NanoMarkets strongly believes that smart window technologies will grow significantly in the coming decade on the basis of their ability to improve energy efficiencies within both the architectural and transportation sectors. Beyond energy conservation, smart windows also offer improved aesthetics and functionality. 

Materials and specialty chemical firms are a key constituency of the smart window supply chain, and the smart window market will be largely fueled by innovation in specialty chemicals and materials science. The major growth areas are electrochromic coatings and self-cleaning coatings. Thermochromic coatings will provide somewhat moderate growth opportunities for material suppliers. The market for electrochromic glass windows in particular is expected to almost quadruple to over $2.1 billion by 2017. 

Smart windows will further provide a growth platform for architectural glass manufacturers and window manufacturers. Already “pricey” architectural glass and window products can be sold at an incremental price increase, while providing valuable additional features such as energy savings with smart coatings on the windows and glass facades.   

For the construction and architectural side of things, NanoMarkets believes that firms that focus on LEED design and construction, and who adopt smart windows technologies, will benefit the most. As smart windows technology grows and pervades the marketplace, it will eventually become a required technology for LEED design and construction. Therefore, architectural and construction firms that are early adopters of smart-windows technology in their building designs will gain a sustainable competitive advantage for growing their businesses. 

Additional details about the report are available at http://nanomarkets.net/market_reports/report/smart_windows_markets_2012.