Improving indoor thermal comfort, air quality and the health of older adults through environmental policies in London

Abstract

In this work we evaluate the potential of selected environmental strategies in reducing air pollution and summertime indoor overheating. Associated changes in mortality rates are also calculated for older adults in London. Reducing these risks for vulnerable groups is an immediate priority and given that seniors spend most of their time indoors, our focus is on strategies that prioritize the transformation of residential environments for indoor thermal comfort and air quality improvements. For each strategy, we develop specific scenarios related to building adaptations and test potential reductions on indoor overheating and pollutant exposures from outdoor sources (PM2.5), as well as on senior mortality through the CRAFT tool (Cities Rapid Assessment Framework for Transformation). We then pick the scenarios with highest impacts on mortality, aiming to formulate effective policy recommendations for Greater London. Preliminary results suggest that environmental policies related to the installation of shading could have the highest reduction in heat and pollution-related senior mortality, followed by moderate effects due to building insulation retrofits and the greening of roofs. With an increasing ageing population in the UK and beyond, our work highlights the need for city-level policies to address building modifications, considering the importance of indoor spaces for older adults.