The Swiss energy demand has shifted dramatically due to rising temperatures, with cooling systems becoming increasingly essential during scorching summers. According to recent reports, the number of households equipped with fixed air conditioning units remains low, with only one in ten homes currently having such installations. This trend is influenced by regulations in certain cantons and high installation costs, which have contributed to the popularity of portable cooling devices. These mobile units, however, are less efficient and consume significantly more electricity than stationary alternatives. A 1000-watt unit can draw as much power as ten refrigerators, highlighting their substantial impact on overall energy consumption. The Federal Office of Energy estimates that the electricity demand for cooling, encompassing air conditioners, ventilation systems, and technical installations, is comparable to that required for heating in Switzerland. However, this comparison applies solely to electricity used exclusively for cooling, while heating relies on a broader mix of energy sources, including oil and gas. When all energy carriers are considered, space heating remains the dominant end-use of energy in households. Despite this, there is a clear upward trend: residential heating energy consumption has declined sharply, whereas cooling demands have risen steadily. Research conducted by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) suggests that under extreme warming scenarios, population growth, and widespread adoption of air conditioning, Swiss households could require similar amounts of thermal energy for cooling and heating by 2050. Globally, electricity usage for room cooling has more than doubled since 2000, reaching approximately 2900 terawatt-hours annually, equivalent to around 10 percent of global electricity consumption. Projections indicate that cooling-related electricity demand will increase by another 1600 terawatt-hours by 2035, matching the current annual electricity consumption of Japan and South Korea combined. Heat is often underestimated as a health risk, warns climate physicist Reto Knutti from ETH Zurich. To reduce heat-related deaths, “air conditioners must be strategically deployed.” For instance, installing them in schools and nursing homes could mitigate risks for vulnerable populations. Urs-Peter Menti, professor and co-director of the Institute for Building Technology and Energy at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences, emphasizes that building design must adapt to the new climatic reality. “For decades, Swiss buildings were primarily optimized for reducing heating demand. Today, adaptation to climate change must become just as crucial a planning objective.” Efforts to improve summer comfort include external shading solutions like awnings and sunscreens, which prevent solar heat from entering buildings. Materials with high thermal mass, such as clay, slow down indoor overheating. Shaded outdoor areas, smaller window surfaces, and effective ventilation can significantly enhance comfort during hot periods. The International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that measures such as proper insulation and external shading can reduce a building’s cooling demand by up to 80 percent. While these developments highlight the growing importance of cooling in Swiss energy policy, they also underscore the need for sustainable and efficient solutions. As temperatures continue to rise, the challenge lies in balancing increased cooling demands with environmental considerations, ensuring that energy systems remain resilient and adaptable to future conditions.
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