Europe is enduring more frequent and intense heatwaves, yet many of its buildings still lack air‑conditioning. Health experts warn that the absence of indoor cooling could endanger vulnerable groups, especially as average summer temperatures climb above levels linked to a sharp rise in heat‑related illnesses.

Heatwaves, Buildings and the Transatlantic Divide

In the United States, air‑conditioning is treated as a basic utility comparable to electricity or water. U.S. households typically devote about 20 % of their annual electricity to cooling, a share that can rise to roughly 40 % during the hottest months. By contrast, most European residences rely on natural ventilation, shading and occasional fans even when outdoor temperatures exceed 30 °C.

Post‑World‑War building regulations in Europe placed priority on insulation and energy efficiency rather than mechanical cooling. Urban planning has favoured dense, walkable neighbourhoods and extensive public transport, reducing the perceived need for private climate control. Energy policies have further limited electricity consumption, with many governments taxing high‑consumption appliances. These measures have helped keep household electricity bills lower in Europe than in the United States, where larger homes and suburban sprawl drive higher energy use.

Health Consequences of Insufficient Cooling

A study by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control linked excess deaths during the 2022 heatwave to insufficient indoor temperature control in several southern and eastern EU member states. In a large hospital in Prague, summer ward temperatures remained at 30 °C, matching the outdoor heat, while intensive‑care units with functional air‑conditioning provided only modest cooling. Hospital staff described the lack of cooling as a systemic problem rather than a temporary issue.

Schools, libraries and research facilities across Europe also struggle to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Modern factories and office buildings often install climate control to protect equipment, yet many public institutions do not receive comparable investment.

Energy Demand, Climate Targets and the Cooling Conundrum

Expanding air‑conditioning throughout Europe would significantly raise electricity demand, potentially conflicting with climate objectives. The European Union’s Green Deal targets a reduction of greenhouse‑gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030. A surge in cooling demand could jeopardise that target unless it is paired with renewable energy generation and efficiency measures.

In the United States, air‑conditioning accounts for about 25‑33 % of instantaneous power generation on the hottest days, adding to carbon emissions and stressing the grid. Analysts note that the United States already bears a substantial climate impact from its cooling practices.

Policy Proposals and Industry Reaction

Proposed solutions in Europe include subsidised heat‑pump installations, stricter retrofit standards that incorporate passive cooling, and renewable‑powered district‑cooling networks. The European Trade Union Confederation has called for mandatory cooling standards in workplaces, stating that "healthy working conditions cannot be sacrificed on the altar of energy savings".

Employers, however, warn that retrofitting older buildings with air‑conditioning could be financially prohibitive, especially for small and medium‑sized enterprises facing higher material costs and supply‑chain issues. Some business groups propose market‑based incentives, such as tax credits for energy‑efficient cooling systems, as an alternative to blanket regulations.

A Eurobarometer poll indicated that 58 % of respondents would support home air‑conditioning if it did not increase bills, while 37 % were concerned that higher electricity use would raise living costs.

Looking Ahead

The European Commission is expected to release new guidance on “climate‑resilient buildings” later in the year, which may establish minimum cooling requirements for new construction and major renovations. Climate projections suggest that heatwaves will become a regular occurrence across much of Europe, making the balance between public health and climate ambition an increasingly urgent policy question.