It is currently summer in India.
Are there any behavioural or infra modifications that would help handle the increased heat?
I have read about how white roofs would reduce heat absorption and energy needed for cooling
Are there other things like that? Especially ones that regular people can try? The other type(policy decision type) are ok too tho. Would be good to know them.
Also, are there any communities that would have discussions on such topics? Like a TIL or DIY community where people talked about general issues and solutions.
Is it this community?
I assume you are looking for passive methods that aren’t air conditioning.
As others have said, thick walls that have a thermal mass. It helps if you open the building at night to help cool the walls.
The structure should be as light as possible, both the walls and roof, to reflect back light.
Windows should have large awnings so direct light doesn’t enter during summer. Everything should be in the shade.
If you can, you can create a solar chimney by having a large and dark chimney on the south side of your building. Set your building up so that there is a natural air intake which comes from below ground, so you naturally pull in cool air.
Thank you
Chimney. If you have a chimney, open it.
Any air passing above will create a suction effect below and suck all the hot air out of the room.
Thick (~1m) mudbrick walls. I lived in a house like that for 2 years, it felt cold inside in summer.
My English isn’t Englishing atm, bear with me. Heat island effect is caused (amongst other things) due to sealed ground. So replacing asfalt roads, and even brick sealings with green space or even better water, should help regulate temperature. On top of this, instead of white roofs, green roofs are also a good option
Thank you.
We generally have sloped roofs for our homes because of our rainy season. Would green roofs work well there?
Yes, I think it would! Not an expert though, but logically I think that should work! Depends on the angle, though, of course
If it’s not overly humid, evaporative air conditioners are a cheap to run way to keep cool. The personal units (Convair Classic etc) are typically about 50 to 80 watts, so a single solar panel, battery and inverter should guarantee safe, grid free cooling for one or two people.
Thank you.
I’m in Kerala. We do have decent humidity in most areas here.
If you’re open to it, please consider an AMA or a write-up on Kerala on Hexbear.
I’m sure people would love to hear about the political situation and life there!
Thank you.
I do support the left front, but I am not an official member, so would a casual regular person AMA on the politics be ok?
Who should I contact regarding the AMA? Hexabear mods
Hey! That’s cool you support it, and I think people would still very much appreciate it. We had someone in Palestine do AMA’s and they were a regular person too. Honestly, I’ve never yet been to India but would end up visiting Kerala when I do get the chance so it’d be cool to hear about it!
I’m not sure who to contact in particular, unfortunately. Anyone who is a mod at c/askchapo probably!
