<p>New homes are unsuitable for climate change, with more than <span>570,000 residential properties built since 2016 not able to withstand future high temperatures, according to an assessment led by the Climate Change Committee (CCC).</span><span></span></p> <p><span>In strong advice to government, the CCC stated that policies had failed to adequately address overheating in buildings, particularly homes “</span>despite it being one of the top risks in all UK climate risk assessments published to date”.</p> <p>In an example of “policy failure”, the assessment highlighted the government’s pursuit of improved energy efficiency which had made homes more airtight “which can increase overheating risk”. </p> <p><span>The climate expert urged for action to avoid many new and existing homes becoming “largely uninhabitable” with rising temperatures. It called for Building Regulations to be updated to embrace passive cooling measures including better shading, reflective surfaces and green cover for homes. The government should also review the National Planning Policy Framework, the CCC said.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>The assessment also cited the need for regional and local risk assessments by health and social care organisations to help plan for climate risks, and more widespread monitoring of indoor temperatures throughout the country.</span><span></span></p> <p><span>Overheating in homes and other buildings brought risks to health, wellbeing and …