Port of Entry; Torrington, Wyoming

Traditional blinds and curtains have nothing on electronically tinted smart glass. Whereas curtains are an all-or-nothing solution to streaming in sunlight, and blinds obscure visibility, smart glass allows a clear view no matter the tint. Smart glass is also an energy efficient way to handle heat — the sunnier the day, the dark the tint; cloudier days, the lighter the tint. This exceptional advancement in control over how much sunlight and heat entering a building can have a significant impact on energy costs.

Siemens Wind Turbine Facility; Hutchinson, Kansas

A pretty slick example of smart glass comes from Sage Electrochromics, called SageGlass. Made from ceramic-based materials, SageGlass can be programmed to maintain certain levels of light, or the tinting can be manipulated with the push of a button.

Instead of covering windows with heavy treatments that defeat the purpose of a window in the first place, let’s look to new technologies to provide comfortable, eco-friendly buildings.

Source: Tree Hugger
Images:  SAGE Electrochromics