Strictness on AC amid severe heatwave in Britain, government gave instructions to remove it from homes

London. Europe is in the grip of extreme heat and heatwaves these days. Temperature is continuously making new records in many countries. Meanwhile, despite the increasing heat in Britain, the administration in some areas has issued instructions to remove air conditioners (ACs) installed in homes. Local council officials say ACs should only be used as a last resort.

According to the Telegraph report, the administration argues that excessive use of air conditioners increases carbon emissions, which adversely impacts the environment. Therefore, people are being advised to first keep the house cool through natural methods.

In many parts of Britain the temperature has crossed 40 degrees Celsius. Due to the severe heatwave, many schools have been closed, train services have been affected and the Meteorological Department has issued a red alert stating that there is a threat to people’s lives.

Health services have also been affected by the heat and limited cooling facilities. According to the report, thousands of surgeries have had to be postponed due to lack of adequate cooling system in many hospitals. It is estimated that more than 4,000 operations across the country are currently postponed.

Control on AC under net-zero policy

In Britain, especially London, emphasis is being laid on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in buildings under the Net-Zero policy. According to this policy, active cooling technologies such as air conditioners should be used only when all natural or passive cooling options have failed to provide relief.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is promoting the campaign for environmental protection and reduction of carbon emissions. In this sequence, there have been reports of air conditioners being removed from some flats in Camden Council area.

The administration has advised people to keep windows open for better air flow in homes, increase the use of ceiling fans and use ACs only in case of extreme need.