Researchers have made significant progress in producing energy-efficient windows made from recycled cellulose. Using cellulose from beer wort, researchers from the University of Colorado in Boulder developed a thin, flexible film roughly 100 times lighter than glass.
Window glass is responsible for a disproportionate share of energy loss in buildings, accounting for about 25% of the 14% of overall energy consumption in the US used by climate control systems. The researchers used paper pulp for their most recent project, which they say could be sandwiched between glass panes or used to insulate walls.
They reported that the paper pulp is scalable for manufacturing highly transparent silanized cellulose aerogels with material characteristics adequate for glazing applications.
This new material is highly transparent and scalable for manufacturing, making it a viable option for glazing applications. Adopted widely, it could significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the building industry.