Green Building Technologies: Depolluting or Self-Cleaning Materials
Some of the most exciting new green building technologies are depolluting or self-cleaning materials. The first of these materials to be found was an accidental discovery made by an Italian company. They were trying to study a form of white cement that had the ability to self clean. Ultimately, however, they realized that when their cement was put under natural light, it could actually absorb and break down pollution from cars and other sources.
Since that time, scientists and engineers have been working to create other depolluting or self-cleaning materials. In addition to self-cleaning cement, engineers have found other depolluting materials. For instance, scientists have made a depolluting waterproof membrane that can be fitted onto roofs that do not allow human access. When exposed to sunlight, these membranes can remove harmful nitrogen oxides from the surrounding air. Their removal is extremely beneficial as nitrogen oxides impact everything, from children’s bronchial infections to global warming. According to one manufacturer, over the course of a year, a 10,000 m² (107,639 ft ²) space of their depolluting roof can remove the nitrogen oxides created by driving a gasoline-fueled vehicle approximately 388,356 miles.
Although these developments are exciting, they may complicate existing city codes. For instance, as these green building technologies become more pervasive, municipalities may begin to set laws and write codes that will require new structures to use some of these technologies. Alternatively, they may require new structures to be built with a degree of flexibility that allows these technologies to be added later. Burnham has close relationships with the key officials in most municipalities. Thus, we are always aware of changes and impending changes to existing codes, and we can easily advise our clients on how these changes will impact them.
As engineers continue to develop more green technologies, you can be assured that the sustainability consulting team at Burnham will be able to advise you on which ones are best-suited for your project. Some analysts estimate that these materials may be successful enough to remove 20-70% of harmful air pollutants. Many of these technologies are already available commercially, and others, like an anti-graffiti geopolymer coating, are still being studied. However, as their development continues, they will become more affordable, more accessible and possibly even required. In any event, you can trust us to keep you updated on all the latest developments.
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Tags: Depolluting, Green Building Technologies, Self-Cleaning Materials