Parallel Session E 15.20
Richard Flemmings
CEO, Map Impact
The escalating frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the UK presents significant risks to urban housing and resident health. Despite attention to energy efficiency and winter fuel poverty, the impact of extreme heat on aging housing stock remains underexplored. This case study highlights the partnership between Map Impact, a climate risk data provider, and Livv Housing Group to address the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect in Merseyside’s social housing.
Leveraging satellite data from 2021-2023, Map Impact assessed land surface temperatures and assigned heat risk scores (1-5) to Livv’s 13,000 homes. Findings revealed 5% of the housing portfolio at "very high risk" of overheating. Using these insights to enhance existing data, Livv were able to prioritize and optimize interventions, such as replacing heat-reflective concrete courtyards with vegetation. These measures are proven to mitigate UHI effects on housing stock and add value to developments through improved community well-being.
The project demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of data-driven climate adaptation, with estimated long-term savings exceeding £1 million against a modest initial investment. Furthermore, it exemplifies the importance of targeted resource allocation, informed by geospatial analysis and resident health needs, to future-proof housing stock.
This case underscores the urgent need for cross-sector collaboration to develop resilient housing strategies and advocates for integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to combat UHI effects. As climate extremes intensify, proactive approaches like this will be essential to ensuring equitable, healthy, and sustainable living environments.
About the presenter
Richard Flemmings is an expert geospatial technologist with over 20 years of experience specialising in the application of satellite earth observation data, and applying cutting-edge technology to solve problems, specifically with environmental and sustainability focus. He has successfully delivered geospatial technology solutions to a wide range of UK and international clients across the environmental engineering, government, and NGO sectors. Richard is also a Volunteer Director of Association for Geographic Information (AGI).