Inkling, and especially Susie, have long been working on how we improve methods for predicting overheating risk in homes. See our work on TM59, Part O and the GHA one page tool. We are keen to ensure that passive methods for mitigating overheating risk are prioritized over mechanical cooling wherever possible. To build on this work, we have decided to team up with Shade the UK, with Susie joining as an ambassador.
Shade the UK is an organisation dedicated to adapting the built environment and public spaces to protect the vulnerable against a changing climate and to ensure that those who are most at risk are not left behind as climate change exacerbates existing inequalities and vulnerabilities. Their theory of change describes how they propose to go about delivering on this mission.
Susie’s role as a Shade the UK ambassador will be to champion this mission within our work. We are already on a very similar page, so this feels like a natural collaboration.
Inkling are currently working on the update to CIBSE TM59 (Design methodology for the assessment of overheating risk in homes), which is due to be published this year. We are also actively looking at proposals for a heatwave assessment methodology that would focus more specifically on how good design can be teamed with temporary shading mechanisms and behavior changes to manage extreme heatwave conditions. This would allow strategies not currently allowed under Part O assessments such as use of curtains and blinds, closure of windows during the hottest parts of the day and temporary shades or awnings. We aim to collaborate with Shade the UK on this work. We are also keen to work with others and invite ideas for how we might develop and test this new methodology.
We are glad to be able to support and endorse the work of Shade the UK with this new relationship and look forward to a shadier future!
