Effects of concrete thermal mass on energy efficiency

Abstract

Architectural engineers are committed to designing safe, efficient, and innovative structures for the community. The goal is to produce the best design; this includes creating an efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable design. To achieve this goal, new and relevant techniques must continue to be discovered to keep up with a growing industry. A major factor moving forward in the industry is sustainability, by reducing carbon emissions. Carbon emissions profoundly affect the environment, primarily through climate change and global warming. Solutions to decrease carbon emissions can be achieved by reducing embodied carbon (selecting appropriate construction materials) and operational carbon (maximizing energy efficiency). This report will focus on the thermal mass effects of concrete and how these thermal properties can be used to reduce carbon emissions. Thermal mass refers to the ability of a material to absorb and store heat energy. Concrete’s thermal mass properties can significantly impact the performance and sustainability of a building by influencing both energy consumption and regulating indoor air conditions by slowing down heat transfer. A case study investigated the effects of increased thermal mass in concrete walls versus the thermal and energy performance of buildings in different geographical locations throughout the United States. The results of several different concrete wall thicknesses are compared by carbon emission output, energy demand, and overall cost. The carbon emission impacts will be compared through embodied carbon from producing concrete and operational carbon energy due to HVAC demands. The findings will provide considerations for integrating high thermal mass into sustainable building design and offer insight for architects and engineers. The results indicate that thermal mass can positively affect a building's energy efficiency and carbon footprint for cold, temperate, and hot climate regions.