Mitigation and adaptation in multifamily housing: overheating and climate justice

Can thermal retrofit measures also enhance summer heat resilience and climate justice? Two building types of multifamily dwellings in Central Europe are investigated: the 'Gr & uuml;nderzeithaus' and post-war large -panel construction along with their different inhabitant demographics. simulations and demographic surveys were undertaken for dwellings in both building evaluate the effectiveness of retrofit measures in reducing winter heat demand and to understand the impacts on summer overheating. Results indicate that standard retrofitting measures can the overheating risks. The high summer temperatures on the top floor can be significantly to values comparable with the ground floor. The remaining overheating in highly exposed is reduced by additional selective adaptation measures. Adaptation requires more than interventions. Demographic surveys conducted for both building types show that different groups are affected. The economics of retrofit requires policy clarity to avoid placing burdens on economically disadvantaged people. Inhabitants' active involvement in ventilation are vital for avoiding overheating. Appropriate affordances and a clear guidance manual window opening/closing can reduce overheating. However, inhabitants who are act (e.g. the elderly, immobile or those with chronic diseases) will be increasingly vulnerable disadvantaged by increased exposure to overheating. Practice relevance The existing approaches for reducing heating demand and their impacts on overheating are for two common building types in Central Europe: the Gr & uuml;nderzeithaus and post-war large multifamily housing. The evidence of physical effects and social interdependencies provides both for decision -makers to select suitable measures, and for inhabitants to apply appropriate behavioural practices. Thermal retrofitting strategies for reducing winter heating demand to enhanced resilience to hot summer weather, but also entail inhabitants' active involvement. Additional technical measures are needed to ensure reduced levels of overheating. Inhabitants' practices have a significant influence on resilience and the reduction of overheating. Therefore, technical interventions must be accompanied by clear strategies to empower inhabitants internal temperatures using natural ventilation. Elderly or ill inhabitants may not be able to these practices and, therefore, remain vulnerable. Increased rents caused by retrofits may socially disadvantaged inhabitants.