An international team of scientists has developed a biodegradable material that could slash global energy consumption without using any electricity, according to a new study published today.

The bioplastic metafilm—that can be applied to buildings, equipment and other surfaces—passively cools temperatures by as much as 9.2°C during peak sunlight and reflects almost 99% of the sun’s rays.

Developed by researchers from Zhengzhou University in China and the University of South Australia (UniSA), the new film is a sustainable and long-lasting material that could reduce building energy consumption by up to 20% a year in some of the world’s hottest cities.