Sydney researchers develop cooling coating that also harvests water

Sydney: Researchers at the University of Sydney, working with startup Dewpoint Innovations, have developed a paint-like coating that can cool buildings and collect water from the air without using electricity. The technology reflects up to 97 percent of sunlight and uses passive radiative cooling to release heat into the sky, helping surfaces stay up to 6°C cooler under direct sun. The development is being seen as a promising climate-tech solution for hot and water-stressed regions. For Pakistan, the coating could be relevant for urban buildings, housing schemes, and commercial properties by reducing air-conditioning demand, lowering energy costs, and improving heat resilience. If scaled commercially, could such smart building materials reshape future construction and sustainability planning?