Executive Summary

The technologies encompassing “green buildings (GB)” is disclosed in 200 highly relevant patents till date. About 50% of these documents focus on materials and the rest relate to Energy systems, Designs and Integrated systems. The technical solutions disclosed point towards developing (i) resistant materials (water, chemical, heat and abrasion), (ii) protective coatings, (iii) materials that are light in weight bearing high strength, (iv) materials that can be manufactured at low cost and so on. The analysis lead to identifying white spaces (gaps). These gaps on one hand provide basis for further research and development on alternative materials, economic processes, unique products etc. On the other hand, manufacturers of construction materials, real estate builders, architects, utility providers etc. would find opportunities in the form of license providers, potential partners for technology transfer etc.

Concept of Green building & its significance

The concept of a sustainable building or green building is the outcome of a unique or novel design. The aim is to increase the efficiency of resources used (energy, water, and materials) by way of adopting new approachs. Green buildings are also aimed at reducing impacts on human health and environment during the building's lifecycle. This is achieved through better design, construction, operation, maintenance etc. The saving potential is maximum due to the reduction in solid waste followed by reduced use of energy and water (Figure 1) find out more>>

Objective and scope

Present investigation on "Green Buildings" analyzes technologies disclosed in patent literature and non-patent literature (commercial product profiles, materials, design related technologies etc.). The scope covering worldwide scenario is divided into three main segments, i.e., GB concerning materials, energy and design. The current patent tracker newsletter pertains to “Green Building - Materials”

Patenting activity (Overall)

The overall patenting activity covered materials, energy, design and their combinations in the form of integrated systems. About 50% of the patent pool relate to materials indicating the importance of alternative materials from the perspective of cost and environment. find out more>>




Approximately 60% of the patenting activity is carried out by companies followed by independent inventors
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Top companies/Geographical spread

Countries occupying top 5 positions in terms of patenting activity around green buildings include USA, Europe, Japan, Germany and Australia.

Five companies that top the list in terms of number of patents (from a list of around 120 companies) include JAMES HARDIE RESEARCH PTY LIMITED, BASF AK, ENGLISH CLAYS LOVERING POCHIN, GENERAL ELECTRIC CO and CORNING INC. view figure

Patenting activity (Green building materials)

Analysis of patent records pertaining to materials is carried out for fields such as product, applications, prior art problems solved and advantages envisaged. view figure

Benefits from GB materials

Majority of benefits disclosed in patents relate to (i) processes that are economical, (ii) products having enhanced strength and being environmental friendly etc. Some of these products are based on ceramics, concrete, coatings etc.
Patent activity by Companies is highest followed by independentinventors. The work carried out at universities and collaborations is minimal. Siginificant activity by companies and independent inventors hint number of opportunities for firms involved in construction, design and devleopment of green buildings view figure

Focus of research and development by individual groups comprising top companies, universities and collaborations is indicated to be around use of alternative materials, cost effective processes/products and enhanced benefits. view figure

Top 10 highly cited patents ranked on the basis of citation velocity (average number of citations counted in a year) relates to building products in the form of High density reinforced ceramic bodies, pre-casting concrete products, Glass fiber reinforced cements etc. view figure

Commercial Products

The concept of green buildings is adoptable to residential houses, corporate buildings, industrial buildings etc. and there are quite a number of products available in the market. However, finding out innovative products that are protected, understanding if there is an issue of infringement, identifying potential partners etc. is a challenge. A comparison of the technologies disclosed in patents and the product profiles collected from the market forms a separate section in the detailed report "Green Buildings-Materials" click here.

Some of the recent articles (non-patent literature) published focus on materials that are resistant to external environment, renewable energy systems etc. view figure

For contents of the detailed report on "Green building materials" click here...

About SciTech

SciTech Patent Art Services Private Limited is a technology firm offering patent services. SciTech offers search services for prior art, freedom to operate, validity etc.

SciTech specializes in technology landscaping and competitive IP intelligence. The patent maps created by SciTech help clients in taking informed business decisions. Researchers, technologists, business managers, lawyers, venture capitalists and technology transfer offices use SciTech's services regularly.

Upcoming patent trackers:

The subsequent patent trackers pertaining to Green buildings would focus on Energy and Design related patent activity.

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