First London Working Group Meeting, 23 April 2026

The first London Working Group (LWG), chaired by Professor Anna Mavrogianni, held on 23 April 2026. The LWG provides strategic oversight, and expert input into Hub activities. The meeting had 25 attendees from HEARTH team members and external partners, including

• Academic institution: Oxford Brookes University, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University College London, and University of Leeds

• Industry: AtkinsRéalis

• National & local government: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Greater London Authority

• Public sector (local authorities & public bodies): London Borough of Islington, London Borough of Merton, London Legacy Development Corporation, Westminster City Council

• Third sector: Peabody

The session introduced the LWG and clarified its Terms of Reference and membership. It also featured presentations on London Urban Heat Island (UHI), the Chobham Manor (CM) Climate Resilience project, and the Westminster City Council Cool Neighbourhood strategy. 

Key Discussion Points

• Modelling & Urban Heat Island: Research highlights that urban density is the primary driver of London’s Urban Heat Island (UHI), with built-up areas up to 0.45°C warmer at night regardless of deprivation levels.

• Building Vulnerability: The highest overheating risks are found in newer high-rise flats and properties on communal heat networks, indicating critical modern design flaws.

• Chobham Manor Pilot: Work has commenced on testing solar shading retrofits and resident engagement to mitigate heat risk in East London dwellings.  Overarching requirement for scalable, cost-effective interventions was highlighted.

• Cool Kits: Westminster City Council's £35 ‘Cool Kits’ are being used as successful short-term resilience and engagement tools in the City of Westminster in the Greater London, although they are not a permanent architectural solution.

• Policy & Regulation: Awaab’s Law is now a major driver for action, moving the focus toward proving the actual effectiveness of cooling interventions in social housing.

Potential Collaboration

• A Cool Kits Workshop: A dedicated session will be scheduled for June 2026 to discuss Cool kits.

• Newham Warmer Homes Pilot: A potential new partnership is being explored to test the effectiveness of shutters and awnings within the East London study area.