As temperatures rise and cities face increasingly frequent and intense heat, sustainable cooling is essential to public health, productivity and urban resilience. Growing reliance on mechanical cooling increases electricity demand, strains power grids and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly where systems are inefficient or use high-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants. At the same time, passive cooling measures alone may be insufficient to protect occupants during extreme heat events.
A passive-first approach addresses these challenges by prioritising building design, materials, orientation, shading and natural ventilation to minimise heat gains and reduce cooling demand. At the urban scale, these measures can be reinforced through urban greening, reflective surfaces and climate-responsive planning to reduce heat exposure and mitigate the urban heat island effect. Where additional cooling is needed, efficient, climate-friendly mechanical systems can complement passive measures. Integrating these approaches can reduce energy consumption, ease pressure on electricity grids and strengthen the resilience of buildings and cities.
This session will examine how passive-first cooling can be implemented and scaled from individual buildings to neighbourhoods and cities. Drawing on practical case studies and local experiences, it will showcase proven solutions and explore opportunities for their replication and integration into building design, urban planning and public spaces. Discussions will address the technical, financial, regulatory and institutional barriers to wider adoption, including opportunities to embed passive-first principles in building codes, planning frameworks and technical standards. The session will identify practical pathways for scaling successful interventions, connecting local innovation with broader policy, investment and implementation efforts to deliver healthier, more energy-efficient and climate-resilient buildings and cities.