[2020 National Audit] "GHP Emitting Up to 40 Times More Air Pollutants... Installed in Schools and the National Assembly"

GHP reference photo

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] Gas engine-driven heating and cooling systems (GHP) installed in schools and public institutions have been found to emit air pollutants up to 40 times the standard limit.

The Ministry of Environment does not classify GHP as air emission facilities, so there are no separate regulations such as emission allowance standards.

At the Ministry of Environment’s audit held on the 23rd by the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, the issue of GHP, which the government had promoted with subsidies, was brought to the forefront.

Rep. Ahn Ho-young of the Democratic Party pointed out, "Air pollutants from GHP are being emitted without any reduction devices," adding, "It has been revealed that GHPs distributed in the market emit pollutants ranging from twice to 40 times the standard limit."

The standard limit was arbitrarily applied based on the emission allowance standards for air pollutants under the Atmospheric Environment Conservation Act.

It is estimated that about 55,000 GHP units are installed nationwide in educational, public, and commercial facilities. The government has provided installation subsidies as part of its policy to expand gas heating and cooling systems. Because of this, public institutions including the National Assembly have actively installed GHPs.

However, the engines used in GHP are essentially the same products as those in internal combustion engine vehicles. Despite this, due to their small size, GHPs are not classified as air emission facilities and have no emission allowance standards, resulting in pollutants being released into the atmosphere without any protection.

The Ministry of Environment has not conducted emission inspections on GHPs either.

Rep. Ahn criticized, "While automobiles are equipped with emission reduction devices and inspected every two years, it is illogical that GHPs, which use engines similar to automobiles, have no regulations."

He further urged, "The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy should collaborate to establish standards and measures to reduce air pollutant emissions."

Rep. Roh Woong-rae from the same party also demanded, "Please take prompt action on heating and cooling devices that emit harmful gases."

In response, Minister of Environment Cho Myung-rae said, "We have recently started paying attention to this issue," adding, "Because the units are small and use gaseous fuel, it seems they were overlooked."

Minister Cho announced, "The government will stop mandating the installation of GHPs and introduce certification standards."