







































 Humanities and Social Science Research; Vol. 1, No. 1; 2018 

ISSN 2576-3024   E-ISSN 2576-3032 

https://doi.org/10.30560/hssr.v1n1p65 

 65 Published by IDEAS SPREAD 

 

Development Trend of Global Green Building Materials Industry 

Based on Patent Analysis 

  Ma Yanfei1, Zhang Zhenqi2 & Zhi Liping3 

1 Teacher of School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, China 

2 M.A student of Anyang Normal University, Anyang, China 

3 Ph. D of School of Computer Science & Information Engineering, Anyang Normal University, Anyang, China 

Correspondence: Zhi Liping, School of Computer Science & Information Engineering, Anyang Normal University, 

Anyang, China. Tel: 1-350-372-8754. E-mail: zhiliping1216@163.com 

 

Received: June 6, 2018; Accepted: June 27, 2018; Published: June 29, 2018 

 

The research is financed by the Henan Philosophy and Social Science Project (No. 2015CZH004) & the Training 

Scheme for Young Key Teachers in Universities of Henan (No. 2016GGJS-123) & the Key Project of Science and 

Technology Research of Education Department of Henan (No. 16A520040) & the Humanities and Social Science 

Project of Education Department of Henan (No. 2017-ZDJH-002) & the Soft Science of Intellectual Property 

Rights of Henan (No. 20170106026). 

 

Abstract 

Using the incopat intelligence platform, the development status of the current green building materials was 

analyzed from the perspectives of IPC technology composition, patent licensing, patent transfer, patent 

applications, and patent types. It is concluded that the global green building materials industry is unbalanced in 

development, and it is necessary to strengthen industrial exchanges and development between countries, to jointly 

promote and achieve a win-win situation; Despite the high number of patents in China, the patent translation rate 

of Chinese universities and research institutes is relatively low, and the government should establish a 

communication platform between industry, universities, and research institutes to gain an in-depth understanding 

of market demand, which would help to patent transfer.  

Keywords: green building materials; patent analysis; Incopat 

 

1 Introduction 

For the past few years, in order to seek new economic growth points and improve people’s livelihood, countries 

around the world have begun to invest more in infrastructure construction, and which requires a lot of construction 

materials, so green building materials technology is becoming more and more important(Hua Jian,2003:46). 

The difference between green building materials and traditional building materials is that green building materials 

are designed to use as few natural resources as possible, promote the use of renewable resources and recycled or 

recyclable materials, improve production technology, reduce energy consumption and reduce the impact on the 

environment(Li Xiangzhou,2000:51). Produce non-toxic, harmless or low-toxic products while meeting fire 

protection, insulation, noise reduction, dimming and anti-static functions of houses(Zhu Yuhua,2001:40). We must 

follow the principle of sustainable development so as to reduce the burden on the earth's ecosystem, realize the 

efficient use and recycling of resources, and provide guarantees for human survival and development. Promoting 

the development of green industries can stimulate green development and promote industrial transformation and 

upgrading(Shi Huisheng,2007:9). 

2 Data Sources and Patent Search 

We choose Incopat Technology Innovation Intelligence Platform (www.incopat.com) as source of the data, as 

incopat has a wide collection of patents, authoritative sources of data, and fast update speeds. This provides the 

latest and most comprehensive basic data for the analysis of patented technologies (Bai Shangping,2008:102; 

Zhang Mingqing,2008:151) . 



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This research was conducted on the incoPat innovation intelligence platform to retrieve and statistically analyze 

the patents of green building materials from 1999 to 2016 in Henan Province(Zhi Liping,2014:79). It should be 

noted that since the patents for inventions were applied for about three years from the time of application, the 

patents were entered into the database with some delay(Zhi Liping,2014:57). Only the data before 2016 are used. 

This article uses the statistical data from 1999-2016 (some of them within the last 40 years) as a sample(Zhi 

Liping,2012:113). 

In order to obtain more accurate search results, through the study of relevant patent documents, this article has 

determined the construction materials, building materials, structure, decoration, green, ecological, environmental 

protection, health, noise reduction, dimming, heat insulation, thermal insulation, flame retardant, fire prevention, 

The most relevant keywords such as antistatic, harmless, low energy, clean and recyclable. 

