Energy Efficient Buildings with Algae

The biggest part of the energy consumption of buildings is for thermal comfort. Awareness on climate change and concerns about the depletion of natural resources made the necessity to use renewable energy sources in buildings evident. In this context, microalgae have high surface efficiency and consume inorganic carbon, thus enabling carbon-neutral operation. They can be integrated into building façades with photobioreactors to reduce energy demands. This paper aims to clarify and discuss the role of microalgal technologies in energy-efficient architecture. The thermal performance and energy generation properties of microalgae façades are comprehensively reviewed. The results show that microalgae provide dynamic shading and thermal insulation, thus have the potential to significantly reduce the thermal load and energy demands of buildings and increase the building performance. Consequently, besides the thermal performance of microalgae façades, evaluation of daylight, lighting, environmental and cost performance, technical applicability and aesthetics are necessary.