Adopting the Principles of Building Physics, Smart Materials and New Technologies in the Design of Energy Efficient Buildings

Abstract

Buildings account for 30 to 40% of energy use globally, with a supplement of 5 to 10% being used in processing and transportation of construction products and components. Over the past few decades, the construction sector has been under increasing pressure to improve its cost efficiency, sustainability, and capacity, pushed by the endeavour and need to face consequences of global warming and climate change. Indeed, the increased awareness of climate change and other environmental concerns are empowering innovative solutions that seek to improve the quality of life while being environmentally-friendly. It is possible to satisfy and eventually reduce the energy demands of buildings, with less-carbon intensive approaches through advancements in the realm of building physics, smart materials and new technologies; this paper attempts to introduce the concept of smart materials and new technology and show how they are being used to achieve energy efficiency in several projects.

Key words: building physics, smart materials, new technology, design, energy efficient building