A New Material Could Make Buildings “Sweat” to Stay Cool

Engineers have developed experimental building materials that mimic how the human body regulates temperature. These new materials: Absorb heat during peak temperatures Release stored heat when temperatures drop Reduce reliance on air conditioning Some prototypes use phase-change materials embedded in walls or roofing that effectively act like thermal batteries. With cities facing intensifying heat waves, especially in regions such as Phoenix and Miami, passive cooling innovations are becoming increasingly urgent. Urban planners say buildings account for a significant percentage of global energy use — much of it tied to cooling systems. If scalable, these materials could: Lower electricity demand Reduce urban heat island effects Cut emissions Make homes more resilient during grid outages Sometimes the coolest technology… is learning from biology.