The report ‘Recommendations for enhanced and integrated strategies, policies and schemes relevant for space cooling’, prepared within the framework of the European CoolLIFE project, examines how to tackle the rapid increase in cooling demand in buildings, driven by more frequent and prolonged heatwaves. This trend poses risks to health, energy security, and urban resilience, requiring integrated responses that combine mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

The document begins with a review of the European context: energy consumption for cooling has tripled over the past decade, while policies remain focused on heating. It proposes recommendations based on four key areas: anticipating future needs through planning that considers climate scenarios; adopting a people-centred approach, incorporating passive and nature-based solutions; ensuring that regulations and renovation programmes include summer comfort; and addressing summer energy poverty. It also highlights the importance of coordinating policies across levels of government, improving data quality, and applying the Energy Efficiency First principle in national assessments.

Ultimately, the report advocates for a multi-level strategy that combines technological innovation, urban design, effective regulation, and citizen participation to achieve sustainable thermal comfort throughout the year.