If you can’t stand the heat: avoiding facilities meltdowns in the summer sun

Summers finally arrived! Although, in today’s environmental climate, that doesn’t always mean a few months of sunshine, strawberries and cream.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, posing significant challenges for facilities managers. These extreme weather events not only test the resilience of our buildings and infrastructure but also impact the comfort, productivity, and well-being of occupants.

When the mercury is heading north, facilities face countless issues: overburdened cooling systems, skyrocketing energy consumption, potential equipment failures, and increased health and safety risks for building users. The role of facilities management during these critical periods can’t be overstated!

Effective heatwave management requires a proactive approach, combining strategic planning, technological solutions, and adaptive operational practices. As a facilities manager, you need to know how to balance the competing demands of maintaining comfortable indoor environments, manage energy costs (which continue to cause headaches in the UK), and ensure the longevity of building systems.

This month we’re going to look at the key FM aspects during heatwaves, the challenges faced and some practical strategies for preparation and response. By understanding and implementing these approaches, facilities managers can enhance their buildings' resilience, protect occupant well-being, and maintain operational efficiency even in the face of extreme heat events.

Rising temperatures and rising concerns

As with any extreme weather event, heatwaves pose unique challenges to the building systems and occupant comfort and productivity, not to mention posing significant health and safety risks.

For instance, it can cause significant HVAC strain: If cooling systems have to operate at maximum capacity for extended periods, it can increase wear and tear and the risk of breakdowns. Higher energy demand can stress electrical infrastructure, potentially leading to power outages or equipment failures, and increased water usage may strain water supply systems and affect water pressure.

Elevated indoor temperatures can make for uncomfortable working conditions, leading to drops in concentration and productivity, whilst the extended use of air conditioning can impact air quality, potentially leading to health issues if not properly managed.

From a Health and Safety point of view, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to heat-related health issues, and overheating equipment may pose fire risks or other safety hazards.

Being aware of these potential issues allows facilities managers to prioritise their efforts and resources to mitigate risks and maintain a safe, comfortable environment during heatwaves.

Cooling things down

So, what should facilities managers do to prevent complete meltdowns? During heatwaves, managers should concentrate on the following key areas:

HVAC system management:

·?????? Regular maintenance will ensure optimal cooling system performance efficient operation.

·?????? Consider introducing zoning strategies to prioritise cooling in critical areas.

·?????? Consider temporary additional cooling solutions for high-risk areas, such as desk fans.

Energy efficiency and consumption:

·?????? Keep an eye on energy usage to a) prevent overloads and b) keep costs down.

·?????? Consider energy-saving measures that won’t occupant comfort – you might be saving money in energy costs, but it will impact your finances elsewhere if your team are too hot to work!

Indoor air quality:

·?????? Ensure proper ventilation to maintain healthy indoor air quality.

·?????? Regularly clean and replace air filters to stop pollutants circulating.

·?????? Monitor humidity levels to prevent the growth and spready of mould.

Water management:

·?????? Introduce water conservation measures to reduce strain on systems.

·?????? Ensure proper functioning of cooling towers and any systems that depend on water.

·?????? Monitor water quality, especially in buildings with water features or fountains.

Building envelope considerations:

·?????? Assess and improve insulation to reduce heat gain.

·?????? Use window treatments or films to reduce solar heat gain.

·?????? Evaluate the potential for cool roofing solutions to reflect heat.

Getting ahead of the game

Of course, as with every aspect of Facilities Management, it’s important to take a proactive approach before things start heating up. Effective preparation is key to managing facilities during heatwaves.

Conduct heat risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas and systems within the facility and assess the capacity of cooling systems against worst-case scenarios, such as an energy overload knocking out the entire facility’s power. You can also evaluate the building's thermal performance and identify areas for improvement.

Develop a heatwave response plan by creating a comprehensive plan outlining procedures for different heat severity levels. Whilst that may seem like overkill, we’re facing increasingly higher temperatures in the summer, that many facilities are ill-equipped to deal with. Define roles and responsibilities for staff during heatwave events and establish communication protocols for updates and emergency situations.

By the same token, educate facilities staff on heatwave management procedures and best practices: train employees to recognise and respond to heat-related health issues and promote awareness of energy-saving methods.

Schedule cooling system maintenance in the spring to ensure optimal system performance and explore whether you should upgrade to more efficient and resilient cooling technologies. Make sure your monitoring systems are able to detect issues early.

If you don’t have them already, install smart thermostats and building automation systems to make your asset more energy efficient. Upgrade to energy-efficient lighting to reduce heat generation and consider on-site renewable energy sources to offset peak demand.

During the Heatwave: Best Practices

When a heatwave does hit, remember these best practices:

·?????? Continuously monitor HVAC performance and make real-time adjustments

·?????? Conduct more frequent equipment checks to catch potential issues early

·?????? Provide regular updates on building conditions and energy-saving measures

·?????? Offer guidance on staying cool and recognising heat-related health issues such as heatstroke

·?????? Ask for feedback to address comfort concerns as quickly as possible (but remember you won’t please all the people all the time!)

·?????? Provide easily accessible water stations throughout the facility

·?????? Designate and maintain cool areas for occupants to take breaks

·?????? Ensure outdoor workers have adequate shade, hydration, and rest periods (and be aware of any legislation regarding safe working conditions in extreme temperatures)

As heatwaves become more frequent and more intense, effective facilities management is crucial for maintaining building performance, occupant comfort, and operational efficiency. As a facilities manager you need to understand the impact of extreme heat, focus on key management areas, and implement both short-term and long-term strategies so you can enhance your buildings' resilience.

Climate change isn’t going away, so the role of facilities managers in creating resilient, comfortable, and efficient built environments becomes increasingly vital. Remember, the key to successful heatwave management lies in preparation, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement in the face of evolving environmental challenges!

For more information about how Almeda can help your business navigate the problems posed by extreme heat and to learn about our commitment to the environment, take a look at the website, or even better, get in touch today.