Benefits of thermal mass

Global warming is now regarded as "almost inevitable" according to the Governments Chief Scientific Officer.

The Government's target of reducing emissions in the UK by 60% by 2050 has really caught the imagination of forward-thinking people in the building services industry.

Given that buildings contribute almost 50% of the Carbon Dioxide levels known to cause climate change, it is no surprise that new legislation is being introduced demanding buildings achieve significantly greater energy efficiency.

As well as having to meet these more demanding standards, it is predicted that there will be more hot days, meaning that cooling loads will increase due to global warming.

Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb heat. Using the thermal mass of a building is an effective and efficient way to maintain comfortable and stable temperatures, plus it's a low energy solution with reduced environmental impact.

Although there are many advantages to concrete flooring over and above alternative methods, building occupants benefit from the high thermal mass of concrete flooring in two main ways:

1. Thermal storage
Heat or warmth is stored within the buildings thermal mass. So while the outdoor ambient temperatures may significantly rise and fall with the daily cycle, the internal temperatures remain stable, this is known as thermal lag. So there's no need to rapidly heat or cool internal spaces. Temperatures naturally adjust in a controlled and more efficient manner.

2. Radiant effect
Up to 70% of the heating or cooling of rooms is through the radiant effect, directly heating or cooling the occupants rather than the air around them. This is an extremely efficient way to achieve comfortable conditions in buildings.

Hollowcore flooring is proven to be a simple and effective way of addressing the issues of evermore demanding legislation and the need to cope with more arduous climate conditions.

The building uses its "Thermal Mass" for energy exchange. The mass of the exposed concrete is used to absorb, store and remove heat gains from the occupied space. The Principle is the same as that found inside a cathedral on a hot day, which offers respite as heat is transferred from your body into the stone (Thermal Mass) of the structure, although the air temperature inside and out may be similar.