District operates energy centers in 4 zones... Focuses on promoting Eco Mileage... Over 62,000 households, accounting for 35% of residents, enrolled in 10 years
[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangdong-gu (District Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) is placing energy consultants throughout the region and is focusing on promoting ‘Eco Mileage,’ a program that reduces greenhouse gases through energy saving in daily life.
‘Eco Mileage’ is a citizen participation program where mileage points accumulate based on performance when saving energy such as electricity, water, and city gas. If energy consumption is reduced by 5-15% or more compared to the average of the past two years over six months, 10,000 to 50,000 mileage points are awarded.
The accumulated mileage points can be used in various ways, including purchasing eco-friendly products, exchanging for traditional market gift certificates or mobile cultural gift certificates, and paying apartment management fees or local taxes.
Since 2009, about 62,000 households, accounting for 35% of the residents, and around 3,000 organizations in Gangdong-gu have joined as Eco Mileage members. Although the subscription rate is relatively high in Seoul, with 570 new members joining in just one month last February, the district plans to actively promote energy-saving participation targeting residents of newly occupied apartments and others.
In particular, the district expects the ‘Regional Energy Centers’ in each zone to play a significant role as communication channels with residents. The centers are located in four places for easy access by residents: Cheonho 1-dong, Amsa 1-dong, Sangil-dong community centers, and the Green Energy Division at the district office (Seongnae-dong). Energy consultants are stationed at each center to provide energy-related consultations. Upon request from homes and businesses, they conduct on-site diagnostic consulting and visits, and plan to operate energy consultation booths at resident events and educational sites in the second half of the year.
Lee Jeong-hoon, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, said, “Eco Mileage is a small but significant action to reduce greenhouse gases that cause global warming and respond to climate and environmental changes. We will lead a consensus among residents to spread an eco-friendly and low-carbon lifestyle culture and promote various energy policies that enable energy saving.”
Individuals and organizations wishing to participate in Eco Mileage can apply online through the website (ecomileage.seoul.go.kr).
For inquiries, contact the Green Energy Division of Gangdong-gu Office at ☎3425-5944.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
