According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings and the construction sector combined are responsible for nearly 40% of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions.
Emerging technologies are making it possible to mitigate that impact by turning buildings into power plants, a concept called building-integrated solar power (BIPV). Rack-mounted PV arrays on rooftops are the most common way to generate solar power on buildings, but this solution has some drawbacks.
Some consider rack-mounted PVs as eyesores, particularly when considered for historic buildings. This can be a barrier to wider adoption in urban architecture.
Other options including monocrystalline solar panels, dye-sensitized solar cells, and perovskites make it possible to alter the color of solar power generating cells. This makes them more attractive than conventional PVs and suitable for use on facades and walls. In some formulations, these materials can be made semi-transparent so that they can be used for fenestration.
Â
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2017
How green leases benefit owners and tenants
Agreements to spur efficiency upgrades are slowly gaining popularity.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2017
Intl. Code Council looks into code changes for cross-laminated timber structures
Most codes limit CLT structures’ height.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2017
Building codes for existing buildings evaluated in new white paper
The paper examines implementation, enforcement challenges, and changes needed in new code editions.
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2017
New BIM guide for owners released
National Institute of Building Sciences releases a manual for developing standard set of BIM documents.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2017
Plunging solar power costs making PVs more compelling for owners, developers
Technical and manufacturing advances are driving down prices.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
Boston’s plans for new development at odds with flood projections
One plan calls for building in areas predicted to be flooded during high tides as sea levels rise.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
New LEED for Cities, LEED for Communities pilot certifications unveiled
Requires tracking of performance data and progress toward goals.Â
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
China claims top ranking outside of U.S. for total LEED-certified space
Canada, India, Brazil, and Korea round out top 5.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.