The art of cooling
The generally the hottest region in Belgium remains campine, because of its sandy soil rich in minerals that keep heat more. In cities, it is therefore possible to limit the impact of heat, by demineralizing the soils (minerals are notably present in asphalt). This is one of the projects led, for example, by Brussels Mobility, which notably contributed to the land last year near 1200 trees near Place Flagey, in Ixelles. These flowerbeds, unlike asphalt, are a material that little absorbs heat. Crucial factor in urban areas, when night falls, and temperatures with it. “”The challenge is to lower the night temperature. It is the increase in the minimum night temperature that causes the most excess mortality. People at risk such as infants and old ties, no longer sleep properly and this greatly impacts their health “complete Jacques Teller.
Air conditioning is by far the worst solution in the event of a heat wave. “
Planting trees in town killing two strokes of one stone. “”Large wide crown trees allow a reduction in temperatures for several degrees thanks to shade “observes Yannick Vesters, expert and project manager in climate resilience at Ecores. “”The trees are very useful, thanks to the shadow, but also to evapotranspiration, the fact that the heat of the air is absorbed by the plants. This reduces the air temperature around “still analyzes the urban planner, for whom the role of building structures is also very large. And it is precisely on this point that Belgium must change, according to him, its regulations.
“The legislation on the energy performance of buildings must be revised. Because this is based on past climatic data. But it is necessary to take into account the climate change to come (Or an increase of 2 degrees of average temperatures in the world by 2030, editor’s note) “, notes the professor. And to complete:”It is necessary to put in place transverse ventilation arrangements, which allows, when the temperatures drop at night, to ventilate the parts correctly and not to accumulate heat as the days go. But urban regulations must also be adapted. The primordial point is to avoid letting heat enter the buildings. This is possible by setting up external sun visor mechanisms “, he still notes, referring to shutters or wall vegetation, that “Anyone who renovates his house should think about installing. ” While Yannick Vesters claims that “Air conditioning is by far the worst solution in the event of a heat wave “for ecological reasons.
Weather: Belgium has experienced its second, hottest June since 1833
For Camille Thiry, spokesperson for Brussels Mobility, Belgium is on the right track. But unfortunately it is impossible to review the current models by taking into account only climate change. “”There are so many criteria to take into account in the context of a public development. I am thinking in particular of the fight against floods and the management of rainwater “, she explains. Adding that when an urban project is born, it must also include criteria for social cohesion and approval. Individual acts also have their importance. “”Because installing a pergola on the terrace of a restaurant or a water fountain contributes to this effort of freshness “, encourage Yannick Vesters.
