Challenges of using air conditioning in an increasingly hot climate
Lundgren-Kownacki, Karin LU ; Hornyanszky, Elisabeth Dalholm LU ; Chu, Tuan Anh LU ; Olsson, Johanna Alkan LU and Becker, Per LU
(2018)
In International Journal of Biometeorology
62.
p.401-401
- Abstract
At present, air conditioning (AC) is the most effective means for the cooling of indoor space. However, its increased global use is problematic for various reasons. This paper explores the challenges linked to increased AC use and discusses more sustainable alternatives. A literature review was conducted applying a transdisciplinary approach. It was further complemented by examples from cities in hot climates. To analyse the findings, an analytical framework was developed which considers four societal levels—individual, community, city, and national. The main challenges identified from the literature review are as follows: environmental, organisational, socio-economical, biophysical and behavioural. The paper also identifies several... (More)
At present, air conditioning (AC) is the most effective means for the cooling of indoor space. However, its increased global use is problematic for various reasons. This paper explores the challenges linked to increased AC use and discusses more sustainable alternatives. A literature review was conducted applying a transdisciplinary approach. It was further complemented by examples from cities in hot climates. To analyse the findings, an analytical framework was developed which considers four societal levels—individual, community, city, and national. The main challenges identified from the literature review are as follows: environmental, organisational, socio-economical, biophysical and behavioural. The paper also identifies several measures that could be taken to reduce the fast growth of AC use. However, due to the complex nature of the problem, there is no single solution to provide sustainable cooling. Alternative solutions were categorised in three broad categories: climate-sensitive urban planning and building design, alternative cooling technologies, and climate-sensitive attitudes and behaviour. The main findings concern the problems arising from leaving the responsibility to come up with cooling solutions entirely to the individual, and how different societal levels can work towards more sustainable cooling options. It is concluded that there is a need for a more holistic view both when it comes to combining various solutions as well as involving various levels in society.
(Less)
- author
- Lundgren-Kownacki, Karin
LU
; Hornyanszky, Elisabeth Dalholm
LU
; Chu, Tuan Anh
LU
; Olsson, Johanna Alkan
LU
and Becker, Per
LU
- organization
- publishing date
- 2018
- type
- Contribution to journal
- publication status
- published
- subject
- keywords
- Air conditioning, Climate change, Sustainability, Transdisciplinary, Urban areas
- in
- International Journal of Biometeorology
- volume
- 62
- pages
- 412 pages
- publisher
- Springer
- external identifiers
-
- scopus:85039725747
- pmid:29289994
- ISSN
- 0020-7128
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00484-017-1493-z
- language
- English
- LU publication?
- yes
- id
- bce38de9-3f8e-4675-9d81-d5551a3f669f
- date added to LUP
- 2018-01-09 12:41:51
- date last changed
- 2024-04-15 00:30:20
@article{bce38de9-3f8e-4675-9d81-d5551a3f669f,
abstract = {{<p>At present, air conditioning (AC) is the most effective means for the cooling of indoor space. However, its increased global use is problematic for various reasons. This paper explores the challenges linked to increased AC use and discusses more sustainable alternatives. A literature review was conducted applying a transdisciplinary approach. It was further complemented by examples from cities in hot climates. To analyse the findings, an analytical framework was developed which considers four societal levels—individual, community, city, and national. The main challenges identified from the literature review are as follows: environmental, organisational, socio-economical, biophysical and behavioural. The paper also identifies several measures that could be taken to reduce the fast growth of AC use. However, due to the complex nature of the problem, there is no single solution to provide sustainable cooling. Alternative solutions were categorised in three broad categories: climate-sensitive urban planning and building design, alternative cooling technologies, and climate-sensitive attitudes and behaviour. The main findings concern the problems arising from leaving the responsibility to come up with cooling solutions entirely to the individual, and how different societal levels can work towards more sustainable cooling options. It is concluded that there is a need for a more holistic view both when it comes to combining various solutions as well as involving various levels in society.</p>}},
author = {{Lundgren-Kownacki, Karin and Hornyanszky, Elisabeth Dalholm and Chu, Tuan Anh and Olsson, Johanna Alkan and Becker, Per}},
issn = {{0020-7128}},
keywords = {{Air conditioning; Climate change; Sustainability; Transdisciplinary; Urban areas}},
language = {{eng}},
pages = {{401--401}},
publisher = {{Springer}},
series = {{International Journal of Biometeorology}},
title = {{Challenges of using air conditioning in an increasingly hot climate}},
url = {{http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00484-017-1493-z}},
doi = {{10.1007/s00484-017-1493-z}},
volume = {{62}},
year = {{2018}},
}