3. Patent Analysis 

3.1 Global Green Building Materials Patent Analysis 

 

 
 Figure 1. Annual Distribution of Global Patent Applications (1970-2016) 

 

Global green building materials-related patents were collected from incoPat's patent database, and global green 

building materials industry patent application trends from 1970 to 2016 were obtained. As shown in Figure 1, the 

patent application for the global green building materials industry has appeared since the 1970s. According to the 

number of patent applications filed in the world, the global green building materials industry patent applications 

can be roughly divided into three stages: the 1970s to the 1980s. The medium-term is the initial stage of 

development. The green building materials industry has just emerged, and the number of patent applications is 

relatively small. From the mid 1980s to 2005, it was a stable development stage. The green building materials 

industry has developed to a certain scale, but its progress has been slow; it has been a rapid development since 

2005. At the stage, the annual application volume of the green building materials industry has grown rapidly. 

Among them, the ranking of green building materials patents by countries and organizations around the world is 

shown in Figure 2. China (excluding Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan data) ranks first in the world in patent 

applications, up to 44,380, with South Korea and Japan ranking second. Three were 5358 and 3842 respectively, 

and South Korea was 12.07% of China. Canada and Australia are the 11th and 12th in the world, and the number 

of patent applications is only 0.73% of that in China. Overall, the development of the green industry in the world 

is not balanced, not only between the developed countries and the developing countries, but also among the 

developing countries. The development of the green building materials industry in China is far ahead of the rest. 

Other countries and organizations in the world. 



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Figure 2. Patent Applications by Countries and Organizations Worldwide 

 

As the country with the largest population in the world, China has a population of 1.379 billion (as of 2016), the 

third largest country in the world, and a large demand for housing and related infrastructure. It requires tens of 

thousands of construction materials. After the reform and opening up, the economy grew rapidly, national income 

and living standards gradually increased, consumption concepts and structures changed, disposable incomes 

continued to increase, and the green economy became the mainstream. Many conditions became the driving force 

for the development of the green building materials industry. 

The top ten global green building materials applications in the year are mostly developed countries or organizations 

related to developed countries, including Germany, the United States, and Japan, which earlier proposed 

environmental labels. The United States and Germany have high levels of economic development and high 

standards of living. There is a certain degree of emphasis on environmental protection and conservation; Korea 

and Japan, due to lack of resources, attach great importance to energy conservation and environmental protection 

as well as the rational use of resources, and have strong enthusiasm.  

3.2 Analysis of Global Green Building Material Technology Composition 

 

 
Figure 3. Trends in Patent Technology Composition of the Global Green Building Materials IndustryTable 1 

Table 1 Technical Composition Analysis Table 



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Table 1. 

IPC meaning 

E04B1/94 Fire Protection 

E04F13/075 For isolation or surface protection, for example, against noise or collisions 

C09D7/12 Other additives 

E04B1/80 Plate type 

C04B28/00 

 

B32B33/00 

Compositions containing mortar, concrete or artificial stone, such as polycarboxylate cements, 

containing inorganic binders or products containing the reaction products of inorganic and 

organic binders [4] 

 Laminated products characterized by special properties or special surface properties such as 

special surface coatings (surface irregularities or inhomogeneities in B32B3/00); not included in 

a separate large group, designed for special purpose Layered product) 

E06B5/16 Fire doors or similar closing devices; and their suitable fixing members 

E04B1/76 Specially used for insulation (general insulation into F16L59/00) 

C08K3/22 Metallic  

C04B28/04 Portland cement  

 

The trend of global patents for green building materials is shown in Figure 3. Larger bubbles indicate more 

quantities. E04B1/94 (Fire Prevention (Fire Prevention Into A62C; Immersion of Wood or Similar Material Into 

B27K; Fire Door Into E06B5/16)) Steadily Slow Growth Between 1999 and 2009, with the Development of 

Category Numbers in the Later Phases The ratio is greatly improved. The technical composition is represented by 

the IPC classification number. The top 10 IPC classification numbers (by group) are shown in Table 2, most of 

them (e.g. E04B1/94, E04F13/075, E06B5/16, E04B1/76) relates to functionalized materials, followed by mortar, 

cement, etc., and finally interior decoration materials. 

3.3 Patent Analysis of Green Building Materials in China 

 
Figure 4. Patent Applications of Green Building Materials Industry in China 

 

The number of patents related to green building materials in China was calculated from the incoPat patent database, 

and the number of patent applications for China Green Building Materials in 1999 was obtained. As shown in 

Figure 4, the growth trend of China's green building materials industry is consistent with the global industry growth 

trend. The annual growth rate of China's green building materials applications averaged 23.25%, the highest 

increase was 47.86% in 2014, and the lowest increase was 7.49% in 2014, showing a steady growth overall. The 

reason why the current good development status can be inextricably linked with national policies. In 1996, we 

established a sound environmental management system and issued corresponding evaluation standards. In the 

