Alternative affordable solutions in reducing the number of hours with heat strain inside buildings

Challenges of climate change affect various aspects of human life. This research focuses on the health implications resulting from climate-induced alterations and underlines the vulnerabilities experienced by specific demographic groups, notably the elderly and socioeconomically disadvantaged. These individuals frequently suffer the impact of extreme heat events due to their limited access to cooling technologies, such as air conditioning units, thus exacerbating their vulnerability to heat-related illnesses and diminishing their overall quality of life. Relying on air conditioning systems causes various limitations, including increased energy consumption, exacerbation of greenhouse gas emissions, and the risk of power outages. Moreover, rules and financial problems such as initial and operational costs block widespread adoption, particularly among low-income households. In response to these problems, this study promotes an affordable alternative strategy focused on utilizing practical yet effective methods, electric fans, window coverings, and natural ventilation to alleviate indoor heat stress and to evaluate their efficacy in enhancing thermal comfort and protecting the well-being of occupants. Numerical simulations were conducted using EnergyPlus and Design Builder software. The simulations focused on a prototypical building, reflecting the common architectural features, representative of multi-family housing built from 1961 to 1975, using the Tabula web tool. The simulations were executed for three cities, Palermo, Pisa, and Trieste in Italy. The analytical framework of this study extends beyond historical weather data, including datasets covering future projections. This comprehensive approach enhances analysis by integrating changing climate conditions. The findings reveal a significant reduction in hours with heat strain with electric fans emerging as a key tool in mitigating them, even under worst-case scenarios. Natural ventilation and window shading also play significant roles in reducing heat strain hours within apartments. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the urgent need to address the multifaceted impacts of climate change on public health. It advocates for affordable solutions such as electric fans, window coverings, and natural ventilation to combat high internal temperatures and to contribute to broader environmental sustainability goals.