Assessing natural ventilation strategies to improve thermal resilience to extreme temperatures of the residential buildings in Barcelona

In future years the frequency, duration and magnitude of extreme heat events, such as heat waves, is expected to increase due to climate change. The population is exposed to higher thermal discomfort and risk at home and, at the same time, high external temperatures make it more difficult to cool their household through natural ventilation.

In order to propose adaptive measures, research should first assess the thermal resilience of the existing residential buildings when exposed to prolonged heat stress. Poorly insulated and non-equipped buildings typical of Southern