Imagine stepping outside and feeling like you've walked into an oven. The sun beats down mercilessly, and the air is so hot it feels like you're breathing in fire. For many, this isn't a far-fetched scenario — it's the harsh reality of living through a heat wave. As global temperatures continue to rise, these extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe, turning our cities into sweltering furnaces and posing a threat to our health and well-being.

Heat waves are not just an inconvenience; they are deadly. Recent summers have seen record-breaking temperatures that have claimed lives and strained our infrastructure to the breaking point. People need air conditioning to survive these heat waves, but running the AC around the clock is costly. For those who can't afford it, the heat becomes a life-threatening crisis. Between 2018 and 2022, heat-related deaths of adults 65 and over in the U.S. were 88% higher than in the early 2000s.  

We must consider sustainable solutions that enhance energy efficiency and environmental resilience as we navigate these challenges.  

The Reality of Rising Temperatures 

Whether or not one attributes the heat waves to climate change, the data is unequivocal: heat waves are becoming more frequent and severe. Heat waves in the U.S. now occur three times more often than during the 1960s.  

This trend extends globally. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), global temperatures have increased at a rate of 0.11o per decade since 1850. This is highlighted by 2023, the warmest year since records began in 1850.  

The Human Toll: Heat-Related Deaths 

The human cost of rising temperatures is devastating. Heat-related deaths have surged globally, with vulnerable populations bearing the brunt. Between 1998 and 2017, more than 166,000 people died due to heat waves, with over one-third of those occurring during the 2003 European heat wave.  

While deaths in the U.S. are significantly lower, at an average of 1,220 people a year, the impact is still present. Furthermore, even when heat is not fatal, it lowers worker productivity. For example, heat-related worker productivity loss cost the U.S. economy $100 billion in 2020. 

The elderly, children, outdoor workers, and low-income communities are particularly at risk. They have the least resources to handle extreme temperatures, and pre-existing health conditions are exacerbated. It falls on the government and communities to provide protective measures, but these vary by region. 

Financial Strain: Rising Utility Costs 

Extreme heat also increases utility costs as households and businesses increase energy consumption to stay cool. 88% of U.S. households use air conditioning, with a significant rise in electricity demand during heat waves.  

Electricity costs are often tiered based on time of day, season, and day of the week. This results in high electricity prices during the warmest part of the day, leading to higher utility bills. Estimates anticipate an 8% to 12% increase in summer electricity costs between 2023 and 2024. 

For low-income families, this financial burden can be crippling. As a result, these households often use less air conditioning at the expense of comfort and safety. The economic strain extends beyond individual households, impacting businesses that struggle with increased operational costs. 

The Built Environment: A Critical Component 

We spend 90% of our lives indoors, so the thermal performance of buildings is a critical design consideration that can either mitigate the effects of extreme heat or exacerbate it. Unfortunately, traditional building designs and systems often fall short.  

For instance, many older buildings lack proper insulation and ventilation, giving them little ability to prevent heat from entering buildings and retain cool temperatures inside. This low thermal performance forces residents to continuously run energy-intensive fans and air conditioning. 

Adapting Building Designs to Rising Temperatures 

This is where sustainable building design comes into play. Innovative building materials and design strategies can significantly improve a structure's building envelope and resilience to heat, providing better energy efficiency and tenant comfort. 

For example, options like cool roofs reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat, and green roofs provide natural insulation. Reflective and insulating materials help maintain cooler indoor temperatures. Combined with passive cooling designs, such as natural ventilation and shading through strategic landscape integration, they are low-cost retrofit solutions. Simply adding tree cover can reduce outdoor temperatures by as much as 9 degrees, subsequently reducing heat that reaches buildings. 

Advanced Building Systems for Heat Mitigation 

Additionally, many technology-based solutions can help protect buildings. Modern HVAC systems, such as heat pumps, are an energy-efficient way of cooling homes in warmer climates. Plus, they double as a heater during cold periods, making them ideal for regions with both temperature extremes, like deserts.  

Prop Tech and smart building technologies are another option to optimize climate control, adjusting cooling systems based on real-time data. These options vary in scope, but many are automated to ensure continuous energy-efficient cooling. 

Lastly, renewable energy sources, such as solar and geothermal systems, provide sustainable and reliable power. These technologies ensure a continuous power supply, even during peak demand, and also avoid high utility costs during these periods. Another added benefit of solar is that it can be installed on framing over parking lots and open spaces, which creates shade in addition to free power. Solar has historically been seen as an expensive option, but the U.S. government has incentives available to increase solar adoption.  

Societal and Economic Benefits of Heat-Resilient Buildings 

Making buildings heat-resilient is an important step for tenants, developers, and communities. 

1) First, they reduce the risk of heat-related health risks, providing safer living and working environments.

2) Second, heat-resilient buildings are typically much more energy-efficient than traditional alternatives. This provides the direct economic benefit of lower utility costs, which can generate substantial financial relief for occupants and building owners. For example, heat pumps are around 175% to 300% more energy efficient than traditional air conditioning.  

3) Finally, heat-resilient buildings are much more comfortable during heat waves. This generates higher employee productivity and tenant comfort and translates to happier renters, who are often willing to pay higher rents.   

Embracing Sustainable Building Practices for a Cooler Future 

The increasing frequency and severity of heat waves present a significant social and economic challenge. By adopting sustainable building practices and innovative technologies, we can reduce the adverse effects of extreme heat, protect vulnerable populations, and enhance energy efficiency. This translates to safer working and living environments and provides economic benefits for owners. 

At Emerald Built Environments, we can specialize in sustainable building design. We can help you create heat-resilient spaces that prioritize safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Learn more about our solutions and how we can help you adapt to rising temperatures.