College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Construction Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Construction Management

Date

5-2022

Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Thomas Kommer, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department

Abstract/Summary

In recent years, sustainability in construction has become a topic of undeniable interest. With sustainability certifications becoming more prominent and desirable, members of the construction industry have begun to seek alternatives for standard systems to keep up with market trends. One of the main issues that the construction industry faces is accessibility of technology. While there are new products and technologies being released frequently, members of the construction industry lack knowledge on the specific details and implications of working with newer systems. One piece of technology that was recently introduced is electrochromic glass, or smart glass. Electrochromic windows analyze sunlight and heat exposure in their surrounding environment and change their opacity accordingly to better utilize the natural environment to increase indoor environmental quality. This report will explore the advantages, accessibility, and feasibility of utilizing electrochromic windows, ultimately concluding in a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis. There currently is limited data on the usage and/or effectiveness of this technology as it is relatively new, having only appeared in the industry 12 years ago. Through material data analysis and conducting an interview with a smart glass supplier, the current effectiveness and implications of electrochromic technology have been analyzed in this report.

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