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A new study has revealed how some nanotechnologies can be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ultimately help combat climate change. Commissioned by Environmental Beneficial Nanotechnologies: Barriers and Opportunities report explores new ways nanoscience can be applied to areas of insulation, photovoltaics, electricity shortage, engine efficiency and even the hydrogen economy. Speaking at the Royal Society, Defra’s chief scientific adviser Howard Dalton stressed the importance of addressing climate change, but warned the urgent need for government action. He said: “The report draws particular attention to the need for government, industry and scientific communities to work together in answering some of the fundamental questions regarding the behaviour and toxicity of nanomaterials.”
One construction related area addressed is cavity and loft insulation/ Even though it tends to be cheap and effective, according to the report, there still exists no easy way for insulating solid walled buildings which currently make up about a third of the country’s housing stock. It claims nanotechnology may provide a solution which, “if an effective insulation could be found with similar properties to standard cavity insulation, could result in emission reductions equivalent to 3 Mte per year.” The report recommends funding a DTI technology program on novel insulation material for solid walled buildings and retrofit government offices with highly insulating nanotechnology based windows.
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