[Ichijo Komuten] Highest Insulation Grade 7 Standardized in Main Products "Grand Smart" and "i-Smart"

Ichijo Komuten Co., Ltd. (President: Katsuhiko Makino, Headquarters: Koto-ku, Tokyo) will offer the highest rank "Grade 7" in the insulation and related performance grades under the Housing Performance Indication System as a standard specification for its two main products, "Grand Smart" and "i-Smart" (*1). This is available in all prefectures within its sales areas (*2). *1: This may not be applicable depending on the building site, plan, or adopted specifications. *2: Energy efficiency standard regional classifications 1 to 7. The insulation performance of a house is a crucial element that greatly impacts the residents' health, comfort, and utility bills. However, the insulation performance of many existing houses in Japan is insufficient, and health hazards such as winter heat shock and indoor heatstroke during summer have become social issues. Under the Housing Performance Indication System defined by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the insulation performance of houses is evaluated by insulation grades. In 2022, upper grades from Grade 5 to Grade 7 were newly established, significantly raising the standards for the energy-saving performance of houses. Among them, the highest grade, Grade 7, reduces energy consumption by approximately 40% compared to Grade 4, which was the highest grade until 2021. Furthermore, from April 2025, compliance with Grade 4 or higher will be mandatory for newly built houses, and it is expected that Grade 5 will become the minimum standard in 2030. Social demands for the energy-saving performance of houses are growing year by year. Against this background, we have made Insulation Grade 7 the standard specification for "Grand Smart" and "i-Smart". The combination of technologies such as high-performance urethane foam, triple-glass resin sashes, insulated entrance earth floors, and ultra-insulated entrance doors has made the highest grade of insulation performance possible. In addition to our proven track record of setting Insulation Grade 6, which exceeds the ZEH standard, as our standard, we utilized our integrated production system at our group factories to keep costs down while maintaining high quality, thereby realizing the standardization of the highest Grade 7 for the target products. The improvement in insulation performance not only prevents health issues such as heat shock caused by indoor temperature differences in winter and reduces the risk of indoor heatstroke in summer, but it also leads to utility bill reductions through improved heating and cooling efficiency. Breaking free from the conventional wisdom that "high performance equals high price," we deliver the highest grade of insulation performance to our customers. ■ Technologies that realize Insulation Grade 7 ・ "High-performance urethane foam" By utilizing urethane foam, which boasts approximately twice the insulation properties of commonly used glass wool, in all external walls, ceilings, and floors, we improve insulation and maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the house. ・ "Triple-glass resin sashes" For the windows, where most heat enters and escapes a home, we utilize high-performance resin frames that are less affected by outside air, along with triple-layered glass filled with argon gas. This eliminates the biggest weak point of insulation. ・ "Entrance earth floor insulation" For the entrance area, which is highly susceptible to external heat, we firmly pack insulation material under the earth floor to improve the insulation performance of the entire entrance space. ・ Ultra-insulated entrance door "DANNJU" In addition to innovations in the door body and glass sections, resin frames are used for the entrance door frames, which are typically made of aluminum. We have succeeded in minimizing heat pathways to the absolute limit, realizing overwhelming insulation performance. Grand Smart A comfortable indoor environment all year round, combined with the toughness to protect your family in the unlikely event of a disaster. "Grand Smart" combines the industry's top-class performance, which our company is proud of, with an elegant design. The exterior walls made of large tiles exude a sense of profoundness and dynamism, and the high-quality interior fosters attachment the longer you live there. It is a home to enjoy a rich and fulfilling life. i-Smart To be a living space that truly heals the heart. From exteriors such as external walls and windows to equipment such as the kitchen, and interiors such as doors and flooring, we focused on balancing beauty and functionality in every corner of the home. It is a smart design house that adds functional beauty to the industry's highest level of comfort performance.