Z E M C H 2 0 1 2 I n t e r n a t i o n a l C o n f e r e n c e
iv
denotes other optional features such as building amenity and security systems, inclusive
design components and renewable energy technologies. In general, fabric and ventilation
heat losses are associated with building volume and envelop exposures whilst thermal
transmittance links up with materials applied to exterior and interior components.
Most of the net zero-utility-cost housing manufacturers typically in Japan have begun to
install a number of renewable energy technologies as standard features rather than options
based on their value-added, high cost-performance marketing strategy. The strategy itself is
far from new having been applied to a variety of end user products around the world. For
instance, although today’s automobiles can be produced with lower production costs than
those in the past, their selling price does not seem to be affected dramatically by higher
productivity. New cars are still generally regarded as expensive; nevertheless, today, a
number of items offered as standard in new cars, such as air conditioning, a stereo set,
airbags, remote-control keys, power steering, power windows and adjustable mirrors, were
used to be expensive options in older models. Clearly, the quality of newer models is much
higher than that of older models. The same is true for the housing industry. Quality-oriented
production contributes towards the delivery of high cost-performance housing in which high-
tech modern conveniences that are installed as options in conventional homes are available
as standard equipment (Se). In this context, the product subsystem (P) can further be
modified into the following conceptual model: P = f (v, e, i, o) + Se. In fact, Japanese housing
manufacturers mass-produce net zero-utility-cost customisable homes in which a variety of
housing amenities and renewable energy and environmental technologies (e.g. PV, air
source heat pump, micro combined heat and power systems, and energy monitoring and
control equipment linked to a large-scale lithium-ion battery) tend to be installed as standard
features rather than options. Despite the reduction of equipment choices, volumetric, exterior
and interior design components still remain substantial options from which the users can
choose so as to customise the end product.
In order to deliver ZEMCHs, the strategic balance between the optional and standard
features seems to be critical. The optional features may be provided with the aim to enhance
design quality (or customisability) that helps contribute to satisfying desires and expectations
of individual stakeholders. The standard equipment, on the other hand, needs to be installed
in buildings as it aims to exceed product quality whose levels can be adjusted in conjunction
with societal demands and requirements. The ZEMCH 2012 proceedings encompasses a
wide spectrum of hopes and fears around the design, production and marketing approaches
to the ZEMCH delivery and operation, and showcases some exemplars budding out in
different climates around the globe.
Dr Masa Noguchi
ZEMCH Network Coordinator
