Air-conditioning systems gobble up about 6 percent of the electricity generated in America, raising emissions of greenhouse gasses in the form of carbon dioxide from burning power-station fuel. Not only that, but the refrigerants used in air-conditioning systems are also detrimental to the Earth. Two researchers may have found a possible alternative to wasteful air-conditioners. They have invented a film that can cool buildings without the use of refrigerants and without drawing any power to do so. The researchers estimate that if you placed 20 square meters of their film atop an average American house, it would be enough to keep the internal temperature at 20°C on a day when it was 37°C outside. Best of all, the film only costs around 50 cents a square meter.
Researchers found a way to keep buildings cool without air-conditioners
More of Today's Solutions
Cross generational friendships: how teens and elders are transforming their l...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Andrea Levitt, 82, was feeling lonely when she met Angelo Williams, 16, at a cookies-and-tea gathering in New ...
Read More3 essential exercise tips every woman should know, according to a sports jour...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Christine Yu, an award-winning sports journalist, is challenging the current quo in a male-dominated fitness sector that includes ...
Read MoreUse these 3 simple ocular stretches to help keep your eyes in good shape
Whether from a big workout, a long day at work, or a new activity, we've all experienced muscle fatigue. And like all muscles in ...
Read MoreWhat is the “motherhood penalty” and how can we get rid of it?
When discussing the gender pay gap, the idea that women take more time off after the birth of the child tends to come up. ...
Read More
