This year, the U.S. has been grappling with unprecedented heat, pushing experts to reconsider how we cool our homes. With traditional air conditioning leading to soaring energy demands and costs, many are turning to alternative cooling methods that range from innovative technologies to tried-and-true practices.
We spoke with Alexi Miller, the director of building innovation at the New Buildings Institute, who underscored the immediate need for transformation: “The sheer number of buildings expected to rise in the next few decades is overwhelming. Sticking to conventional building methods will lead to astonishing energy consumption. Fortunately, there are numerous, often straightforward solutions available.”
To understand how architects, designers, and developers are adapting to climate change, we reached out to key experts in the industry.
One promising direction is the development of affordable passive housing, which emphasizes airtight structures and superior insulation. Miller commented, “Passive house standards represent the highest level of energy efficiency and indoor comfort. By mastering the basics, we could make significant strides towards decarbonization.” This movement, which began in Germany in the 1980s, has gained traction in the U.S., boasting over 16,000 units either completed or under construction as of last year. Notably, a 709-unit complex that opened in New York City this past April is now the largest residential passive building in the nation.
According to Miller, passive homes typically use 80% to 90% less energy than their traditional counterparts. “The growth in this sector has been driven by policy changes and financial incentives, such as stricter energy codes and attractive financing options,” he elaborated. He also pointed out the benefits for families struggling with high energy bills.
Another forward-looking strategy involves “living” exteriors. Techniques like green roofs, which have roots in ancient civilizations, can lower indoor temperatures by several degrees. Bruce Dvorak, a landscape architect at Texas A&M, stated, “Incorporating plants, whether on roofs or walls, helps create cooler urban environments.” Unlike conventional black shingles, green roofs reduce heat absorption and also mitigate stormwater runoff, which can lead to flooding.
Dvorak emphasized the vast opportunities for green exteriors: “Think of schools, shopping centers, and large buildings with expansive rooftops. The federal government can significantly support these green initiatives.” Even major retailers like Walmart have embraced this trend, installing green roofs in cities such as Portland and Chicago.
Some builders are also looking into passive cooling techniques, such as solar chimneys. These dark-painted shafts draw in cooler air while expelling hot air. Corey Saft, an architecture professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, noted their longstanding use in the Middle East, with modern installations — including one at Harvard — aiming to greatly reduce overall energy consumption.
Additionally, technologies like chilled beams, which circulate cool water through ceiling ducts, are gaining popularity. Saft explained that earlier methods relied on intentional leaks for ventilation, while chilled beams are now quieter, more cost-effective, and can cut energy use by about 30%.
Miller urged local and state governments to incentivize the adoption of features like chilled beams, highlighting their long-term financial benefits. “It’s essential to encourage project planners to adopt a broader perspective,” he insisted.
Exciting advancements are also emerging in fabric technology. Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new material designed to reflect sunlight and thermal radiation from buildings. Professor Po-Chun Hsu revealed that prototypes of this fabric have demonstrated impressive cooling effects compared to traditional materials like silk and cotton.
Hsu explained, “When exposed to sunlight, this material does not heat up but continues to cool itself through radiation. This could revolutionize building exteriors.” They are also focused on ensuring this material is visually appealing, adding a distinctive aesthetic to urban environments.
These innovations illustrate that builders already have the tools to create cooler homes suited to a warming world. The real challenge lies in adopting new technologies and making sweeping changes to our building practices and policies.
