © Niekverlaan, Pixabay
