Smarter Glass Facades Could Slash Building Energy Costs Worldwide
In this research, scientists looked into how modern glass walls in buildings can affect energy use. They found that while glass windows can look nice and let in light and air, they are not great at keeping heat in or out. This can make a building use more energy for heating or cooling. The study compared different types of glass walls and found that some, like special "spectrally selective" and "electrochromic" ones, are more energy-efficient. These can help reduce the need for heating or cooling in buildings, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective to run. By choosing the right type of glass walls, architects and designers can make buildings more energy-efficient and comfortable for people inside.