Comment by Chris St John Cox, Platform Lead – Complex Site Decarbonisation at Energy Systems Catapult

The Met Office’s recent warning that “extreme weather is the new normal” is a stark reminder of the growing impact of climate change. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are no longer future projections, they’re our present reality.

This shift affects how we live, work, and relax. Let’s be honest: during the recent sweltering nights, who didn’t wish they had air conditioning at home? While many of our cars and offices come equipped with cooling systems, home environments are still catching up. Cooling, in residential spaces especially, is far from business as usual.

As our climate continues to warm, we need to rethink the systems we install in our buildings. Historically, the UK’s focus has been on heating to get through cold winters. But now, cooling is emerging as a necessity, not a luxury.

There’s compelling evidence for this shift. The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) highlights the risks of overheating, ranging from sleepless nights at home to drops in productivity at work or in learning environments. Health impacts, especially for vulnerable groups, are another serious concern.

So how should we tackle the need for cooling? By bolting on separate systems to our non-domestic buildings?

Instead, we should see the transition to Net Zero as a broader opportunity to build climate resilience into our homes, workplaces, and leisure spaces. Rather than simply replacing old gas heating systems, we can adopt integrated heating and cooling solutions that respond to year-round temperature changes.

Heat pumps are a prime example. They offer both heating in winter and cooling in summer, making them a smart, future-proof investment. In fact, when operated throughout the year, the business case for heat pumps becomes significantly stronger.

But is it really that straightforward?

Unfortunately, not always. Many existing buildings use radiators or other heating systems that can’t double as cooling systems. However, that doesn’t mean we’re out of options. Different types of heat pumps, like air-to-air systems, can provide separate cooling, and there are practical ways to retrofit them into older buildings.

Our Heat Pump Guide breaks down the available choices and approaches for integrating these systems into both new and existing structures. Whether you’re renovating a workplace or future-proofing your home, it’s a great place to start.

Like it or not, the debate around cooling is here to stay, especially after another exceptionally hot summer in 2025. Now is the time to plan for buildings that are not just energy efficient, but also comfortable and resilient in a warming world.