Thermo-regulative coating can lower 15% of cooling energy

DUBAI, UAE, 5 June 2022: Spectrum Lab, which is part of A.R.M. Holding’s portfolio, and produces architectural coating solutions, has worked to visually represent the key numbers behind a next-generation responsive paint, and its potential environmental impact over time.

According to A.R.M., the objective is to ensure building exteriors can be 100% reflective in summer and 100% absorbent in winter. The thermo-regulative solution is achieved through a coating – applied similarly to paint – which reversibly changes colour from dark to white at around 25-30°C, A.R.M. said. Furthermore, the coating’s optical performances are customisable, based on geography, climate, and client preferences and needs, A.R.M. added.

For the end user, this means that approximately 15% of cooling and heating energy is saved per year, lowering costs, A.R.M. said. In fact, the thermochromic coating leads to a payback period twice shorter than existing solutions at just 2.5 years, which is significantly lower than even solar panels, A.R.M. said. Consequently, Spectrum Lab’s solution offers a higher return-on-investment, and the coating will remain effective for more than eight years after being applied, A.R.M. claimed.

Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, CEO, A.R.M. Holding, said: “Intelligent, innovative and truly impactful, Spectrum Lab’s next-generation paint product is the future of architectural finishing. This World Environment Day, we’re aware more than ever of the role we must play in safeguarding the future of ecosystem – for our children, and every generation to come. This is the right product, in the right place, and at the right time.”

Zeynep Tulumen and Raphael Sanchez, Co-founders, Spectrum Lab, said: “Today, we observe a trending technology, called “cool roof” that is being adopted as a solution for increasing average temperatures of the cities, known as urban heat islands, and the accelerated global warming. However, cool roofs are engineered exclusively for hot climates, while in regions where both cooling and heating are needed, they lead to heating penalties. That is why, we are building a dynamic technology, which is able to adapt itself passively to the outdoor conditions for creating smarter cities that are energy and climate resilient.”

According to A.R.M., Spectrum Lab developed the architectural coating solution as an affiliate project of the Global Grad Show, a year-round programme for university graduates from across the world working on social impact innovation.