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What are smart materials?
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The construction industry is one of the biggest contributors to global carbon emissions, responsible for around 37% of total emissions. With the urgency of climate change, there’s growing pressure to find ways to build more sustainably: reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, and extending the lifespan of buildings.
One of the most interesting developments in this space is the rise of smart materials - ie. building materials designed to adapt to their environment in real time. Unlike traditional materials, which remain unchanged once installed, smart materials can react to heat, moisture, or light, helping to reduce energy use and cut down on maintenance. Self-healing concrete, for example, can repair its own cracks, while thermochromic glass tints automatically to keep buildings cool.
In this article, we’ll explore what smart materials are, how they work, and why they’re key to building a more sustainable future.
What are smart materials?
“ Traditional building materials such as concrete, steel, and glass are static. This means that once they’re installed, they remain unchanged, regardless of how the environment around them shifts. Smart materials, on the other hand, are designed to respond to external conditions. They can change shape, color, strength, or conductivity based on environmental triggers like temperature, moisture, or electrical signals. ”
These materials operate on the principle of self-adaptation, meaning they can actively improve building efficiency and durability without human interference. Some smart materials are capable of self-repairing, while others can regulate temperature or energy use to optimise performance. This makes them especially valuable in sustainable construction, where reducing waste and energy consumption is a priority.
The key characteristics that define smart materials include:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Responsiveness | Reacts to environmental changes such as heat, moisture, pressure, or light. |
| Self-Regulation | Adjusts properties automatically to improve efficiency and performance. |
| Durability | Extends the lifespan of buildings by resisting wear and tear or self-healing damage. |
| Energy Efficiency | Helps regulate temperature, reduce energy demand, and lower emissions. |
| Sustainability | Reduces the need for maintenance and repairs, leading to less material waste. |
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Types of smart materials used in construction
Smart materials are already being integrated into construction projects to create more energy-efficient, durable, and low-maintenance buildings. Below are some of the most promising types of smart materials helping to transform the industry.
Self-healing concrete
Concrete is the most widely used building material, but it is prone to cracking due to stress, temperature changes, and environmental exposure. These cracks weaken structures over time and can allow water to seep in, leading to expensive repairs and even potential structural failure.
Producing cement - the key ingredient in concrete - is highly carbon-intensive, accounting for nearly 8% of global CO₂ emissions. This makes reducing the need for repairs and replacements crucial for sustainability in construction.
Self-healing concrete helps solve this problem by automatically repairing cracks, reducing maintenance, and extending the lifespan of buildings and infrastructure.
How it works:
Self-healing concrete contains special additives that react to environmental triggers, such as water or air, to seal cracks. The most common methods include:
- Bacteria-based healing: Limestone-producing bacteria activate when water enters a crack, sealing it with calcium carbonate.
- Capsule-cased healing: Tiny capsules filled with adhesives break open when cracks form, releasing bonding agents to restore strength.
- Chemical reactions: Expansive minerals react with moisture to fill gaps naturally.
Uses in construction:
| Application | How It Works | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bridges and Roads | Bacteria or capsules seal cracks caused by heavy loads and weather. | Extends infrastructure lifespan and reduces repair costs. |
| Tunnels and Foundations | Self-healing prevents water infiltration. | Improves durability and prevents leaks. |
| High-Rise Buildings | Embedded agents repair microcracks. | Enhances structural safety and reduces maintenance. |
Thermochromic and photochromic materials
Buildings often rely on artificial lighting and climate control systems (AC) to maintain comfortable indoor conditions, which can result in high energy consumption and carbon emissions. Thermochromic and photochromic materials provide a passive, energy-efficient alternative by automatically adjusting to environmental changes, reducing the need for air conditioning, heating, and artificial lighting.
How they work:
- Thermochromic materials change color or opacity when exposed to temperature changes, which means they can be used in windows or coatings to regulate heat. For example, thermochromic windows can darken in hot weather to block sunlight and reduce cooling needs, then become clear again when it's cooler to let in warmth - helping to naturally regulate indoor temperatures and lower energy demand for heating and cooling systems.
- Photochromic materials adjust their transparency when exposed to UV light, becoming darker in bright sunlight and returning to a lighter state in lower light conditions.
