2024-05-01T08:03:40-04:00 https://archinect.com/news/article/150322956/unc-charlotte-architecture-professor-awarded-1-million-grant-towards-incorporating-algae-in-windows Niall Patrick Walsh 2022-09-08T10:02:00-04:00 >2024-03-15T01:45:58-04:00 <img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/f2/f20f373f14ff9793546f4c023dac981e.jpeg?fit=crop&auto=compress%2Cformat&enlarge=true&w=1200" border="0" /><p>A professor of architecture from the <a href="https://archinect.com/schools/cover/37119878/university-of-north-carolina-at-charlotte" target="_blank">University of North Carolina at Charlotte</a> has been awarded a <a href="https://inside.charlotte.edu/news-features/2022-09-07/architecture-professor-receives-1-million-grant-toward-commercializing" target="_blank">$1 million grant</a> for the development of windows that incorporate screens of <a href="https://archinect.com/news/tag/103274/algae" target="_blank">microalgae</a>. <a href="https://coaa.charlotte.edu/spotlights/kyoung-hee-kim" target="_blank">Professor Kyoung Hee Kim</a>, who has spent decades researching the topic, believes her &ldquo;biochromic windows&rdquo; will offer multiple environmental, economic, and health benefits.</p> <figure><figure><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/70/7074199a87dd00de8eb4346054f12b01.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"><img src="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/70/7074199a87dd00de8eb4346054f12b01.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=514"></a><figcaption>Image via <a href="https://www.ecoclosure.org/our-technology" target="_blank">EcoClosure</a></figcaption></figure></figure><p>The system is designed to reduce building energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions through "closed-loop regenerable technology." According to Professor Kim, the algae layer can increase energy efficiency and improve air quality, carbon capture, and renewable energy production. The tint and color of the algae can also respond to solar intensity and daylight to create optimal indoor conditions. </p> <figure></figure><p>Excess algae can be used to support domestic water heating or harvested and used in the development of food, fertilizer, cosmetics, and biofuels, according to Professor Kim&rsquo;s company <a href="https://www.ecoclosure.org/home" target="_blank">EcoClosure</a>. </p> <figure><p><a href="https://archinect.gumlet.io/uploads/8d/8d8beaa06e4fc5e2e2a879dce7db6aab.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&amp;w=1028" target="_blank"></a>&ldquo;Algae has very effe...</p></figure>