The construction industry continues to be a hotbed of patent innovation. Activity is driven by an increased focus on environmental sustainability and workplace safety, and growing importance of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Net Zero. In the last three years alone, there have been over 27,000 patents filed and granted in the construction industry, according to GlobalData’s report on Innovation in construction: facade insulation. Buy the report here.
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However, not all innovations are equal and nor do they follow a constant upward trend. Instead, their evolution takes the form of an S-shaped curve that reflects their typical lifecycle from early emergence to accelerating adoption, before finally stabilizing and reaching maturity.
Identifying where a particular innovation is on this journey, especially those that are in the emerging and accelerating stages, is essential for understanding their current level of adoption and the likely future trajectory and impact they will have.
80+ innovations will shape the construction industry
According to GlobalData’s Technology Foresights, which plots the S-curve for the construction industry using innovation intensity models built on over 240,000 patents, there are 80+ innovation areas that will shape the future of the industry.
Within the emerging innovation stage, waterproof floor drains, adjustable width road pavers and construction 3D printing are disruptive technologies that are in the early stages of application and should be tracked closely. Floating breakwaters, self-healing concrete and building panel interlocking are some of the accelerating innovation areas, where adoption has been steadily increasing. Among maturing innovation areas are pneumatic door closers and embossed floor panels, which are now well established in the industry.
Innovation S-curve for the construction industry
Facade insulation is a key innovation area in construction
Facade insulation, also known as external wall insulation (EWI), is an indispensable construction method that significantly improves building energy efficiency and sustainability. Acting as a protective layer, it reduces heat loss, leading to substantial cost savings, while enhancing thermal performance for occupant comfort. Beyond energy efficiency, it mitigates environmental impact by lowering carbon emissions, contributes to building durability by preventing moisture damage, and offers benefits such as soundproofing and architectural flexibility. Recognized in building regulations, it aligns with sustainability standards and plays a pivotal role in modernizing existing structures. Continuous advancements in insulation materials and integration with automation systems underscore its evolving role in shaping the future of sustainable and energy-efficient buildings.
GlobalData’s analysis also uncovers the companies at the forefront of each innovation area and assesses the potential reach and impact of their patenting activity across different applications and geographies. According to GlobalData, there are 310+ companies, spanning technology vendors, established construction companies, and up-and-coming start-ups engaged in the development and application of facade insulation.
Key players in facade insulation – a disruptive innovation in the construction industry
‘Application diversity’ measures the number of applications identified for each patent. It broadly splits companies into either ‘niche’ or ‘diversified’ innovators.
‘Geographic reach’ refers to the number of countries each patent is registered in. It reflects the breadth of geographic application intended, ranging from ‘global’ to ‘local’.
Compagnie de Saint-Gobain is the leading patent filer in façade insulation in the construction sector. In September 2023, a subsidiary of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain was granted a patent application for a building material innovation. The invention pertains to a facade insulating system featuring an insulation panel made of thermal insulation material and an outer panel. When connected to a building wall, this system forms air channels between the insulation panel and the outer panel. The insulation panel incorporates protrusions on its second surface, designed to abut the outer panel, facilitating the creation of air channels upon installation. The fastening devices connecting the outer panel and insulation panel to the building wall include a distancing section with two bracket sections. One bracket section serves as a contact surface against the insulation panel, while the other defines a contact surface against the inner surface of the outer panel, establishing a distance equivalent to the height of the protrusions. This should improve the facade insulation.
Gebr Knauf and Valinge Innovation are some of the other prominent patent filers in this space.
In terms of application diversity, Dow, CertainTeed Gypsum, and General Electric have the widest range of patent applications.
By means of geographic reach, Signify, Precision Fabrics and Valinge Innovation are the most widely spread.
In September 2023, Dow was granted a patent for external thermal insulation composite systems, including a concrete or masonry wall and a multilayer thermal insulation board disposed on the concrete or masonry wall. The multilayer thermal insulation board includes at least one closed cell foam layer comprising polyurethane and polyisocyanurate having an open cell volume of less than 20% by volume and at least one open cell foam layer comprising polyurethane and polyisocyanurate having an open cell volume of greater than 80% by volume.
In September 2023, Dow secured a patent for innovative External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS). These systems are designed to enhance the thermal performance of structures and involve a concrete or masonry wall integrated with a sophisticated multilayer thermal insulation board.
The multilayer insulation board is a key component, featuring a combination of layers. Notably, it incorporates at least one closed-cell foam layer, meticulously crafted from a blend of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate. This closed-cell layer is characterized by an impressively low open cell volume, measuring less than 20% by volume.
In addition, the insulation board boasts at least one open-cell foam layer, also composed of polyurethane and polyisocyanurate. The distinctive feature of this layer lies in its high open cell volume, exceeding 80% by volume. This strategic combination of closed and open-cell foam layers contributes to the overall effectiveness of the system in providing optimal thermal insulation for concrete or masonry walls. The patent underscores Dow's commitment to advancing solutions that promote energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.
To further understand the key themes and technologies disrupting the construction industry, access GlobalData’s latest thematic research report on Construction.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData’s Patent Analytics tracks patent filings and grants from official offices around the world. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