Uses in construction:
| Application | How It Works | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Thermochromic Glass (Smart Windows) | Glass embedded with thermochromic coatings darkens as temperatures rise, blocking excess solar heat. | Reduces cooling costs in summer and prevents overheating in buildings. |
| Photochromic Glass | Glass automatically darkens in response to strong UV exposure and lightens in dim conditions. | Regulates brightness indoors, reducing glare and the need for artificial lighting. |
| Thermochromic Paints and Coatings | Paints contain pigments that change color based on temperature, reflecting or absorbing heat accordingly. | Helps to maintain stable indoor temperatures by adapting to seasonal variations. |
| Dynamic Roofing Materials | Roofing membranes coated with thermochromic layers adjust reflectivity based on ambient heat levels. | Enhances insulation and reduces energy costs for heating and cooling. |
Shape memory alloys and polymers
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) and shape memory polymers (SMPs) are materials that can ‘remember’ and return to a predetermined shape when exposed to a specific trigger, such as heat, electricity, or mechanical stress. This ability makes them incredibly useful in construction, where materials often face stress, temperature fluctuations, and environmental wear over time.
How they work:
- Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs): These metals are often made from nickel-titanium (Nitinol) or copper-based alloys. When they are deformed at lower temperatures, they can return to their original shape when heated.
- Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs): Unlike metals, SMPs are lightweight plastics that regain their shape through heat, light, or electrical stimulation. They can be more flexible and cost-effective than SMAs.
Uses in construction:
| Application | How It Works | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Repairing Structural Components | SMAs embedded in buildings and bridges correct deformations caused by stress or earthquakes when heated. | Extends the lifespan of infrastructure and reduces maintenance costs. |
| Adaptive Façades and Ventilation Systems | SMP-based roofing panels, window shades, or vents expand or contract in response to temperature changes. | Improves energy efficiency by reducing heating and cooling demands. |
| Seismic-Resistant Structures | SMA reinforcements absorb shock and return to their original form after seismic activity. | Enhances building resilience in earthquake-prone areas. |
| Smart Fasteners and Joints | SMAs in connectors tighten or loosen based on temperature shifts. | Increases flexibility in modular construction and reduces structural stress. |
Phase-change materials (PCMs) for temperature control
Managing indoor temperatures in buildings typically requires high energy consumption for heating and cooling, contributing to carbon emissions and high operational costs. Phase-change materials (PCMs) offer a passive, energy-efficient solution by absorbing, storing, and releasing heat as they transition between solid and liquid states.
How they work:
- Heat absorption: As temperatures rise, PCMs melt, absorbing excess heat from the environment and preventing indoor spaces from overheating.
- Heat release: When temperatures drop, PCMs solidify, releasing stored heat back into the space to maintain warmth.
This thermal buffering effect reduces temperature fluctuations inside buildings, minimising the need for heating in winter and air conditioning in summer.
Uses in construction:
| Application | How It Works | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wall and Ceiling Panels | PCMs integrated into construction materials absorb and release heat as needed. | Enhances indoor comfort and reduces HVAC energy use. |
| Roofing Systems | PCM layers regulate temperature by preventing excessive heat gain or loss. | Lowers cooling and heating costs. |
| Flooring and Underfloor Heating | PCMs store heat from sunlight or radiant heating and release it gradually. | Improves energy efficiency and reduces peak energy demand. |
Aerogels – ultra-light insulation
Effective insulation is essential for reducing heat loss in winter and preventing overheating in summer, but many traditional insulation materials are bulky, heavy, or inefficient over time. Aerogels provide an innovative alternative, offering ultra-lightweight, high-performance insulation with minimal material use.
How they work:
Aerogels are composed of up to 99 percent air, with a highly porous structure that traps heat and prevents thermal transfer. Despite their incredibly low density, they have some of the best insulation properties of any known material, outperforming fiberglass and foam insulation.
