British Sign Language Glossaries of Curriculum Terms

BSL Environmental Science Glossary - High Thermal mass building materials definition

Definition: High Thermal mass building materials have a high specific heat capacity, like concrete. The material insulates the house or building from heat during warm weather outside as the heat is absorbed and retained within the walls. So when night falls, the retained heat is transferred to inside the building, keeping it warm. The heating then does not need to be turned on, or the fire to be lit because the house is already warm. This makes the house energy-efficient and has a low energy usage. When it is hot outside, the high thermal ability of the building material makes the interior ambient temperature comfortable inside.