K–12 Schools | South Carolina

Using the Structure to Carry Thermal Load — At School Scale

Deployed across 5 schools totaling 675,000 sq ft, this project used structural thermal energy storage to reduce EUI to as low as 14 while significantly lowering reliance on conventional mechanical systems.

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5 Newly built schools in one district portfolio
675K Total square footage across the deployment
14–21 Achieved EUI range across the schools
35–50% Operational energy savings over standard systems
The Context

Most schools rely heavily on mechanical systems to maintain comfort.

That drives both capital cost and long-term energy demand. This project took a different approach. Instead of layering on more equipment, the structure itself was used to carry part of the thermal load.

What the district needed

  • Lower energy use intensity across a large K–12 portfolio
  • Reduced dependence on conventional heating and cooling systems
  • Stable indoor comfort for students and staff
  • Lower long-term operating costs without unnecessary complexity
The Approach

Structural Thermal Energy Storage

Termobuild designed the system so the building structure itself became part of the air distribution and thermal strategy. Hollow core concrete panels were used as ductwork, effectively turning each building into a thermal storage center that tempered incoming air and delayed the need for mechanical heating or cooling.

1

Use the structure

Hollow core panels do more than support the building. They become part of the thermal and airflow system.

2

Store and temper energy

The concrete moderates air conditions and stores thermal energy, reducing the need for immediate mechanical response.

3

Reduce mechanical load

Heating and cooling demand is reduced or delayed, improving building economics while maintaining comfort.

The Outcome

This was not a marginal improvement.

Across five newly built schools, the customized solution produced a major reduction in EUI and significantly reduced mechanical dependency while maintaining occupant comfort.

14–21 EUI achieved across the schools
35–50% Operational energy savings reported
~44% Overall reduction in energy use and emissions
675,000 Square feet deployed at school portfolio scale
What This Means

A different way to achieve school building performance.

Instead of adding more active systems to chase thermal swings, the building itself becomes part of the solution. That changes how performance is delivered and where costs show up.

Why this matters for schools

  • Lower peak loads and reduced daytime HVAC demand
  • Potential capital cost reduction through less mechanical infrastructure
  • More stable comfort conditions throughout the building
  • Built-in resilience from energy stored in the structure itself

This is not about adding more systems. It is about activating something you are already paying for.

Project documentation based on completed installations; terminology updated to reflect current Termobuild positioning.

Next Step

Want to see how this applies to your next project?

We can walk through where structural thermal energy storage affects cost, design, comfort, and performance based on your building type and project stage.

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Best fit for:

  • Universities and campuses
  • K–12 schools
  • Healthcare and civic buildings
  • Commercial and high-performance projects