Uses in construction:
| Application | How It Works | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Wall and Roof Insulation | Aerogel panels or coatings minimize heat loss while remaining ultra-thin. | Reduces heating and cooling costs without adding bulk. |
| Window Coatings | Transparent aerogels improve insulation without blocking natural light. | Enhances energy efficiency while maintaining daylight access. |
| Pipe and HVAC Duct Insulation | Aerogel wraps prevent heat loss in pipes and ventilation systems. | Improves heating system efficiency and reduces energy waste. |
Electrochromic glass (smart windows)
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, forcing buildings to rely on heating, air conditioning, and artificial lighting to maintain comfortable indoor conditions. Electrochromic glass offers an energy-efficient solution by automatically adjusting its tint in response to electrical signals.
Unlike traditional windows, which require curtains, blinds, or reflective films to provide shade, electrochromic glass can switch between clear and tinted states on demand, helping buildings optimise light and temperature without obstructing views or blocking natural daylight.
How it works:
- Electrochromic technology is based on a thin, transparent coating of metal oxides (such as tungsten oxide) applied to glass.
- When a small electrical voltage is applied, ions move within the coating, triggering a change in opacity - darkening to block sunlight or returning to a clear state.
- This process is fully reversible and requires minimal power, making it a highly efficient alternative to conventional shading systems.
Use in construction:
| Application | How It Works | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Windows | Glass darkens or clears based on electrical signals. | Reduces glare, heat gain, and cooling energy demand. |
| Skylights and Glass Roofs | Electrochromic technology manages natural light exposure. | Maintains comfortable indoor temperatures while reducing artificial lighting use. |
| Glass Façades and High-Rise Buildings | Adaptive glass regulates light and heat transmission. | Improves energy efficiency and enhances occupant comfort. |
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Why are smart materials important for sustainable construction?
The construction sector faces three major sustainability challenges: high energy consumption, material waste, and environmental degradation. Traditional buildings require constant heating and cooling, rely on finite raw materials, and often need frequent repairs and renovations, all of which contribute to carbon emissions and resource depletion.
Smart materials offer a way to build more efficiently by making structures adaptable, durable, and less dependent on external energy inputs. Instead of relying solely on mechanical systems to regulate indoor temperatures or maintain structural integrity, these materials can respond dynamically to environmental conditions, improving a building’s overall sustainability.
How smart materials contribute to sustainable construction:
| Challenge | How Smart Materials Help |
|---|---|
| Excessive Energy Use in Buildings | Electrochromic glass and phase-change materials regulate heat and light, reducing the need for air conditioning and artificial lighting. |
| High Carbon Footprint of Cement and Concrete | Self-healing concrete extends the life of structures, reducing the need for new concrete production—a major source of CO₂ emissions. |
| Material Waste and Short Lifespans | Shape-memory alloys and self-repairing materials help buildings withstand wear and tear, minimizing the need for replacements. |
| Lack of Passive Adaptation to Climate | Thermochromic and photochromic materials allow buildings to adjust naturally to temperature and light fluctuations. |
| Vulnerability to Extreme Weather | Advanced insulation materials like aerogels improve resilience against extreme heat and cold, making buildings more climate-adaptive. |
Long-term benefits of smart materials:
- Buildings become more self-sufficient, requiring less intervention for heating, cooling, and maintenance.
- Infrastructure lasts longer, reducing the environmental impact of constant repairs and replacements.
- Less reliance on high-emission materials as adaptive materials reduce waste and extend material lifespans.
- Lower operational costs, since energy-efficient materials cut electricity consumption over time.
“ Smart materials are making us rethink how buildings interact with their environment. By using materials that adapt rather than degrade, the construction industry can move towards a more circular, low-carbon future. ”
Challenges and limitations of smart materials
While smart materials offer significant environmental and economic benefits, their widespread adoption in construction is still limited by several challenges. High costs, production complexities, and integration issues make it difficult for the industry to transition away from conventional materials at scale.
High initial costs
Many smart materials, such as electrochromic glass, aerogels, and self-healing concrete, require specialised production processes that drive up costs. Compared to traditional materials, they can be significantly more expensive, making upfront investment a barrier. However, as demand grows and manufacturing scales up, costs are expected to decline, making these technologies more accessible.
