‘Smart windows’ cut energy use
‘Smart windows’ cut energy use © George Hodan 29 January, 2014

‘Smart’ windows to cut energy use in buildings by 20%

A consortium of three European manufacturers and suppliers of windows and ventilation systems has created a new technology for energy efficient heat recovery windows for the renovation of residential and commercial buildings.

The window was developed by seven partners from four countries – Denmark, Germany, Ireland and Portugal – in an EU-funded research and development project called CLIMAWIN. The high-performance window preheats incoming ventilation air, powered by solar cells, and is regulated automatically by room sensors. It has numerous features that give it clear advantages over existing window and ventilation technologies, including high thermal insulation and regulated vents for controlled air intake.

Michael Jennings, spokesman for European Research, Innovation and Science Commissioner Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, said: “CLIMAWIN shows that low carbon can also mean big business opportunities for SMEs, which are the backbone of our economy. These kinds of technologies will also help consumers and businesses by reducing energy bills. The EU will support even more of this kind of research in our new Horizon 2020 programme.”

The technology was three years in the making and is now being launched commercially by three of the project partners. Producers will also be able to buy a licence from the consortium to integrate CLIMAWIN technology into their own production with royalties paid to the consortium. Beyond Europe, the consortium anticipates an important market in the United States, Canada and Russia.

CLIMAWIN windows will be available across Europe by late-2014.