Building Green with Nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanotechnology, the manipulation of matter at the molecular scale, is opening new possibilities in green building through products like solar energy collecting paints, high-insulating translucent panels, and heatabsorbing windows. Even more dramatic breakthroughs are now in development such as spray-on solar collecting paint, windows that shift from transparent to opaque with the flip of a switch, and environmentally friendly biocides for preserving wood. These breakthrough materials are opening new frontiers in green building, offering unprecedented performance in energy efficiency, durability, economy and sustainability. This paper provides an overview of nanotechnology applications for green building, with an emphasis on the energy conservation capabilities of architectural nanomaterials in green building.