"New Action Plan for Green Buildings" announced in 2013, it is required to vigorously develop green building 

materials, establish a product certification system, and compile related product catalogues. In the same year, a 

coordination group for promotion and application of green building materials was established to jointly promote 

the use of green building materials in multiple sectors; 2014 The "Administrative Measures for the Evaluation of 

Green Building Materials Markings" was promulgated, and the meaning of "green building materials" was clearly 

defined and explained from various aspects. In 2015, the "Technical Guidelines for Evaluation of Green Building 

Materials (Test Operation)" was formulated, and 7 categories were formulated. Technical requirements for the 

evaluation of building materials products. The state has strengthened its attention to the green building materials 



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industry, improved the evaluation and management system of related products, used the influence of the national 

level to promote and apply green building materials, and promoted the standardized development of the green 

building materials industry. 

3.4 Analysis of Chinese Patent Types 

 

 
Figure 5. Analysis of Patent Types in China 

 

China's patents mainly include inventions, utility models and designs. The status of China's patents for green 

building materials is shown in Figure 5. Starting in 1999, the proportion of utility models and invention 

authorizations was comparable, and the appearance design ranked third. In 2007, the invention authorization 

exceeded the utility model, reaching a maximum proportion of 52.9%. The proportion of utility models began to 

rise in 2008, and the proportion of invention authorizations decreased by 2% each year. After 2013, utility models 

accounted for The proportion exceeds 50% and starts to increase at an annual rate of 9%. The appearance design 

grew slightly in 2010-2013, reaching a peak of 16.2% in 2010, and then remained stable at a level of 9%. 

It can be seen from the figure 5 that China’s patents for green building materials are mainly based on utility model 

patents, followed by inventions, and finally by appearance design. Compared to utility model patents and invention 

patents, the level of technological breakthrough is relatively low, and specific technical solutions are needed. 

However, they have high practical value, low application threshold, and low level of professional knowledge 

required. They are suitable for most people to try; the technologies needed for invention patents The high level of 

breakthrough is not limited to specific things and requires the mastery of professional knowledge and skills. 

3.5 Analysis of Technical Composition of Green Building Material Industry Patent in China 

 

Figure 6. Technology Changes Trend 



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The top 10 IPC classification numbers for green building materials patents in China (by group) are shown in Table 

3. Compared with the global green building materials industry, the key areas for development are roughly the same, 

and all are focused on E04B1/94, E04F13/075, and E06B5 /16, E04B1/76 insulation, fire and other functional 

building materials. 

According to the IPC classification number, the bubble of China's green building material technology composition 

trend is shown in Figure 6. E04F13/075 began a sudden growth in 2009, and then the growth rate tends to be flat. 

In 2012, C09D7/12 began to show growth momentum. More than 70%, then the average increase was about 30%; 

E04B1/80 began to develop in 2012, after a slight fluctuation; other areas of slow development, in its infancy. On 

the whole, there is a big gap between the development speeds of the fields and the development areas are too single. 

3.6 Analysis of Patent Application in China 

 

Table 2. Types of Patent Applicants in China 

Applicant type Number of patents 

enterprises 23736 

individuals 15700 

colleges and universities 4776 

scientific research institutions 1009 

organizations 102 

others 44 

 

As shown in Table 2, the applicants for patents for green building materials in China are enterprises, the number 

of patents is 23,736, accounting for 52.3%, followed by individuals, accounting for 34.6%; the third are colleges 

and universities, accounting for 10.5%; and the fourth is scientific research institutions, accounting for only 2.2%. 

It can be seen that China's patent applicants for the green building materials industry are scattered. The number of 

applications for each applicant is not enough. The main reason is that the scale of the company is immature. 

Enterprises account for more than half of the share because companies need to continue to innovate to create their 

own advantages under the trend of economic interests. Applying for patents can protect their own advantages at 

the legal level and not be infringed, and can achieve the goal of crowding out rivals to occupy market share; on 

the other hand, Government policy support can be obtained. Universities and research institutes accounted for only 

12.7%. Due to limited state funding, there are universities with higher levels of state subsidies, but fewer such 

universities can not support a large number of scientific research projects, resulting in a limited number of projects; 

more commercial enterprises The relationship between products and patents is closer than the relationship between 

research and patents, leading to the actual development of products more likely to be able to apply for patent 

Colleges and universities are more inclined to research and discover. The "heavy essay" has serious thoughts. As 

a result, the number of patent applications in universities and research institutes is small. 

