Zero-energy mass custom home research initiative

In response to today?s growing global warming issues and drastic hike of energy prices, house-builders and housing manufacturers are becoming keener on the delivery of net zero-energy sustainable homes than ever. Nevertheless, their business operation still tends to follow routines and the close system mode of operation often hinders them from exploring or adopting unfamiliar innovative building materials and approaches. The application of innovations including renewable energy technologies is, however, the key to the production of such homes. Japanese housing manufacturers has been at the forefront of mass-producing net zero-energy-cost homes. Accordingly, in order to stimulate conventional homebuilders and housing manufacturers, as well as government officers and housing researchers around the globe, knowledge transfer study visits to Japanese housing manufacturers? production and sales facilities were organised in 2006. This educational event was later called ?Zero-energy Mass Custom Home Mission to Japan? resumed in 2007, 2008 and 2010. Consequently, 4 industry participants were transformed successfully from conventional housing suppliers to early adopters of net zero energy/carbon emission homebuilders in their local contexts. Moreover, to enhance the industry-academia education and collaboration, the related research network was also established. This study showcases the significance of the mission that was aimed at putting the theory of organisational buying behaviour into practice in order for homebuilding professionals and researchers to pave the way for their further exploration and delivery of zero-energy/emission mass custom homes (ZEMCHs) in global contexts.