Aug 3 2009
Denver-based RavenBrick LLC has been selected to provide intelligent window technology for the new Research Support Facilities (RSF), which is currently under construction. The RSF is being built for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). RavenBrick's technology will enable DOE and NREL to save energy and cut costs associated with heating and cooling the building.
Selection to participate in one of the country's most innovative green construction projects is the latest in a string of major wins for RavenBrick. In July, RavenBrick completed development of its smart building materials which will be introduced to the industry at this year's GreenBuild conference in Phoenix. In June, the firm concluded a $3.5M private-placement round, and is now over-subscribing the placement.
"For two years we've been thoughtfully developing this innovative technology. With NREL as our first customer, we have a terrific proof-positive reference of the economical and environmental value of RavenBrick products," said Alex Burney, RavenBrick's CEO.
RavenBrick's patent-pending products use nanotechnology to create an intelligent window filter that automatically blocks solar heat when the outside temperature is too hot, while delivering solar heat inside when the outside temperature is cold. RavenBrick smart-window filters use no electricity, wiring or control systems. They can cut building owners' energy costs and consumption by as much as 50 percent. What's more, RavenBrick's smart-window filters make any interior space more comfortable by managing overheating on hot days, and significantly reduce drafts and cold spots on cold days.
"The essence of energy-efficiency isn't simply about being 'green' -- it's about cost-savings and smart resource use," said Erin Whitney, chromogenic windows testing coordinator, NREL. "Intelligent solar-managed windows are a simple yet effective way to reduce energy consumption while retaining our Rocky Mountain views and the architectural integrity of the building."
"Sustainable building technologies that conserve resources and increase the efficiency of a building should be our nation's first priority," said Robert Fenwick-Smith of Aravaipa, a leading green private equity firm in Boulder. "The potential for such technologies is highlighted by the fact that, in the U.S., constructing and operating buildings is responsible for 48 percent of the country's energy use, presenting the single largest energy conservation opportunity. Aravaipa is especially attracted by technologies that can be retrofitted to existing buildings, which is the largest, fastest and lowest-cost opportunity for increasing resource efficiency."