Analyzing the Roles and Potentials of Nano-Technologies in Achieving Green and Sustainable Architecture

Abstract

The transformation from a fossil fuel-based to a clean and renewable future relies on the widespread implementation of sustainability in our industries and lifestyles. Significant uses of nanotechnology have surfaced in the last few years with applications for architectural design and the construction of built environments. Some nanotechnologies can take building enclosure materials (coatings and insulation) to dramatic new levels of performance in terms of energy, light, security and intelligence. Taking advantage of some of the many uses of nanotechnologies, from solar energy to insulation, has the potential for developing green and sustainable buildings that are more cost-effective, energy-efficient and more in tune with their environments. This paper surveys the most common and effective application of Nano-technology in the non-structural elements of buildings including coatings, adhesives, insulation, window chain, lighting, and solar energy; and analyzes the roles and potentials of these nanotechnologies towards achieving green and sustainable architecture. A descriptive approach is applied to identify and differentiate these nanotechnologies; and an analytical approach is applied in order to extract the set of most influential roles and potentials of nanotechnologies in achieving green and sustainable architecture through analyzing published literature and classifying the applications of nanotechnology materials in non-structural elements of buildings. A deductive approach is used to develop a matrix of the roles and potentials of nanotechnologies in achieving green and sustainable architecture. The matrix of nano-technologies can be utilized by architects, building engineers, and construction contractors as a guide to offer alternative nanotechnologies for contributing to the achievement of green and sustainable architecture.