Dear readers,
How are you coping with the summer heat?
In our well-tempered supermarket, I recently observed an interesting encounter. Some acquaintances were chatting comfortably with each other, in no hurry to shop. This got me thinking: why don't stores that have already invested in air conditioning offer pleasant lounging areas for people who just want to cool off?
Imagine a few cold drinks and a comfortable corner to relax in - wouldn’t that attract more customers?
These thoughts immediately reminded me of our ongoing HDE-Adapt project with the German Retail Association, where we are taking a close look at such opportunities.
But back to the conversation in the supermarket: customers were talking about their workplaces, which have become unbearable in the heat without a breath of fresh air. Sure, installing air conditioning is worth considering, but the cost and ongoing energy expenses should not be underestimated. It made me recall my experience at the local gym, where despite the open windows, the air inside was just as muggy as it was outside. Saving energy is important, but exercising in such heat is really not a pleasant idea.
The question arises: Do we just have to put up with the heat? But I wonder why so much knowledge about natural cooling has actually been lost? - Knowledge about how we can cool ourselves down without consuming a lot of energy. Or even better, how we can lower temperatures through smart building practices, shaded areas and efficient ventilation, so that only sustainable air conditioning (perhaps even solar-powered) does the rest.
So how does this work? In my earlier blog article Passively Cooling Buildings and Workplaces - Can It Be Done?, I presented some exciting approaches. Surprisingly, these ideas come from the Australian Building Guide.
So they seem to know how to do it.
By the way, this guide mentions that using ceiling fans in conjunction with conventional air conditioners can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% by distributing cool air evenly throughout the room - from bottom to top. While they only consume minimal energy.
>>> And now I'm curious about your own experiences!
See you next time |
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