Many Belgian homes poorly adapted to heat

A large proportion of Belgian homes are not prepared for the periods of extreme heat that are now becoming commonplace, according to new research by the Belgian Green Building Council (BGBC).

One in five homes could face overheating problems by 2039, defined by indoor temperatures exceeding 25°C for at least 40 days a year, and nine in 10 homes could face recurring periods of overheating in the second half of this century.

The vulnerability is due to the age of the buildings. The average Belgian home is about 75 years old. In Wallonia and Brussels, the average age is closer to 90 years, meaning a significant deviation from current standards in terms of energy performance and thermal comfort.

Apart from causing discomfort, an overheated home also carries health risks, as excessively high indoor temperatures increase the risks for the elderly, children and people with chronic conditions.

Heat in Belgium is already causing several hundred deaths per year, according to the BGBC, and the figure could rise to several thousand victims per year as the consequences of climate change intensify.

To raise awareness of the issue among professionals in the construction sector, the BGBC is launching a tool called the Climate Adaptive Buildings Tool, which is designed to assess the resilience of buildings not only to heatwaves but also to flooding or periods of drought. 

"Preparing your home for the heat doesn’t always have to be a complicated or extremely expensive undertaking," said BGBC chief executive Gilles Vanvolsem. 

"You can paint the exterior walls a light colour, install fans, fit sun blinds or simply install roller shutters."

Vanvolsem also emphasised the importance of trees, green roofs and good insulation. 

“Above all, people need to realise that it’s in their own best interests to adapt their homes now,” Vanvolsem said.

“It’s a very sound investment, because what today amounts to just a few days of sweltering heat per year will soon become the norm.”