JOHOR BAHRU, 11 December 2016 – A sustainable smart home of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Eco-Home was officiated by the Chief Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Ybhg. Dato ‘Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang.
Sustainable Smart Home was built by a group of researchers and students led by Prof. UTM Dr. Muhd. Zaimi Abd Majid. The research group is involved from the Institute of Innovative Smart Infrastructure and Construction (ISIIC), UTM Construction Research Centre (UTM-CRC), Pusat Kajian Alam Bina Dunia Melayu (KALAM) and Centre of Electrical Energy System (CEES).
Also attending the launching opening ceremony were the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Ir. Dr. Wahid Omar and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), Prof. Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail.
Dato’ Zaini said that UTM Eco-Home project is a continuation of UTM participation in the competition of Solar Decathlon China (SDC 2013) held in Datong, China.
“The construction of Eco-Home is seen to be a platform for UTM researchers related to showcase their research. In addition, with the Eco-Home information and related technologies such as solar home construction, CTG and smart home technology can be shared and disseminated to the general public,” he said.
Built in an area of 1,450 square feet with the cost of RM 500,000.00, the UTM Eco-Home took a year to build, designed and built with sustainable features, complete with smart home technology and the use of energy regeneration system.
The UTM-Eco Home was built using interlocking blocks and reinforced concrete. Additionally, the smart sustainable home building structure was built using the products of university research.
“In addition, the UTM Eco-Home also uses Fast Track Wall System (FTW) that seeks to reduce the construction waste by 50 percent and 10-15 percent of construction costs.
“FTW System is a system that is in fashion because of the high quality produced by a minimal amount of labor. It is also an eco-friendly construction system for producing a minimum surplus and low carbon footprint, “he said.
This single storey bungalow was built with one bedroom equipped with a bathroom, a common room, living room, dining room and utility room Spur. With the construction of the concept of Small Office Home Office (SOHO), this house is seen to fit the commercial value in accordance with the modern life of Malaysians.
The UTM Eco-Home achieved its sustainability through energy efficiency. through the sustainable use of renewable energy and solar energy. Using the Photovoltaic Module – Hetero-junction (HIT) technology,  the UTM Eco-Home is able to generate power of 190W / m2.
“In order to achieve its mission and vision, the UTM Eco-Home also uses high-efficiency equipment to reduce electricity consumption and air pollution. The equipment can be controlled by the user by using the technology of Smart Home Automation (SHA) through the android system mobile phone or tablet,” he said.