During what was officially the hottest day in Britain since records began in 1066, council officials have reportedly ordered homeowners to remove air conditioning units to combat global warming. As temperatures rose to 40C (104F) and the Met Office issued a red 'risk to life' warning, planning officers expressed concerns that air conditioning units contribute to carbon dioxide emissions and increase local micro-climates.
Air conditioning engineers in London have stated they have been called to remove units costing thousands of pounds due to climate change regulations. Inspectors from Camden Council have reportedly instructed residents to open windows and balcony doors for ventilation, citing 'natural means' as sufficient and dismissing concerns about increased burglary risk. The council reportedly actively discourages air conditioning due to its energy usage and impact on the local climate. One resident was allegedly told to remove three units because of a lack of ceiling fans.
The neighboring borough of Islington reportedly also enforces 'passive cooling' measures, such as shading windows, though there is no outright ban on air conditioning.
These measures align with the climate plan of the Mayor of London, which advises avoiding air-conditioning systems where possible. The building regulations that facilitate these actions were passed by the Conservative government in 2021 under then housing secretary Robert Jenrick.
At the same time, advice from health authorities has suggested drawing curtains and using window coverings to deflect heat. This is in contrast to the orders to remove air conditioning, which is seen as using too much electricity. Simultaneously, laws are being enacted to mandate the replacement of gas boilers with heat pumps, which also consume electricity. Meanwhile, some schools and public buildings have reportedly closed during the heatwave due to a lack of air conditioning.
New-build homes are also subject to building regulations that require thicker insulation and smaller windows. The article contrasts this with the current heatwave, suggesting that if such high temperatures become the norm, more air conditioning units should be installed rather than removed.
According to the report, Britain produces approximately 1% of global emissions, and only about 3% of British homes have air conditioning. The author criticizes the 'Net Zero' agenda, suggesting it leads to policies that negatively impact homeowners and drivers, citing instances where motorists are reportedly being warned against using air conditioning in stationary vehicles or in traffic jams, facing potential fines.
Officials in Islington are reportedly issuing penalties to motorists who do not switch off their engines in traffic. The article attributes traffic congestion and pollution in urban areas to council policies such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), 20mph speed limits, and the creation of empty bike lanes.