Integration with existing infrastructure
Most buildings today are designed for static materials, meaning integrating adaptive materials can require structural or design modifications. Adoption is much easier in new construction, but for older infrastructure, integration can be difficult.
Limited awareness and industry adoption
Many architects, developers, and contractors still rely on conventional building materials and practices due to familiarity, cost-effectiveness, and established supply chains. Lack of awareness and technical expertise in using smart materials prevents wider adoption. Government incentives and updated building codes that prioritise sustainable materials could help accelerate industry transition.
Durability and long-term performance uncertainty
Some smart materials, such as phase-change materials and self-repairing composites, are still relatively new, and data on long-term durability is limited. While lab tests show promising results, real-world applications over decades will determine whether these materials can consistently perform under varying conditions. Developers and engineers may need greater confidence in reliability before investing in large-scale projects.
“ Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of smart materials far outweigh the limitations. As the industry develops new solutions, lowers costs, and refines manufacturing techniques, smart materials will likely become a standard feature of sustainable construction. ”
The future of smart materials
Ongoing research, technological advancements, and policy shifts are driving the development of smart materials. As manufacturing costs decrease and new innovations emerge, smart materials are expected to become a standard feature of sustainable architecture.
Advances in material science and nanotechnology
Scientists are exploring ways to enhance the efficiency, durability, and affordability of smart materials using nanotechnology and bioengineering. Some of the most promising developments include:
- Nano-engineered self-healing concrete that reacts even faster to cracks, reducing repair time and improving longevity.
- Next-generation aerogels with even thinner, more flexible insulation properties for lightweight, high-performance buildings.
- Bio-based smart materials made from renewable sources, such as plant-based polymers or microbial-engineered coatings, to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-based construction materials.
What’s next for smart materials?
The next decade is likely to see:
- Smarter, AI-integrated materials that automatically adjust in real-time based on environmental data.
- Buildings that heal, regulate, and adapt without requiring human intervention.
- Wider adoption in commercial and residential projects, making smart materials a mainstream element of sustainable design.
As technological advancements continue and costs decline, smart materials will play a central role in creating the energy-efficient, climate-resilient buildings of the future.
The future of clean energy
The clean energy sector is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements, declining costs, and growing global demand for sustainable solutions. While challenges remain, the long-term trajectory for renewables, energy storage, and emerging technologies is promising. Here’s what to expect in the coming years.
The acceleration of solar and wind
Solar and wind are now the cheapest sources of new electricity in most countries, and their deployment is expected to continue at record levels.
- Between 2024 and 2030 solar capacity is projected to account for 80% of the growth in renewable energy capacity, with rapid growth in China, the US, and the EU.
- Wind power, particularly offshore wind, is expanding - the US, UK, and China are leading in large-scale offshore wind projects, while floating wind farms could unlock new opportunities in deeper waters.
- Hybrid solar-wind farms are gaining traction, offering more consistent power generation by leveraging complementary generation patterns.
The rise of energy storage and grid modernisation
Energy storage is crucial for addressing the intermittency of renewables, and breakthroughs in battery technology are making it more viable.
- Grid-scale battery storage capacity is expected to quadruple by 2030, driven by advancements in lithium-ion, solid-state, and flow batteries.
- New long-duration storage solutions, such as hydrogen storage, pumped hydro, and gravity-based storage, are being developed to provide backup power for days or even weeks.
- AI and digital grid technologies are improving efficiency, helping to balance supply and demand in real-time.
Green hydrogen and the decarbonisation of heavy industry
Hydrogen is emerging as a key clean fuel for sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as steelmaking, shipping, and aviation.
- Countries like Germany, Japan, and Australia are investing heavily in hydrogen infrastructure, with the goal of creating international hydrogen trade markets.
- Hydrogen fuel cells are also being explored as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries for long-haul transport and grid backup power.
Expansion of nuclear and emerging technologies
While controversial, nuclear power is regaining momentum as a reliable low-carbon energy source.
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are being developed as a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional nuclear plants.
- Next-generation fusion technology is advancing, with pilot projects expected in the 2030s.
Other emerging technologies include:
- Tidal and wave energy, offering predictable renewable power from the ocean.
- Enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), which could allow geothermal energy to expand beyond volcanic regions.
