Comfort, energy, behaviour
There was an interesting news item a couple of days ago on the dangers of airconditioning (https://nos.nl/artikel/2295688-klimaatverbond-airco-s-frustreren-doelstellingen-klimaatakkoord.html). It's been the hottest June and July on record, so we're inevitably aware of the importance of cooling buildings. It also makes sense that relevant agencies point out that until now in energy policies we'd been focusing only on the effects of heating in buildings and neglecting cooling, which increases energy consumption and its impact on the environment. Airconditioning is already too familiar, e.g. from cars, for us not to expect it in buildings, too.What doesn't help is that heating and cooling are presented as distinct aspects and subsystems. The common parts are neglected, for example the role insulation plays. Do people understand that it keeps both the heat and the cold out of abuilding? And how about passive climatic solutions, stuff that doesn't require energy? When are we going to promote these and integrate them in the design of buildings? We're eager to reduce energy consumption but such solutions have yet to become prominent in planning and building codes.
Finally, it's not helpful that the news item puts emphasis on human behaviour, claiming that how people are going to use airconditioning is uncertain: they could use it to protect themselves from extreme temperatures but also to keep temperature at a comfortable 22 or 23 degrees. Putting the blame on users makes little sense, not just because people have different needs (not just preferences) but also because the environments we create for them should be inclusive, covering wide ranges of needs. The goal is that most people feel comfortable indoors, regardless of the temperature outdoors. Don't blame them for needing more than what current buildings offer, just make buildings perform better, using as little additional energy as possible.
