Stay Cool, Stay Safe: ISHRAE releases practical guidelines to help Indians Beat Rising Heatwaves…

How ISHRAE guides Citizens, Communities and Institutions to Stay Safe during Extreme Heat EventsKolkata, June 2026: As heatwaves become longer, more frequent and increasingly severe across India, the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) has released its latest ‘Position Document’ on Managing Heat Stress & Enhancing Thermal Comfort, offering science-backed guidance to help individuals, communities, institutions and policymakers stay cool, stay safe during extreme heat events.The comprehensive report presents a detailed framework of practical recommendations aimed at reducing heat-related risks while improving thermal comfort across homes, workplaces, public spaces and buildings. Developed by ISHRAE’s Technical Groups on Healthcare, Thermal Comfort, Passive Cooling, Evaporative Cooling and Safety, the report outlines simple, actionable and sustainable cooling measures that can be implemented immediately to protect public health and enhance climate resilience.Commenting on the importance of adopting heat-resilient practices, Mr. K. Raghavan, Society Chair, ISHRAE Technical Committee (ITC), said, “Heatwaves are no longer an occasional summer phenomenon; they are becoming a recurring challenge for our cities, buildings and communities. Through this positioning document, ISHRAE aims to provide practical guidance that help people stay cool and stay safe during periods of extreme heat. Simple measures such as an increase in air movement by use of ceiling fans with air conditioners, adopting cool roofs, creating shaded outdoor spaces and ensuring adequate hydration can significantly reduce heat stress while improving comfort and energy efficiency.”He further added, “As part of our continued efforts towards knowledge dissemination and industry engagement, the Kolkata Chapter will host REFCON 2026 on June 26, bringing together experts from the refrigeration, cold chain and cooling ecosystem to discuss the latest advancements and sustainability trends. This will be followed by the Shakti Programme on August 8, focused on encouraging and empowering women professionals within the built environment sector.”Among its key recommendations, the report encourages citizens to avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated, wear loose and light-coloured clothing and operate air conditioners at 25°C or higher in combination with ceiling fans. For institutions and building owners, the document advocates for cool roofs, tree plantation, shaded outdoor spaces, improved ventilation, reflective exterior surfaces and dedicated cooling rooms for vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.With a fast-growing community of over 25,000 professionals and students across India and a nationwide network of chapters, ISHRAE is striving for the report to support cities, businesses and communities in developing long-term strategies to tackle one of India’s most pressing climate challenges.About ISHRAEThe Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) is India’s leading professional society for the built environment. Established in 1981, ISHRAE works across research, standards development, education, sustainability, indoor environmental quality and public awareness to create healthier, energy-efficient and climate-resilient built environments. Today, ISHRAE represents a community of over 25,000 professionals and students and plays a pivotal role in advancing knowledge, innovation and best practices across India’s built environment ecosystem.