Heatwave review ruled out for public buildings

There are no plans to carry out estate-wide assessments of whether public buildings could cope with future heatwaves, the infrastructure minister has said.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf said government buildings could manage high temperatures through risk assessments, business continuity plans and operational measures including "working from home and relaxed clothing guidelines".

The deputy previously said many public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, had been built for a climate that "no longer exists".

Renouf said if buildings were unable to accommodate operational measures, alterations to "the fabric of buildings and the introduction of mechanical solutions" could be considered.

Temporary solutions included keeping roofs wet to "increase evaporation", changing roof colours from dark to light, solar reflective film for windows and introducing mechanical cooling solutions.

Renouf said he would ask for more money in the budget for bigger updates to deal with extreme heat if necessary.

At the beginning of July the deputy said his department did not have enough money to meet its targets.

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