Exploiting thermal mass on a year-round basis is not difficult, but does require consideration at the outset of the design process when requirements for the building form, fabric and orientation are being established. Providing this is done sympathetically, a more passive approach to design can realise benefits which include:
- Enhanced energy efficiency and carbon savings over the life of the building.
- Improved daylighting.
- Improved venitlation and air quality.
- Optimal decrement delay (time lag) and decrement factor (heat flow) for reducing heat gains in summer.
- Good summertime comfort and reduced risk of overheating.
- A measure of future proofing against the effects of a warming climate.
- Reduction in the need for more expensive low and zero carbon technologies to meet CO2 toargets.
- Enhanced property resale value.
