Energy Efficiency Trends: Building Envelope Innovation
By: David Burton Sneed
Tags: Builtenvironment, Innovation, Energy, Climate, Energy Efficiency

Another notable window technology innovation comes from Andluca Technologies, who have developed “UV solar powered smart glass” to improve energy efficiency in buildings. While other wired smart glass products require major renovation processes at the hands of an electrician, Andluca’s can be installed easily without disruption to the property. Andluca’s product works by enabling the owners to select different modes for their windows that either block or allow infrared heat into their buildings. This sort of technology requires electricity, and to cover this need, Andluca’s windows are equipped with solar cells on the windows themselves, that absorb and generate power from UV light. Ubiqd (ubiquitous quantum dots) operates in a similar fashion to Andluca. Their windows are infused with patented “quantum dots” to absorb sunlight and refract it towards the glass’ edge, where it hits solar cells and generates electricity.

Building Sealant Technology

Windows, particularly old ones, are not the only source of energy inefficiency within building envelopes, the walls themselves often contribute significantly as well. Wells Fargo Innovation is partnering with some exciting firms to help combat these issues. Cypris Materials has found a unique way to produce colorful building walls without the need for toxic pigments or dyes. Their technology is applied as a coating on walls or windows and uses nanostructures to reflect infrared light. It can even be used on cars or as nail polish. Their coatings have demonstrated a tangible increase in energy efficiency when applied to building envelopes.

Source: Cypris Materials, How Butterflies Inspired a New Type of Paint`

Techstyle Materials is developing a millimeter-thick coating that can be applied to building materials like drywall, sheathing, and roofing to transform them into smart materials. These smart surfaces can store energy when needed, and release it to heat the built environment. The material can also absorb and release water vapors to provide comfortable, humidity controlled environments. Enkoat is yet another sealant technology being developed with the help of Wells Fargo Innovation that can be applied to exterior surfaces to reduce heating and cooling costs. Many of these technologies are new and still in testing, but in the early 2020’s the hope is that these will become widely available retrofitting opportunities.

It is estimated that 90% of the current buildings in New York City will still be there in 2050. The current built environment is not changing anytime soon, and if we are to achieve the decarbonization goals set by states like New York, efficient and cost-minimizing retrofitting technologies are needed. Fortunately, with the amount of new innovations coming out, the built environment has never been a more exciting area to watch.

At Build Edison, we have decades of experience in developing, managing, and financing demonstration projects across various clean energy technologies. We offer a number of solutions for startups, large companies, governments and investors to grow quickly and consistently, and to capitalize on one of the most exciting areas of the energy market.

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