MUJI’s energy-saving home renovations offer savings for young families

MUJI House’s renovation programme is tackling persistent energy inefficiencies in Japan’s residential sector. Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., the company operating the popular brand MUJI, launched this in part of the nation’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and shield households from rising energy costs. It forms a key component of the government-backed housing energy conservation campaign aimed at supporting families and young couples.

MUJI INFILL 0 was first launched in 2015 to address low thermal comfort levels in Japanese housing. The project has evolved into a comprehensive full-scale renovation programme. The latest iteration, MUJI INFILL 0 ZEH-level renovation, introduces enhanced insulation measures. Insulation thickness is increased by nearly 1.8 times compared to the earlier design, while high-performance inner sashes fitted with Low-e glass further improve thermal efficiency. Each property undergoes rigorous, government-mandated calculations to quantify energy performance improvements.

The project addresses environmental issues by significantly reducing energy consumption. Renovated properties can achieve up to a 38% reduction in energy costs relative to older energy standards. Over a decade, these savings can amount to roughly 1.18 million yen, demonstrating tangible long-term benefits for households. This approach not only eases the financial burden on residents but also contributes to national goals such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The programme is integrated into the Green Housing Support Project, which offers subsidies of up to 60,000 yen for energy-saving renovations. By targeting families with young children and younger couples, the scheme supports those most vulnerable to rising energy prices.

MUJI House’s strategy combines state-of-the-art insulation materials and advanced glazing techniques with a methodical evaluation process. This model of retrofitting older buildings is in line with global trends towards sustainable development and could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other markets. The transparent measurement of thermal performance ensures that improvements are both real and quantifiable. MUJI House’s approach is a novel solution in the housing sector.