IN The Green News.......

A New Study Finds Nanotechnology Can Make Green Buildings Even Greener
A recent report released from the Green Technology Forum, “Nanotechnology for Green Building,” found that incorporating nanotechnology into green buildings can help make them more cost-effective and more energy-efficient.
Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale; it refers to the projected ability to construct items from the bottom up, using techniques and tools to make complete, high performance products. Dr. George Elvin, director of the Green Technology Forum, noted that, “a company is saving $2.6 million in energy costs and reducing their CO2 emissions by 35 million pounds per year thanks to a single nanotech innovation.” Although he cautioned, “the nanotech and building sectors have to get to know each other a lot better in order to realize the dramatic benefits awaiting each of them.”
The report highlights successful examples of over 130 startups and established companies offering or developing nanomaterials for green building, case studies, university research projects, patents, and technologies available for license. In the report, Elvin said that the future is now for the two fields, that improvements have already been made in solar insulation and generation as well as thin-film insulation and coatings, including “healing” coatings that can remove and neutralize pollutants from a building’s surrounding atmosphere.
Currently, there are ongoing debates about the potential negative implications of nanotechnology. The issues range from health and environmental concerns to economic issues. There are reports that demonstrate the potential for some nanomaterials to be toxic to humans or the environment. Others are concerned with the societal implications and social challenges (could a nanotechnological revolution reshape the economy, trade, etc.?).
As a Certified EcoBroker®, it is important to stay informed of the latest developments in the green building field, and all technological advances. Nanotechnology is coming. EcoBrokers® have a reputation for being ahead of the curve and of being equipped to answer clients’ questions and concerns. We encourage you to visit the links below in order to educate yourself on the issues surrounding nanotechnology.
For more information please visit:
http://www.greentechforum.net/greenbuild
http://www.greenbiz.com/news/news_third.cfm?NewsID=35947
http://icon.rice.edu/research.cfm