Cooling buildings sustainably in Europe: Exploring the links between climate change mitigation and adaptation, and their social impacts

This briefing explores the nexus between climate change adaptation and mitigation, and the health and social justice aspects of cooling Europe’s buildings. It focuses specifically on residential buildings. The briefing is based on a literature review by Ramboll commissioned by the EEA, discussions held with members of the European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet), input from individual experts and information from other EEA publications.

The key messages include:

• Heatwave events caused 77,000-129,000 deaths in the 32 EEA member countries between 1980 and 2020, representing 86%-91% of fatalities caused by climate-related extreme events. The elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, are among the most vulnerable.
• Rising temperatures across Europe, an ageing population and increasing urbanisation make the population more vulnerable to heat. If no specific action is taken, this will lead to a rapid, uncontrolled increase in the use of inefficient active cooling systems, such as air conditioning, in buildings. This has social and environmental implications, while also increasing energy use.
• Europeans spend approximately 80%-90% of their time indoors. Buildings, as long-lasting structures, can protect occupants from the impacts of heat at low energy costs, if appropriately designed, constructed, renovated and maintained.