The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is initiating its low carbon building (LCB) program to create high energy efficiency buildings with low carbon emissions for one million old buildings as part of its comprehensive five-year climate action plan announced this past January.

This year, the SMG will renovate about 150,000 public and private buildings with large-scale investments, such as expanding the program scope, installing support centers, and establishing cooperative networks with related organizations and companies.

The LCB program plans to turn about 122,000 public buildings into low carbon buildings by 2026, and the city will then share new technologies and methods with the private sector. First in order for this year’s program implementation will be about 22,000 public buildings encompassing government buildings and public housing units to be upgraded into energy efficient buildings.

Old boilers and fluorescent lamps of 20,000 public housing units will be replaced with energy-efficient eco-friendly boilers and LED light fixtures, and the energy efficiency of senior centers and daycare centers will be increased by more than 30% for a more pleasant environment for users.

The SMG is also planning to cooperate with the Korea Energy Foundation (KEF) to conduct an energy efficiency improvement project so that 6,000+ low income households can receive energy assistance annually starting this year.

Furthermore, the city plans to enhance the perception of eco-friendly buildings and gain public support by developing a “Seoul LCB” brand identity for Seoul-certified low carbon buildings.

Seoul plans to actively work in collaboration with affiliated associations and organizations to reduce the overall citywide GHG emissions.