health
Tarmac playgrounds and windows that don’t open: why hot spells turn our schools into heat traps
Our schools are a dated mix of single glazing, dodgy pipes and atriums like Kew hothouses. They urgently need retrofitting for a changing climate
TL;DR
- Modern schools often overheat due to excessive glass, insufficient shading, and restricted ventilation.
- Victorian school buildings designed for passive cooling have had their original features removed during renovations.
- Single glazing, outdated heating systems, and poorly insulated pipes contribute to classrooms becoming heat traps.
- Tarmac playgrounds absorb and retain heat, reaching temperatures of up to 60C, making outdoor play uncomfortable and unsafe.
- Overheating is causing significant issues, including pupils fainting, exams being cancelled, and negative impacts on learning.
- Quick fixes include external shading and strategic window management (stack and cross ventilation).
- Outdoor adaptations like planting and passive cooling measures have shown positive results in keeping staff and children comfortable.
- A national-scale investment and a clear plan are required to retrofit schools for climate resilience.