September 27, 2007 — The convergence of nanotechnology and “green” building is creating fresh economic opportunities, but “the nanotech and building sectors have to get to know each other a lot better in order to realize the dramatic benefits awaiting each of them,” said the author of a new report analyzing the relationship.

“In one case, a company is saving $2.6 million in energy costs and reducing their CO2 emissions by 35 million pounds per year thanks to a single nanotech innovation,” said George Elvin, director of the Green Technology Forum and author of its latest report, Nanotechnology for Green Building.

The report tries to bring the two sectors together through linked references to case studies, university research projects, patents and technologies available for license. The report is also aimed at educating architects, building owners, contractors, engineers and others in the building industry.

“The demand for green building is at an all-time high,” Elvin said, “and those in the industry and in ownership positions adopting nanotechnology now are likely to emerge as leaders and be rewarded accordingly.” He said benefits “will be led by current improvements in solar insulation and coatings, followed by advances in water and air filtration, solar technology and, more distant, in lighting and structural components.”