Heat-resilient, affordable housing for a warming climate

Background

Heatwaves are projected to intensify. Low-income housing with metal roofs and poor ventilation can be dangerous indoors. Passive cooling, reflective materials and low-cost ventilation designs suitable for informal construction are under-developed.

Who is affected

Urban informal settlements, rural households, construction workers

Existing approaches

Cool roofs, insulation, cross-ventilation design, green cover, evaporative cooling.

Their limitations

Cost, durability, tenancy and incremental construction practices; measurement of indoor temperature at scale.

Desired outcome

Materials, components and retrofits that reduce indoor heat measurably at very low cost.

Success criteria

Indoor temperature reduction measured over a season; cost per household; durability.

Evidence and references

• Note — Climate projections are model-based predictions; cite the IPCC assessment report you use and its scenario.

This problem statement is a forecast of a future or emerging need. Treat its scale and timing as predictions, not measured facts, and cite the scenario you rely on.

Participation

Eligibility

Open to all members

Timeline

Open-ended

Support or rewards

Recognition and contribution points; other rewards as stated per challenge

Confidentiality

Describe your approach at the level you are comfortable making public. Use Submit an Idea for anything you may want to protect.