Originally Posted by
HoustonB
"... massive concrete ovens." Extra thermal mass in the form of concrete is actually a really good thing, especially when combined with insulation on the outside. If the thermal-mass of a building is high enough then the building can passively (no energy required) average-out the day and night time temperature swings.
That's a good point, but what about the heat island effect? Doesn't the urban temperature tend to run a few degrees higher than rural?