With a novel technology, AkzoNobel and its Dutch partners are transforming building facades into active energy collectors. The ‘Solar Absorbing Wall Technology’ uses sunlight more efficiently than conventional materials and could significantly reduce the heating energy of buildings.
By Jan Nintemann and Jochen Siegle; Photo (stock image): Mohamed Nohassi, Unsplash
The innovative facade solution is based on a special coating from AkzoNobel that also absorbs energy from the wavelengths of sunlight invisible to the human eye – for example, in the near infrared (NIR). This turns the building envelope into a solar collector that stores heat and reduces energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency Meets Design Freedom
The building technology was developed jointly with the Dutch partners Emergo and TNO. It originally emerged as part of the EU research project ENVISION, which explores the energetic use of building surfaces.
A particular advantage: the coating works independently of the facade color – even light or white surfaces can absorb heat. This means that architectural freedom and energy efficiency remain in harmony. Initial pilot projects in the Netherlands show a reduction in heating energy requirements of up to 30 percent.
Contribution to Sustainable Construction
According to AkzoNobel, the technology helps to meet international sustainability standards such as BREEAM or LEED and reduce the CO₂ footprint of buildings. The company sees enormous potential, especially in densely built-up cities, where large facade areas of public buildings in particular remain unused.
Green Building in Focus of European Transformation
The topic of Green Building will also play a central role at TransformIT Europe 2026 in Brussels. There, companies, researchers, and political decision-makers will come together to advance digital technologies, smart materials, and sustainable construction methods that can collectively contribute to achieving Europe’s climate goals by 2050.
Innovations like AkzoNobel’s solar-absorbing facade technology show that the building sector – responsible for around 40% of global energy consumption – can become a decisive lever for a climate-neutral future.
Impetus for the European Building Sector
Trade media such as Elemental London and Coatings World evaluate the technology as an important element for decarbonization in construction. Through the combination of material innovation, energy efficiency, and design freedom, it could play a central role in the European Greentech and building transition in the future.
Sources:
- https://elementallondon.show/news/akzonobel-hails-potential-of-solar-absorbing-wall-technology/
- https://www.coatingsworld.com/breaking-news/akzonobel-unites-industry-experts-to-address-the-future-of-metal-packaging
- https://www.akzonobel.com/en/media/media-releases/akzonobel-becomes-exclusive-supplier-solar-absorbing-wall-technology