Scientists have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to develop a groundbreaking material that can cool buildings without using electricity, offering a promising solution to reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs.
Smarter Cooling With AI
Researchers from the University of Maryland and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) used an AI-driven design approach to create a novel material that reflects heat while allowing infrared radiation to escape — effectively keeping interiors cooler.
By feeding AI models with data on the thermal, optical, and structural properties of thousands of potential compounds, the team identified a new combination of polymers and nanoparticles that outperform existing “radiative cooling” materials.
How It Works
The material reflects up to 99% of sunlight while radiating heat from the building back into the atmosphere. Unlike traditional air conditioning, it requires no electricity and works passively around the clock.
When applied to roofs or exterior walls, the material can lower indoor temperatures by several degrees, reducing the need for air conditioning and significantly cutting energy bills — particularly in hot, sunny climates.
A Sustainable Future
Energy used for cooling accounts for a large share of global electricity demand and carbon emissions. By reducing reliance on power-hungry air conditioners, this new material could play a role in combating climate change while helping households save money.
The research team believes the AI-assisted methodology could accelerate the discovery of other sustainable building materials in the future.
Next Steps
The team is now working on scaling up production of the material and testing its durability in real-world conditions. They envision commercial applications in residential and commercial buildings, especially in regions facing rising temperatures.
By combining artificial intelligence with materials science, the researchers have opened the door to smarter, greener ways to keep cool in a warming world.
