Nanotechnology for environmentally-friendly construction

Climate change and eco-innovation is high on the international agenda and housing is identified as one of the key target areas for eco-innovation in the future. There are high expectations that nanotechnology has the potential to make buildings and building materials more energy-efficient and overall more environmentally friendly. However, so far nanotechnology has only been little applied in the generally not very innovative or high-tech construction sector.

This one-day session will explore the impact and potentials that nanotechnology may have on the construction sector, particularly in the area of nanotech-related eco-innovation. The session seeks to create new linkages between the construction sector and nanoscientists and –companies, with a particular focus on Nordic synergies and market opportunities.
Nanotech construction impacts may include material improvements; from increasing the strength and durability of basic building materials so that reduced quantities are needed, to developments in efficient insulation materials or self-cleaning surfaces for less chemical usage. For example, the addition of silica nanoparticles to concrete increases its strength and durability, meaning that lower quantities can be used.

Nanotechnology may also enable buildings to become more smart and energy-efficient. Solar cells may be integrated within building materials to provide buildings with clean and renewable power sources. Energy consumption can be reduced with the use of smart windows (to filter heat rather than light), or LEDs to replace incandescent lighting.

The session is part of Green Nordic NanoCon (GNNC), an ongoing Nordic Innovation Centre project. The project aims to establish an internationally leading Nordic platform for the analysis and promotion of nano related eco-innovation in construction. It investigates how the Nordic countries can secure a strong sustained competitive advantage in eco-innovation.
The session is closely related to other Nanotech Northern Europe themes, including energy and electronics.