Recent record-breaking heat waves in Germany have forced experts to re-evaluate building standards and find sustainable ways to keep homes cool.

近期德國出現破紀錄的熱浪，迫使專家重新評估建築標準，並尋找可持續的住宅降溫方法。

The German Weather Service (DWD) reported an unusual heat event in mid-June, with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius in several states. This situation, along with warnings from the World Health Organization, shows that German housing is not well-prepared for extreme heat. Thomas Auer from the Technical University of Munich emphasized that while concrete is often used for its strength, it is not effective when nighttime temperatures stay above 20 degrees Celsius. Consequently, buildings cannot release the heat they absorbed during the day. Furthermore, the high carbon emissions from cement production contribute to the ongoing climate crisis.

德國氣象局 (DWD) 報告指出 6 月中旬出現異常高溫，數個邦的溫度超過 40 攝氏度。此情況加上世界衛生組織的警告，顯示德國的住宅並未做好面對極端高溫的準備。慕尼黑工業大學的 Thomas Auer 強調，雖然混凝土因其強度而經常被使用，但當夜間溫度維持在 20 攝氏度以上時，效果並不理想。因此，建築物無法釋放白天吸收的熱量。此外，水泥生產的高碳排放也加劇了持續的氣候危機。

To solve these problems, Auer suggests combining modern engineering with traditional building methods. He recommends using natural materials, such as clay-filled walls, which are better at regulating humidity and temperature. One practical solution for older buildings is the installation of 'activated clay panels' with water pipes. Additionally, he suggests using architectural features from Spain, such as courtyards and wide roof overhangs, to improve airflow and create cooler local environments.

為了解決這些問題，Auer 建議將現代工程與傳統建築方法相結合。他建議使用天然材料，例如填充黏土的牆壁，這在調節濕度和溫度方面表現更佳。對於舊建築的一個實際解決方案是安裝帶有水管的「活化黏土面板」。此外，他建議採用西班牙的建築特徵，例如中庭和寬闊的屋簷，以改善氣流並創造更涼爽的局部環境。

Regarding technology, the Fraunhofer Institute mentions that heat pumps can be used in reverse to cool buildings. However, many experts are skeptical about the widespread use of air conditioning. The German Federal Environment Agency warned that air conditioning increases CO2 emissions and uses harmful chemicals. Moreover, medical data from India and China suggest that air conditioning can cause breathing problems and reduce the body's natural ability to handle heat due to the extreme temperature difference between indoors and outdoors.

在技術方面，弗勞恩霍夫研究所提到熱泵可以用於反向操作以冷卻建築。然而，許多專家對廣泛使用空調持懷疑態度。德國聯邦環境局警告，空調會增加二氧化碳排放並使用有害化學物質。此外，來自印度和中國的醫療數據顯示，由於室內外溫差極端，空調可能會導致呼吸問題，並降低身體處理高溫的自然能力。

Germany is now moving toward a mixed construction model that focuses on natural materials and passive shading instead of relying on energy-heavy cooling systems.

德國目前正朝向一種混合建築模式發展，重點在於天然材料與被動遮陽，而非依賴高能耗的冷卻系統。