STRATEGY OF POPULARIZING WOOD WINDOWS FOR ENERGYSAVING HOUSE: STANDARDIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT OFFIRE-PROOF WOOD IN JAPAN

摘要

The research of difference of window frames between Japan and Europe shows that aluminum sashwindows with higher thermal transmittance are popular in Japan and wood casement windows withlower thermal transmittance are popular in Europe. Popularization of wood windows for energysaving from houses is treated as one of the practical and effective means to reduce carbon dioxideemission in the sectors of commercial and residence against global warming in the comingcommitment period of Kyoto Protocol. Standardization by Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) anddevelopment of fire-proof wood are discussed as strategies to popularize wood windows. Thestandards of wood windows in Europe seem to have been prepared with schedule for thecommitment period of the Kyoto Protocol aggressively and strategically for sustainable development.Detail research of European Standards on wood windows reminds us the difference of climate andwood used for windows between Japan and Europe. According to the information, the research forstandardization of wood windows in Japan has just started since 2004 with weather test. Fire-prooffive-plywood made of Japanese cedar, whose each veneer is impregnated with incombustiblechemicals, is developed. Fire test is made by cone calorimeter for four natural woods and thedeveloped plywood. Although the natural woods cannot clear the conditions for even Class 3 fire-proof materials, the developed plywood clears conditions for Class 1 by Building Standards laws.