Abstract:
Nanotechnology is widely being used in the built environment for its advantages in many improved
engineering properties of the nano materials. Nano insulating materials open up new possibilities for
ecologically oriented sustainable infrastructure development. The most widely used nano material in built
environment is for the purpose of insulation to improve the energy efficiency namely in the buildings and
dwellings. Nanotechnology has now provided an effective and affordable means to increase energy efficiency in
pre-existing buildings as well as new construction by increasing thermal resistance. The major advantage of
nano insulation materials is its benefit of translucent coatings which increase the thermal envelope of a building
without reducing the square footage. The intrinsic property of nano insulating material is it can be applied to
windows to reduce heat transfer from solar radiation due it its thermal resistant property and the translucent
property allows diffusing of day light. The nano insulating material has significant advantage in reducing the
operational energy aspects of buildings due to its valuable insulating properties.
This paper examines applicable nanotechnology based products that can improve the sustainable development
and overall competitiveness of the building industry. The areas of applying nano insulating material in building
industry will be mainly focused on the building envelope. The paper also examines the potential advantages of
using nanotechnology based insulating material in reducing the life cycle energy, reduction of material usage
and enhancing the useable life span. The paper also investigates the operational energy by simulation
methodology and compares the reduction of operational energy consumption.
