1. Electric Smart Glass
Electronic Smart Glass is one of the latest technologies in sustainable construction. The electronic smart glass shuts out the harsh heat of solar radiation, reflecting approximately 98% of sun rays. The smart glass uses tiny electric signals to charge the windows, changing the amount of solar radiation it reflects. It is incorporated into the building’s control system, allowing users to choose the amount of solar radiation to block. The glass simply changes from light to dark (clear to opaque) at the push of a button, optimizing user compatibility. With this technology, any type of building can save a lot on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning costs.
2. Rammed Earth Material
Rammed earth brick is an ancient building material that can be dated back to early man-made constructions and can now be found in luxury homes as dramatic and durable walls that resemble sedimentary rock. This low-carbon technique uses soil and binder, placing them together in layers and then applying pressure to create a hard and durable surface. Because it uses sustainably sourced raw materials, it is a green alternative to conventional concrete masonry. Rammed earth walls or floors can be used as thermal storage, absorbing sunlight during the day and releasing the warmth in the colder evenings.
3. Environmentally-Friendly Insulation Materials
Insulation materials are used to retain heat during the winter by restricting airflow, and also reduces the cost of heating and cooling throughout the year. A majority of buildings use insulation materials that can contain toxic chemicals such as petrochemicals and toxic adhesives. There are now sustainable insulation materials that present a range of safe, natural, and readily available materials. Construction companies argue that these materials are more costly, but some are more affordable than their commercial counterparts. A few examples of green insulation materials include sheep wool, recycled cotton from shreds of discarded clothing, Icynene, and cellulose, made from recycled newsprint and other paper.
4. Active Solar Power
In addition to passive solar energy, active solar power is the use of functional solar systems that absorb the sun’s radiation to cater for heating and electricity provision. It reduces the need for the use of electricity or gas. There are many advances in solar technologies than the generic rectangular square we’ve grown accustomed to. Solar roof shingles are small, custom shingles designed to blend in almost unnoticeably with traditional roof tiles. Not only are these shingles aesthetically appealing, but they function both as solar panels and as durable roof tiles, protecting roofs from the natural elements as it absorbs sunlight for energy use.