People Fixing the World Greener ways to keep cool
Jul 30, 2024
In this intriguing discussion, architect Francis Kéré, known for his work in Burkina Faso, shares how he uses local materials to create naturally cool spaces without air conditioning. Claire Bowes, a savvy BBC reporter, investigates groundbreaking alternatives to traditional AC systems, including innovative refrigerant-free technologies that may revolutionize the industry. Together, they tackle the environmental impact of rising cooling demands and highlight sustainable solutions that blend engineering with traditional wisdom for a cooler, greener future.
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Francis Kéré's Childhood Inspiration
- Francis Kéré grew up in Burkina Faso with hot, dark, and stuffy classrooms that felt like ovens.
- These conditions inspired him to build better, naturally cool schools using local materials.
Local Materials Cool Buildings Naturally
- Using local clay, stone, and wood creates naturally cool affordable buildings without air conditioners.
- Ventilation designs that pull hot air out keep indoor spaces comfortable even in extreme heat.
Metal Cooling Replaces Harmful Gases
- Irish company Exergen uses shape memory alloy metal to create cooling by bending and releasing it, mimicking refrigerant gases.
- Unlike gases, this metal cooling method cannot leak, offering a greener air conditioning alternative.