The hygrothermal storage characteristics of an underground building envelope have discernible effects on the heat and humidity of the indoor environment. To predict the hygrothermal storage capacity, it is necessary to accurately calculate the transient heat and moisture flux through the envelope. This paper describes the development of a new hygrothermal model described with relative humidity and temperature based on the results of existing researches. The moisture model fully states actual moisture transfer process involving both vapor diffusion and liquid water migration in porous building envelopes. Verified using the results calculated by the mathematical model of Mendes et al., the new hygrothermal model can accurately predict the heat and moisture transfer of building envelopes. Hygrothermal absorption and desorption of three types of common underground building envelopes in Chengdu region in China are analyzed by using the new model. The results show that the hygrothermal absorption and desorption of underground building envelopes must be considered when the heat and moisture environment is controlled by HVAC. Taking account of these factors can reduce air-conditioning equipment capacity and save running energy. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.