With extreme heat events becoming more frequent across the UK, businesses are increasingly taking action to protect their operations, employees and facilities.
New research from Barclays’ Business Prosperity Index shows that 60% of UK businesses have either already invested in heat adaptation measures or are considering doing so, highlighting a growing recognition that climate resilience is now a business priority.
Investment in Cooling and Energy Efficiency
The survey found that more than a third of organisations have already made investments to help manage the impacts of rising temperatures. The most common area of investment is cooling infrastructure, with businesses upgrading air conditioning and ventilation systems to maintain comfortable and productive working environments. Alongside these improvements, many organisations are also implementing energy efficiency measures, recognising the need to balance increasing cooling demands with energy costs and carbon reduction objectives.
Another initiative to improve energy efficiency is to manage the additional energy demand associated with cooling buildings during periods of extreme heat. Measures such as optimising HVAC systems, upgrading building controls and identifying areas of energy waste can reduce operating costs while maintaining comfortable working environments.
A TM44 air conditioning inspection can help businesses assess the efficiency and performance of their cooling systems, while energy audits provide a broader review of energy use across buildings and operations. Together, these assessments can identify opportunities to improve efficiency, lower energy consumption and support both climate resilience and carbon reduction goals.
The growing demand for cooling solutions is already being reflected in the market. Barclays reported a year-on-year increase in activity among air conditioning suppliers, suggesting that organisations are responding to the operational challenges posed by hotter summers by strengthening building resilience and workplace comfort.
Supporting Employees During Extreme Heat
However, adaptation is not solely about physical infrastructure. Many businesses are also introducing measures designed to support employee wellbeing during periods of extreme heat. Flexible working arrangements, remote working options and adjusted working hours are becoming increasingly common as employers look for practical ways to protect staff and maintain productivity when temperatures rise.
The research also highlights a difference in how organisations experience the impacts of hot weather. While many smaller businesses reported a negative effect on productivity, larger organisations were more likely to report positive outcomes. This may reflect differences in access to resources, workplace environments and the ability to invest in adaptation measures at scale.
Changing Consumer Behaviour
Beyond the workplace, the hot weather is also influencing consumer behaviour. Barclays’ consumer spending data found increased spending on items such as cooling devices, cold food and drinks, clothing and gardening products during recent heatwave periods. These changes demonstrate how extreme weather is affecting not only business operations but also customer demand and purchasing habits.
What this means for organisations
For many organisations, climate adaptation has historically received less attention than carbon reduction. However, as extreme weather events become more common, businesses may need to place greater focus on ensuring their operations, buildings and employees are prepared for a changing climate.
Reviewing building performance, cooling requirements, ventilation systems and employee wellbeing policies can help organisations reduce risks associated with rising temperatures. Integrating climate resilience into wider energy management and sustainability strategies can also help balance operational performance, energy costs and environmental commitments.
As businesses continue to navigate a changing climate, adaptation is becoming an increasingly important component of risk management and business continuity planning. Organisations that understand their exposure to extreme weather and take proactive steps to improve resilience are likely to be better placed to maintain productivity and protect their people in the years ahead.
Learn about the economic impact of the 2026 UK heatwaves on organisations.
Interested in how an Energy Audit can help you become more energy efficient, access our online guide.