Green Gold Rush

Employing renewable energy sources is only part of the green equation. Energy conservation is equally important and Sage Electrochromatics is generating buzz for their "smart glass" technology. Normally, glass is the least energy-efficient part of a building. Now that "smart glass" has hit the market, window tints can be adjusted according to a building's needs. During the summer, tinting reduces glare and solar heat while eliminating the need for blinds and letting more natural light into buildings. In the winter, window tints can be brightened to help trap more solar heat and reduce the need for central heat. Smart windows mean lower heating and air-conditioning bills.

Sage Electrochromatics have discovered that the way glass absorbs or reflects light and heat can be manipulated with a low-voltage current through a special coating on the glass. A 1,500 sq ft section of Sage Electrochromatics glass uses the same power as a 60 watt light bulb.

By shooting a low-voltage current though special coatings on glass, Van Dine discovered that he could manipulate how the glass absorbs or reflects light and heat from the sun. Consequently, it takes less electricity to power 100 windows than it does to light a 60 watt light bulb, making it an excellent candidate for photovoltaic integration. Sage claims it's smart-glass technology can reduce a building's energy usage up to twenty-five percent.

Sage's smart glass is already available for commercial and residential purposes.