Spotlight on: How Bristol Businesses Can Prepare for Heatwaves 

As climate change continues to reshape our environment, heatwaves are no longer rare events reserved for hotter climates — they’re becoming a regular challenge, even here in Bristol. In this spotlight on article Dr Deborah Adkins, Senior Lecturer in Building Physics and Sustainability at UWE Bristol, shares how businesses can support their staff and operations when preparing for heatwaves.

With our city’s traditionally mild weather, many local businesses simply haven’t needed to prepare for extreme heat in the past. But that’s changing fast.

From stuffy office buildings to overheating shop floors, the impacts of high temperatures can disrupt daily operations, affect the health and well-being of employees and customers, and even threaten infrastructure. So, how can businesses across Bristol adapt and build resilience before the next heatwave hits?  

Here are some practical, actionable steps every business can take, whether you run a small café, a warehouse, or a corporate office. 

Why heatwaves are a growing concern for Bristol

Bristol City Council has already acknowledged the growing threat of heat with proactive initiatives like The Keep Bristol Cool mapping tool and the Heat Vulnerability Index (access both here). These tools help identify parts of the city and populations most at risk from extreme temperatures —often areas with limited green space, poor building insulation, or higher levels of social inequality. 

But while the city is making strides at the policy level, individual businesses have a key role to play in safeguarding their own operations, staff, and communities. Here’s how to get started. 

1. Know your heat risk

The first step in heatwave preparedness is understanding your own exposure. Not all buildings are created equal — some trap heat like ovens, while others fare better due to natural ventilation or location near green space. 

Ask yourself: 

• Is your building located in a known heat-prone area of the city? 

• What materials is your building made of? Brick and glass buildings tend to absorb and retain more heat. 

• Are your windows shaded or directly exposed to the afternoon sun? 

• Do you have functional ventilation or cooling systems in place? 

• Is your space surrounded by tarmac, or is there greenery nearby to help cool the air? 

Consider conducting a basic heat audit of your premises. It doesn’t need to be overly technical—just walking through your space on a hot day and noting where heat builds up can be a useful starting point. 

2. Keep your team cool, safe, and productive 

Your team is your most valuable asset. And heat doesn’t just make people uncomfortable — it can also lead to dehydration, fatigue, poor concentration, and in extreme cases, heat exhaustion or heatstroke. 

Here are a few ways to protect your staff during heatwaves: 

• Shift work hours to cooler parts of the day where possible — early mornings and evenings. 

• Provide plenty of cool drinking water and encourage regular hydration breaks. 

• Relax dress codes — employees will be far more comfortable (and productive) in lighter clothing. 

• Enable remote work if your business model allows, particularly for vulnerable employees or those commuting long distances. 

• Create designated “cool zones” in your workplace where staff can take a break from the heat. 

It can also be helpful to have a heatwave response plan in place. This should outline who’s responsible for what, how communication will happen, and what practical steps need to be taken during extreme heat events. 

3. Retrofit and upgrade your infrastructure 

Many buildings in Bristol were constructed long before extreme heat was a consideration. But retrofitting your space doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking — it’s often about making smart, incremental improvements. 

Think about: 

• Adding shading devices like awnings, blinds, or pergolas over sun-exposed windows. 

• Installing reflective roofing or green roofs to reduce heat absorption. 

• Improving insulation to help keep the interior cool during heatwaves and warm during winter. 

• Upgrading Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems to ensure they can cope with longer periods of heat without breaking down or racking up energy costs. 

These upgrades not only help during summer but also often reduce your overall energy bills and carbon footprint — a win-win. 

4. Let nature do some of the work 

Urban greenery is one of the most powerful tools we have to cool our cities. Even small changes around your business premises can make a big difference in both temperature and ambience. 

Some simple ideas: 

• Plant trees or shrubs in outdoor spaces or along building borders. 

• Install green walls or rooftop gardens — these help with insulation and reduce the urban heat island effect. 

• Work with neighbours or landlords to create shared green spaces or courtyard gardens. 

These natural solutions can improve air quality, increase biodiversity, and offer more comfortable spaces for both employees and customers to enjoy. 

5. Prepare for disruption 

Heatwaves don’t just make us hot — they can disrupt power supplies, delay deliveries, reduce foot traffic, and more. That’s why business continuity planning is essential. 

Here’s how to stay ahead of potential disruptions: 

• Review and update your continuity plan to account for high-temperature scenarios. 

• Ensure critical data is backed up and staff have secure remote access if the office becomes unworkable. 

• Coordinate with suppliers to prepare for potential delivery delays or service interruptions.

• Check your insurance — does it cover heat-related damages or losses?

Being proactive now can save you from headaches later and help maintain customer trust, even in a crisis. 

6. Connect with local climate initiatives 

Bristol is full of passionate individuals, organisations, and networks all working towards a greener, more resilient future. Tapping into these resources can give your business new ideas, partners, and even funding opportunities. 

Here are a few ways to get involved: 

• Join local climate networks or business forums focused on sustainability. 

• Participate in city-led programmes like the One City Climate Strategy or City Leap. 

• Share your own successes and lessons learned — you might inspire others, or even attract new customers who value sustainable practices. 

Collective action is powerful. When businesses work together, it creates ripple effects across entire communities. 

Final thoughts: it’s time to get heat-smart

Heatwaves are no longer one-off events — they’re part of our new climate reality. The good news is that Bristol businesses don’t have to face this challenge alone. With the right steps, you can protect your people, reduce risk, and contribute to a more climate-ready city. 

Start with what you can — assess your risks, improve your workspace, look out for your team, and join forces with the wider community. These actions don’t just build resilience — they build a better, fairer, and more sustainable Bristol for everyone. 

Find out more about the Climate Action Programme