BY MOHD FARHAAN SHAH

The Nichias Eco Houses located at UTM Skudai campus in Johor Baru.

JOHOR BARU: Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), using Japanese technology, has revolutionised the property industry here by building two houses that save energy.

Institute Sultan Iksandar-UTM executive director Prof Dr Mohd Hamdan Ahmad said the Nichias Eco Houses were a joint research project between UTM and Hiroshima University with Japanese company, Nichias Corporation, funding it.

“We started out in 2012 where the houses were based on a model from Taman Mutiara Rini as we wanted to build a home that can save energy and give a cooler experience for the resident without having to use an air conditioner.

“After much research and studies, we installed insulation at several parts of the house where it helped make it much cooler without using an air conditioner,” he said.

He added that the insulation was by Nichias and that the company has allocated more than RM686,818 for the research.

Prof Dr Mohd Hamdan pointed out that Malaysia is expected to experience humidity due to the climate change, with many installing air-conditioning units in their houses to make it cooler for them but which will harm the environment.

He also added that the research is far from completed and that more studies were needed to make the Nichias Eco House friendlier to the environment.

“I believe that the research will be completed in two years time and we can then patent and publish it,” he said.

Meanwhile, UTM deputy vice-chancellor (research and innovation) Prof Dr Ahmad Fauzi Ismail said the research would help change how houses were being built in the country.

“It might be more expensive for the developers but in the long run it will be worthwhile as we will be able to reduce 20% of energy in our houses and save more on electricity bills,” he said.

Prof Ahmad added that once the study is complete, the university would need the help of lawmakers to change the country’s housing policy and make it eco-friendly.

“Our population has increased over the years and we must do something now to make sure that we are able to save the planet,” he said.