The article, published in 'Enlite' and authored by Marine Cornelis, founder of Next Energy Consumer, highlights how increasing temperatures are intensifying demand for cooling and revealing gaps in efficiency, access and energy affordability.
Europe is warming faster than the global average, increasing the need to maintain adequate indoor conditions in buildings. Surveys show that a significant share of households struggle to keep their homes cool in summer, particularly among lower‑income groups.
Urban areas face the greatest challenges. The urban heat island effect raises night‑time temperatures, and much of Europe’s building stock is inefficient and not designed for high summer conditions. Tenants who cannot undertake renovations are among the most exposed. National renovation plans required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive will be essential to improve summer thermal performance.
When building improvements are not possible, many households rely on cooling appliances. While they provide immediate relief, they increase electricity demand and contribute to urban heat accumulation. Recent heatwaves have shown how cooling demand can strain electricity systems and raise prices. Passive measures — shading, ventilation, reflective surfaces and nature‑based solutions — remain effective and low cost, but access to efficient cooling remains uneven.
Affordability is a critical factor. Data indicate that many low‑income households and tenants cannot afford adequate cooling, and utility bill arrears are strongly associated with an inability to maintain safe indoor temperatures. Addressing summer energy poverty requires better data collection, renovation strategies that include summer thermal performance, and tariffs that protect vulnerable consumers during heat periods.
Read here the complete article, authored by Marine Cornelis in Elite. Cornelis is the founder of Next Energy Consumer, an organisation dedicated to putting citizens at the heart of Europe’s energy transition.
