The magnitude of the mass effect on buildings of various configurations and uses has not been adequately explored. Temperature setback and setup are usually recommended as an energy conservation measure, but little is known about temperature drift and recovery time after temperature reset in buildings of different thermal mass. Consequently, a project was undertaken at, Midwest Research Institute (MRI), to study the effects of building mass on energy requirements for heating and cooling.

This study was sponsored by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association, the Metal Building Dealers Association, the Thermal Insulation Manufacturers Association and the Laminated Fiberglass Insulation Producers Association. The objective of this research was to learn more about the response of light and heavy buildings, under dynamic thermal conditions and to see what effect, if any, mass has on thermal performance.