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With climate scientists predicting that 2024 could be even hotter than record-breaking 2023, ensuring our homes stay cool in the blistering heat is essential for our health and comfort, explained insulation specialist Actis. 
Within the last few days, the Met Office has named 2022 as the hottest year in the UK since records began in the 17th century, with 2023 the warmest globally, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Actis UK and Ireland sales director, Mark Cooper, said: “The main purpose for insulation has, until recently, purely been to keep homes warm. But with the recent hot summers we’ve had, and no sign of them going away, staying cool to reduce the uncomfortable and even dangerous effects of heat on the human body while indoors is increasingly important.
“This needs be done in a way which doesn’t add more fuel to the climate change fire. Energy-guzzling air conditioning systems, which create a vicious circle, are not the answer. That has to lie in addressing the fabric of the building, which includes minimising solar gain and installing heat-reflecting insulation.
“While some insulation products can make homes unbearably hot in the summer, reflective alternatives also act as coolants – helping protect the health and comfort of the occupants.”
Part O of the building regulations obliges architects to limit unwanted solar gains and provide a way to remove heat from residential dwellings.
