Thermal Inertia and Seasonal Energy Performance of CLT Office Buildings in Japan A Case Study Based on Monitoring

Abstract

Improving building energy flexibility and reducing peak demand are critical challenges in energy systems, particularly in regions experiencing supply constraints. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) buildings, due to their thermal inertia, offer potential for enhancing energy efficiency and supporting demand response strategies.


This study investigates the dynamic thermal behavior of a CLT office building in Japan using in-situ monitoring under both winter and humid summer conditions. Key thermal inertia indicators, including attenuation coefficient and time delay, were derived from measured temperature data to assess transient thermal response and interaction with HVAC operation. The results show that the CLT building exhibits strong thermal buffering capacity, with clear attenuation and time-delay effects observed under both seasonal conditions. The observed time-delay behavior and gradual temperature decay indicate reduced HVAC cycling and improved operational stability under both heating and cooling conditions. These findings demonstrate that CLT buildings can support energy-efficient HVAC operation and flexible demand response strategies. The study provides empirical evidence for integrating CLT into climate-responsive and low-carbon building design, with implications for grid-interactive energy management.

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Authors

Yaqin Cao
[email protected] (Primary Contact)
Hiroatsu Fukuda
Cao, Y., & Fukuda, H. (2026). Thermal Inertia and Seasonal Energy Performance of CLT Office Buildings in Japan: A Case Study Based on Monitoring. Environmental Science & Sustainable Development, 11(1), 104–115. https://doi.org/10.21625/essd.v11i1.1272

Article Details

Received 2025-12-23
Accepted 2026-05-10
Published 2026-06-30