New Delhi, June 18: 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, “Beyond technical guidance, ISHRAE continues to strengthen industry engagement through initiatives such as the Shakti Programme on June 27, which promotes greater participation of women professionals in the built environment sector and preparations for ACREX India 2027, India’s premier exhibition and conference for the built environment and HVAC&R industry.”
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.