- Artificial photosynthesis and solar fuels, which could revolutionise energy storage and transport.
Policy and investment trends
Government policies and financial markets will play a crucial role in determining the pace of the clean energy transition.
- Carbon pricing and emissions regulations will continue to shape energy markets, with more countries adopting carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems.
- Public and private investment in renewables needs to reach $4.5 trillion annually by 2030 in order to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees celcius.
- Developing nations will be a major focus, as efforts to expand clean energy access and reduce reliance on fossil fuels accelerate.
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How Greenly can help your company
At Greenly, we help businesses track, analyse, and reduce their carbon footprint, making it easier to transition to more sustainable practices. While smart materials play a crucial role in building a low-carbon future, they are just one example of how innovation can drive sustainability. To make a real impact, companies need comprehensive strategies to measure and reduce emissions across all operations.
How Greenly supports businesses in their sustainability journey
- Comprehensive Carbon Accounting: Our platform enables companies to measure and monitor emissions across their entire value chain.
- Supply Chain Emissions Management: We help businesses assess supplier emissions and identify opportunities for greener procurement.
- Regulatory Compliance and Reporting: As sustainability regulations continue to evolve, we provide the tools to navigate compliance requirements and enhance transparency.
- Decarbonisation Strategies: We help create tailored action plans to help companies reduce emissions, optimise energy efficiency, and meet science-based climate targets.
Greenly provides the expertise and technology to help businesses achieve measurable progress toward their sustainability goals. Want to learn how Greenly can help your company cut emissions and accelerate its sustainability strategy? Get in touch with us today.
Sources
- Greenly, Carbon Emissions: What You Need to Know, https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/ecology-news/carbon-emissions-what-you-need-to-know
- World Economic Forum, How the Building Sector Can Reduce Its Climate Impact, https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/06/building-sector-climate-change-construction-materials/#:~:text=The%20building%20value%20chain%20is,green%20transition%20from%20now%20on
- Greenly, Climate Change in 2022: Where Do We Stand?, https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/ecology-news/climate-change-in-2022-where-do-we-stand
- MAPFRE Global Risks, Smart Materials: Building the Future, https://www.mapfreglobalrisks.com/en/risks-insurance-management/article/smart-materials-building-future/
- Greenly, All You Need to Know About Energy Efficiency, https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/company-guide/all-you-need-to-know-about-energy-efficiency
- Greenly, What is the Carbon Footprint of Concrete?, https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/industries/what-is-the-carbon-footprint-of-concrete
- World Economic Forum, Making Cement Production More Sustainable to Reduce CO₂ Emissions, https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/09/cement-production-sustainable-concrete-co2-emissions/
- Global Cement and Concrete Association, Self-Healing Concrete, https://gccassociation.org/essential-concrete/self-healing-concrete/
- Greenly, Why Air Conditioners Are Bad for the Environment – But Is There a Choice?, https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/industries/air-conditioner-is-bad-for-the-environment--but-is-there-a-choice
- MAPFRE Global Risks, Thermochromic Materials in Smart Cement, https://www.mapfreglobalrisks.com/en/risks-insurance-management/article/smart-materials-building-future/#:~:text=Thermochromic%20materials&text=This%20cement%2C%20developed%20with%20heat,internal%20heating%20and%20cooling%20expenses
- ScienceDirect, Phase Change Materials for Energy-Efficient Buildings, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1364032123002125
- AZoBuild, What Are Smart Materials for Sustainable Construction?, https://www.azobuild.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=8386
- Thermtest, Phase Change Material (PCM): How It Works, https://thermtest.com/phase-change-material-pcm
- AZoBuild, Electrochromic Glass and Its Applications, https://www.azobuild.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=8656
- Smart Glass World, Electrochromic Glass: An Overview, https://www.smartglassworld.net/electrochromic-glass
- Future Cities and Environment, Innovations in Sustainable Building Materials, https://futurecitiesandenvironment.com/articles/10.5334/fce.110
- Greenly, Fossil Fuels: Pros, Cons, and Alternatives, https://greenly.earth/en-gb/blog/ecology-news/fossil-fuels-pros-cons-and-alternatives
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