According to research by PXL-Research commissioned by Wilms, 82% of Belgian residents experienced indoor heat stress during recent heatwaves, with 40% reporting temperatures rising to levels considered far too high. The data highlights a distinct divide in thermal comfort across regions, age brackets, and housing types, revealing how structural inequalities in the housing market compound climate vulnerability.
Regional and Demographic Disparities in Heat Stress
Thermal comfort varies significantly depending on where and how people live. In Francophone Belgium, 49% of survey respondents reported that their homes became far too warm during peak temperatures, compared to 32% in Flanders, according to the PXL-Research findings. Age also dictates vulnerability. Inge Ectors of PXL-Research notes that nearly six in ten young adults under the age of 35 found their homes excessively warm, whereas fewer than three in ten respondents aged 55 and older reported the same issue.
These demographic splits influence how residents respond to rising temperatures. Younger residents, by contrast, frequently deploy temporary fixes such as window films.
The Rental Divide: Structural Versus Temporary Cooling
Housing tenure creates the widest gap in heat resilience. Wim Lenaers, marketing manager at Wilms, points out that 92% of renters experienced excessive indoor heat during recent heatwaves, contrasted with 79% of homeowners.
Because structural interventions like exterior sun protection, permanent shutters, and air conditioning require property modifications, homeowners implement them with relative ease. Renters, however, rely on landlord approval for permanent upgrades and must resort to budget-friendly alternatives. According to the survey data, 8% of renters attempt to block solar heat by taping aluminium foil to their windows, alongside widespread reliance on standard fans and temporary fabric screens.
Nighttime Heat Retention and the Cooling Ladder
Overheating does not subside when the sun goes down. Seven out of ten Belgians state that their homes remained uncomfortably warm during the night throughout the heatwave period. Researchers emphasize that night ventilation serves as a crucial tool to purge accumulated heat from buildings.
PXL-Research frames these interventions around a “cooling ladder.” This hierarchy begins with a cool surrounding microclimate shaped by trees and appropriate building materials. It progresses to blocking heat via architectural design and shading, followed by passive cooling through natural ventilation, and ends with active mechanical cooling like air conditioning.
Did you know? While traditional electric fans rank as the second most common cooling method in Belgium, exterior shading and roller shutters remain the most widely used defense against indoor heat across all demographics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of Belgians found their homes too warm during the heatwaves?
According to PXL-Research, 82% of Belgian residents experienced heat stress indoors, with 40% describing their homes as far too warm.
Why do renters experience more heat stress than homeowners?
Ninety-two percent of renters reported excessive indoor heat, largely because they lack the autonomy to install structural upgrades like exterior sun protection or permanent roller shutters without landlord approval.
How do cooling strategies differ between younger and older residents?
Nearly 60% of adults under 35 reported extreme indoor heat, frequently relying on temporary fixes like window cloths. Conversely, less than 30% of respondents aged 55 and older reported similar severity, often utilizing established shutters and proper shading.
Stay Informed on Sustainable Housing Trends
Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on residential climate adaptation, energy efficiency, and building regulations in Belgium.