With cities around the world scrambling to cope with record heat, and households facing higher power bills to run air conditioning, access to cooling is emerging as a crucial issue in climate change resilience. And passive cooling methods that bring down indoor temperatures without mechanical systems are having a moment.
“Cooling is increasingly in demand in buildings, especially as the climate gets hotter,” Omar Dhia Al-Hassawi, assistant professor in the School of Design and Construction at Washington State University, told Machine Design earlier this year. “There might be inclusion of mechanical systems, but how can we cool buildings to begin with—before relying on the mechanical systems?”
Cue the return of age-old techniques that can make buildings less reliant on air conditioning systems, make it easier for occupants to get through the next massive heat wave, and reduce energy costs—whether or not they fully replace AC. “With energy demand for active mechanical space cooling projected to double by 2050, researchers are investigating alternative means, such as passive cooling systems, to help reduce demand,” Machine Design writes.
“Rather than relying on refrigerant, this approach uses nature—including cross breezes, reflective surfaces, shade, and water evaporation—to reduce the indoor temperature,” Business Insider explains, citing Tim David, owners of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) company in Alabama. “While some of the changes can be costly to implement, incorporating passive cooling can reduce your energy costs in the long term,” and many jurisdictions have loans or tax credits available to help cover the up-front cost.
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