 

 

Figure 7. Trend of patent transfer in China 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Transfer Number 1 6 5 32 18 30 54 74 133 161 231 260 311 396 528 707

License Number 0 0 0 0 0 2 55 108 86 101 87 84 65 91 23 0

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800



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As shown in Fig. 7, compared with the number of transfers, the development of green building materials patent 

licenses is severe. Before 2006, the number of patents for green building materials in China was 0, peaking at 108 

in 2008, and then began to fluctuate around 100. The number of patent transfers was also 10 in 2001-2006, and it 

began to increase substantially after 2007, reaching a peak of 707 in 2016. Compared with the number of patent 

applications, the number of patent assignments and licenses is negligible. Patent assignments and patent licenses 

can acquire their own required patents by way of transfer or license, which is more convenient and quicker. Patent 

licenses have a variety of licensing methods and are more mature, and the promotion of patent licenses should be 

increased. 

4. Existing Problems and Countermeasures 

From the perspectives of IPC technology composition, patent transfer and licensing trends, patent applications, 

and patent types, we analyze the current development status of green building materials and come up with the 

following issues and countermeasures. 

4.1 Problems 

1) Unbalanced Development of Global Green Building Materials Industry 

Developed countries such as Europe, the United States and Japan started earlier, and they have been in the leading 

position in the world for some time before. However, with the continuous development of the green building 

materials industry in China, relevant supporting policies have been continuously introduced, and the Chinese green 

building materials industry has begun to make breakthroughs, thus surpassing other countries. The country ranks 

first in the world. Although China occupies a dominant position in the number of patent applications, the evaluation 

and management system of related products is not perfect, and the production technology is backward, and relying 

on domestic support alone will take a long time. 

2) Low Patent Technology Conversion in Universities 

Institutions of higher learning and scientific research institutions have a large number of knowledgeable people 

who have received higher education. The state allocates funds for scientific research project activities each year, 

convenient knowledge and information networks, and good research conditions, but the number of patents that are 

truly commercialized each year Very little. The activities of scientific research projects, mainly universities and 

research institutes, have different purposes. Institutions of higher learning and scientific research units do not use 

economic efficiency as a research evaluation index. Instead, they use theoretical knowledge as their main approach. 

They usually end up applying for patents, and are not capable of commercialization alone. Therefore, they do not 

consider the market demand in advance, resulting in the inability to proceed. Accepted by the market, thus losing 

the economic value of the patent itself. On the other hand, in institutions of higher learning and research institutes, 

ownership of patents is classified as a unit and there is no perfect reward mechanism, which will dampen the 

enthusiasm of R&D personnel. 

The main research projects of universities and research institutes are mainly research and discovery. They cannot 

link the findings and achievements directly to related products. Since there has been no good solution to the issue 

of piracy in China, issues left over by history have caused most people to The awareness of patent rights protection 

is not strong, resulting in insufficient attention to their own research results, ignoring the importance of patents; 

on the other hand, due to the high cost of funds for scientific research activities, the national funds are insufficient 

to support relevant practical testing, resulting in only theoretical cannot be actually used. 

3) The value of Chinese patents is generally low 

Although the number of related patents in the green building materials industry in China ranks among the top in 

the world, the overall patent value is generally low. Only very few patents are of high value, and fluctuations in 

quality fluctuate greatly. It is easy to spend a lot of time and money, which is not conducive to green building 

materials. The stable development of the industry. 

4.2 Countermeasures 

1) The cooperation between China, Europe, the United States, Japan, and other countries should be strengthened 

to learn from the excellent management system of the green building materials industry; to strengthen the 

construction of transportation infrastructure and to shorten the distance between commodity markets; to introduce 

advanced products, to integrate market resources through market competition, To stimulate the development of 

the domestic green building materials industry; to encourage the establishment of joint ventures through the 

government's lead and policy support, and to absorb outstanding management experience; to encourage 



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universities and research institutes to conduct international academic cooperation, jointly research and solve 

problems, and promote multi-level exchanges. 

2) The government shall guide enterprises, universities, and research institutes to cooperate between industry, 

universities and research institutes to establish a fast and effective communication platform so that the R&D 

personnel of institutions of higher learning and research institutes can understand the market demand, conduct 

research on key areas, and develop new technologies. Technology can be transformed in time, scaled into 

production, and produce economic benefits. Institutions of higher learning and research institutes should establish 

corresponding assessment systems to link research and development with salary and job title selection, which 

greatly stimulates the enthusiasm of R&D personnel. Colleges and universities and scientific research institutions 

should strengthen their awareness of patent rights protection and pay attention to the economic value of patents. 

3) In view of the uneven quality of patents, China should establish an effective communication platform, be able 

to understand related patent information in a timely manner, avoid the waste of resources caused by secondary 

R&D, and integrate resources, cooperate with each other, and face common scientific research issues. Solve the 

problem. 

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