Absorption
Containment systems for the prevention of pollution, Secondary, tertiary and other measures for industrial and commercial premises (CIRIA C736), published by CIRIA in 2014 defines absorption as: ‘A process in which one substance, usually a liquid or gas, permeates into, or is dissolved by, a liquid or solid.’
Absorption may also refer to things that are not substances, such as sound, light, impact and so on.
Approved document E: Resistance to the passage of sound, 2003 edition incorporating 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015 amendments, defines absorption as: ‘Conversion of sound energy to heat, often by the use of a porous material.’
Articles about absorption on Designing Buildings Wiki include:
NB Technical paper 35: Moisture measurement in the historic environment, published by Historic Environment Scotland in 2021, defines absorption as: ‘A process in which a solid holds a gas or liquid within its open volume.’
Anticipate, react, recover; Resilient infrastructure systems, published by the National Infrastructure Commission in May 2020, defines absorb as: ‘The actions that, accepting there will be or has been an impact on infrastructure services, aim to lessen that impact, such as building a water transfer network to prepare for future droughts.’
See also: Adsorption.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.