For many organisations in the UK, cooling has sat in the background of energy planning, overshadowed by heating due to the UK’s typically mild summers and greater concern around winter energy demand.
However, rising temperatures are beginning to place sustained pressure on cooling-related energy use during warmer months, introducing new challenges around cost, capacity and efficiency. Recent concerns over the UK’s preparedness for extreme heat, including reports that the electricity grid came close to being overwhelmed during periods of high temperatures, have also highlighted the growing importance of planning for cooling demand alongside traditional energy priorities.
As a result, organisations must find ways to meet this rising demand while managing energy use carefully and protecting progress towards net zero.
Cooling demand moves centre stage
Warmer summers and changing weather patterns are driving a sustained increase in the use of air conditioning, refrigeration and climate control systems across sectors. From offices and retail to healthcare and data centres, cooling is becoming essential to maintain productivity, protect assets and ensure safety.
During heatwaves, a poorly maintained air conditioning unit, such as one with a blocked filter, can fail at exactly the moment it is needed most. For retailers, this can mean significant financial losses, as temperature-sensitive products spoil. For hospitals, the stakes are even higher, affecting patient care and recovery. Cooling is fast becoming a core operational requirement.
A growing strain on the grid
Rising cooling demand has direct consequences for energy consumption and grid resilience. Cooling systems tend to drive peak electricity demand during hot spells, placing additional pressure on already stretched infrastructure. At the same time, extreme heat can impair the performance of the grid itself, affecting substations, transformers and overhead lines.
This creates a complex feedback loop. As temperatures climb, demand for electricity increases just as the system’s ability to deliver it is compromised. Vegetation growth, accelerated by changing weather conditions, can further heighten the risk of outages by interfering with power lines. These challenges raise an important question: should cooling now be treated as critical infrastructure in the same way as heating and power generation?
For sectors such as data centres, which underpin the digital economy and the rapid growth of AI, the answer is increasingly, yes. These facilities rely on constant, high-performance cooling to function effectively. As demand for computing power grows, so too does the need for reliable and energy-efficient cooling solutions.
Balancing cooling needs with net zero goals
The central dilemma for organisations involves meeting higher cooling requirements. This typically means increased energy use, which can run counter to decarbonisation targets. However, this is not an unsolvable problem. The challenge is to rethink how cooling is delivered, managed and integrated into broader sustainability strategies.
Guidance from industry bodies highlights several practical steps. These include improving the efficiency of cooling systems, switching to low-carbon refrigerants and reducing emissions across the value chain. Crucially, organisations must also address indirect emissions, often referred to as Scope 3, which can represent a significant share of the overall carbon footprint.
Preparing for a hotter future requires a proactive and strategic approach. Key actions include regularly optimising and maintaining existing systems. Clean filters, properly calibrated controls and well-maintained equipment can prevent failures and reduce energy consumption during peak periods. Modern cooling systems are significantly more efficient than older models. Upgrading equipment, adopting smart controls and integrating building management systems can deliver immediate energy savings while enhancing reliability.
Reducing the need for mechanical cooling in the first place is also helpful in this context. Measures such as better insulation, shading, natural ventilation and reflective materials can help manage indoor temperatures with minimal energy use. Understanding when and how cooling demand will spike is also essential. Load forecasting and demand-response strategies can help organisations manage peak periods without overloading systems or incurring excessive costs.
Sector-specific considerations
Different industries face distinct challenges. Data centres must prioritise high-density, always-on cooling, often exploring innovative approaches such as liquid cooling. Healthcare facilities need resilient systems that support patient safety, particularly in the context of ageing infrastructure and significant maintenance backlogs. Meanwhile, retailers must ensure consistent cooling to protect stock and maintain customer comfort.
In each case, the underlying principle is that cooling must be reliable, efficient and aligned with long-term sustainability goals.
Turning challenge into opportunity
The rise in cooling demand is often framed as a problem, but it also presents an opportunity. Organisations that act early can gain a competitive advantage by reducing costs, improving resilience and demonstrating leadership on climate action. Through treating cooling as a strategic priority, investing in efficiency and embracing new approaches, organisations can stay ahead of the curve.
The net zero transition does not require organisations to compromise on performance or resilience. With the right planning and investment, it is possible to keep cool in a warming world while staying firmly on track towards decarbonisation.
Author Graeme Hamilton, Managing Director – Energy, OCS
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