As many as 50% of Dutch people in rental properties cannot cool their homes during hot days. This is according to figures from CBS. The data show a staggering contrast between rental and owner-occupied homes: a quarter of homeowners experience similar problems. The situation is direr in flats and apartments, where 45% of the residents cannot keep the heat out. The difference in cooling capabilities is related to income level, with low incomes experiencing heat more often. Most households try to cool their homes by opening windows at night or using blinds during the day.
Why this is important:
Combating heat stress in Dutch homes is complex and requires a multifaceted approach. CBS research shows that many people have difficulty keeping their homes cool in summer, posing significant health risks. The differences between owner-occupied and rented homes, urban and rural areas, and income groups underscore the need for new policies.
Health risks of heat in the home
Heat stress in homes is not just a matter of comfort; it also poses risks to the health and well-being of residents. The elderly, the chronically ill, and small children are especially vulnerable to the effects of high temperatures. Headaches, dehydration, and heat exhaustion are common complaints. In severe cases, prolonged exposure to heat can even lead to heat stroke, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Regional differences in cooling options
Within the Netherlands, there are significant regional differences in the availability of fixed air conditioning. In Limburg, almost a third of households have access to a fixed air conditioning system, the highest percentage in the country. Contrastingly, only 7% of households in Groningen and Flevoland have fixed air conditioning. This shows that climate, local building styles, and residents’ affluence affect how much people can resist the heat.
Non-urban municipalities were also found to have more fixed air conditioning systems than highly urban municipalities, with 17% versus 7%, respectively. These figures suggest that in addition to income level and housing type, building density and local policies also influence the degree of cooling households can employ.
The gap between rich and poor
The data further indicate a clear gap regarding home cooling options between the rich and poor. Nearly half of households with low levels of wealth report needing help to cool their homes adequately. This starkly contrasts those with higher incomes, where only a quarter experience the same problems. The link between income level and the ability to cope with heat highlights the social dimension of this climate problem.
Strategies for cooling
Given the challenges in home cooling, many households are turning to more accessible methods. Opening windows at night and closing curtains and blinds during the day are common ways to cool the home. These natural cooling methods help to some extent but are often inadequate during extreme heat waves or in densely populated, urban areas where temperatures do not drop sufficiently at night.
The adoption of sustainable construction and renovation methods, such as better insulation and green roofs, can help improve the indoor climate. However, the availability of these solutions is often limited for rental housing, where tenants depend on the willingness of landlords to invest in these retrofits. Wider implementation of energy-efficient and sustainable cooling systems is therefore critical for the future.
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