Buildings gobble almost of third of the world’s energy usage and churn out around 30 per cent of global carbon emissions.
Within this equation, building experts say that windows are generally the weakest link when it comes to temperature control.
But that could be about to change thanks to a new innovation from US startup LuxWall, which has found a way to create Vacuum Insulated Glass – which is based on the same principle as a thermos – at an affordable price-point.
LuxWall’s glazing innovation, which consists of two vacuum-insulated coated glass panes, has been engineered to reduce the energy demand of heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
LuxWall says Net Zero Glass can reduce a building’s heating costs by up to 45 per cent and its cooling costs by up to 20 per cent. Mainstream adoption of the patent-pending product, the company says, could cut global carbon emissions by 14 per cent.
The glass can also be installed into existing commercial window frames, so building owners would not need a façade or window replacement to gain the benefits. Net Zero Glass can also be customised for different climates.
LuxWall raised US$33 million earlier this year to help scale-up production, with the company planning to open a new facility next year.
This latest funding round, which brought the company’s total backing to $39M, was led by VC company 2150, and included its former investors – Bill Gates-founded Breakthrough Energy and Prelude Ventures – as well as a new investor, Khosla Ventures.
LuxWall CEO Scott Thomsen said: “This recent funding represents a significant milestone and we’re delighted to welcome the support from this team of investor titans from the climate and built environment world.”
Christian Jolck, partner and co-founder of 2150 said, “LuxWall’s Net Zero Glass presents an innovative solution worthy of the 21st century and we couldn’t be more excited to support Scott and his team with decades of industrial experience innovating the glass industry on this journey.