Page 9 - Green Builder May-June 2018 Issue

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Green Building NEWS

The Latest on Sustainability and Renewable Energy UE researchers
Mercedes-Benz mix up stronger,

says goodbye to greener concrete

residential batteries

Despite early optimism, high costs New graphene composite could extend
lifespan by more than 100 percent.
have the automaker pulling the plug ESEARCHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER in the United
on home energy storage. Kingdom have developed a graphene-infused composite that can
make concrete stronger and greener, and potentially reshape how
ERCEDES-BENZ’S FORAY into the residential battery R buildings, bridges and other structures are built.
market is over in less than two years. The automobile The new material, created with nanotechnology, is twice as durable and
giant announced it is discontinuing manufacture of all four times more water resistant than traditional concrete, according to UE
M home solar storage batteries and dissolving its Energy researcher Monica Craciun. The inclusion of graphene also reduces the amount
Americas subsidiary later this year. of materials required to make concrete by about 50 percent, resulting in a
According to Mercedes-Benz spokesperson Madeleine Herdlitschka, significant reduction of carbon emissions.
the company is leaving the market because stationary batteries—a “Our cities face a growing pressure from global challenges on pollution,
variation of those for its automobiles—have proven too expensive to sustainable urbanization and resilience to catastrophic natural events,” Craciun
sit in someone’s house. “It’s not necessary to have a car battery at says. “This new composite material is an absolute game-changer in terms of
reinforcing traditional concrete to meets these needs.”
Dead battery. Exeter researchers believe the new technique could lead to discovery
Expensive of other nanomaterials that can be incorporated into concrete, further
production modernizing the construction industry worldwide. “Finding greener ways to
costs quickly build is a crucial step forward in reducing carbon emissions around the world
knocked and help protect our environment as much as possible,” lead researcher Dimitar
Mercedes- Dimov says. “It is a crucial step in the right direction to make a more sustainable
Benz out of the future for all concerned.”
residential
battery
market. CREDIT: DAIMLER/MERCEDES-BENZ ENERGY AMERICAS

home,” Herdlitschka told Greentech Media. “They don’t move, they don’t
freeze. It’s overdesigned.”
Mercedes-Benz began manufacturing home batteries in November
2016 with the goal of giving market leader Tesla a run for its money.
Unlike Tesla, which at the time lacked name recognition with its now-
popular Powerwall product, Mercedes-Benz had considerable market
power, particularly after partnering with photovoltaic rooftop giant
Vivint Solar in May 2017.
The company exits the market at a time when residential batteries CREDIT: OREGON DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
are finally becoming popular. GTM Research estimates that 2018 sales
could increase by up to 300 percent compared to last year.
Herdlitschka told Greentech Media that Mercedes-Benz will continue
with its electric vehicle program, which includes production of a long-
range EV beginning in 2019. But customers who also want home Rock solid. Researchers in the U.K. have unveiled a concrete hybrid that is
batteries for their cars will need to acquire them elsewhere. stronger, cheaper and more environmentally friendly than the basic
version used by construction crews worldwide.
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