The Opportunity
Buildings use 40% of the energy consumed in industrial
countries, and may have an even larger impact in the developing world. Much of
this energy is spent managing heat and light to maintain a comfortable internal
environment for occupants.
The Innovation
Electrochromic materials change tint with the application of
a tiny amount of current, enabling active control over the amount of light and
heat admitted. When deposited on thin, flexible film, electrochromic material
can be applied to any glass surface, allowing for significant energy savings
with minimal impact. Simply flipping a switch changes its opacity to let heat
in when the building is too cold, or block that heat from entering when it’s
not needed. ITN’s EC film can be applied even to curved surfaces, it also has a
variety of uses in the automotive, aerospace, flexible displays, specialty
eyewear, and other premium markets.
The Vision
Affordable, thin-film electrochromics on flexible substrates
offer the opportunity to drastically impact global energy usage. The material’s
low cost and versatility remove the barriers to application within both new
construction and existing buildings. Buildings will manage heat and light with
far less expense and far more comfort for their occupants.
