3 Jul 2020
New study reveals water-filled windows could save energy and reduce global carbon emissions
School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering academic Dr Matyas Gutai has been researching the concept of improving windows to save more energy than current technologies in the market. Water-filled glass (WFG) can revolutionise building design and performance when used as part of a wider heating system.
According to the UK Green Building Council, the built environment contributes around 40% of the UK's total carbon footprint, with heating alone contributing 10% of the total. Dr Matyas Gutai's research has found that turning our attention to improving windows can tackle our carbon issue.
The material that can save more energy than current technologies on the market (such as double and triple glazing) is water. Dr Matyas Gutai is the creator of WFG and two water houses. He has developed uses for water to heat and cool structures to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, which can save energy in all inhabited climates.
Simulations show that WFG can save up to 72% more energy than buildings fitted with traditional heating systems and double glass, and 61% more energy than buildings fitted with traditional heating systems and triple glass.
The next step for Dr Gutai is to develop the technology into a marketable product.
