[2021 Asia Construction Awards] Building the Future of K Construction

Comprehensive Winners DK Urban Development·DL E&C·Booyoung
Advanced Technology and Eco-Friendliness Prevail in Construction Industry
Steadfast Pillars of the Korean Economy Despite COVID-19 Recession

At the 16th annual 'Asia Construction Comprehensive Awards' this year, the grand prize for the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Commendation was awarded to DK Urban Development, DL E&C, and Booyoung Co., Ltd. Hyundai Engineering & Construction and GS Engineering & Construction received the Seoul Metropolitan Mayor's Commendation, while five companies including SK Eco Plant, Daewoo E&C, Kumho E&C, Lotte E&C, and Hanwha E&C won awards in their respective categories. Hyundai Engineering was honored with a special award in the overseas construction category.

Asia Economy completed the judging for the 16th Asia Construction Comprehensive Awards on the 28th and selected and announced the distinguished winners who have brightened the construction industry this year. However, due to the quarantine authorities' policies in response to the spread of COVID-19, no separate award ceremony will be held this year.

The construction industry, which has a significant effect on economic growth and job creation, has long served as a driving force for the Korean economy. Last month, the number of construction workers exceeded 2.15 million, reaching an all-time high, contributing greatly not only to the public's living and safety but also to the regional economy. In particular, despite the spread of COVID-19, the construction industry is recognized as a strong pillar supporting the national economy.

This year's grand prize winners were mainly selected from companies that achieved remarkable results in new technologies, eco-friendliness, and win-win cooperation, reflecting the trends of the times. DL E&C was selected as the grand prize winner in the new technology and construction method category, and Booyoung in the eco-friendly category, both receiving the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Commendation. Additionally, DK Urban Development was selected as the grand prize winner in the developer category and received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Commendation. Hyundai Engineering & Construction was chosen as the grand prize winner in the win-win cooperation and mutual growth category, and GS Engineering & Construction in the eco-friendly architecture category, both receiving the Seoul Metropolitan Mayor's Commendation.

DL E&C was the first in the industry to introduce digital technologies such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to construction sites, managing the entire construction cost with big data to enhance quality and competitiveness in securing orders. In particular, it was highly praised for actively practicing a culture of win-win cooperation by providing partner companies with drawings integrated with big data and cost information collected through BIM to improve productivity.

Booyoung received high marks for its efforts in creating large-scale green spaces and developing energy-saving eco-friendly complexes in the housing project in Gwangju-Jeonnam Innovation City. This complex consists of 42.2% green space of the total area, about three times higher than the legal green space ratio of 15%. The large green space was developed into seven themed specialized gardens, including Seokgasan and ecological ponds. Additionally, energy-saving eco-friendly facilities such as solar panels and rainwater recycling were introduced.

DK Urban Development prioritizes the 'more evolved life' of people living in newly developed cities and is carrying out large-scale urban development projects centered on areas equipped with transportation infrastructure (super station areas) and basic facilities. Recently, it has pioneered the industry by launching an urban development brand with a resort city concept suitable for the non-face-to-face era, creating new living spaces.

Hyundai Engineering & Construction has built trust with partner companies based on 'compliance with fair trade' and 'support for mutual growth,' operating various win-win growth activities. Since last year, it has been paying 100% of construction payments in cash to partner companies performing domestic subcontracted work and supporting guarantee fees to help partners secure funds smoothly at the early stages of construction.

GS Engineering & Construction is enhancing global competitiveness through qualitative growth via eco-friendly management. It has been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) Asia Pacific for 10 consecutive years and received an integrated grade 'A' in the 'Listed Companies ESG Evaluation' announced by the Korea Corporate Governance Service (KCGS) this year, certifying it as a representative eco-friendly construction company.

Hyundai Engineering was highly evaluated for successfully pioneering various countries in overseas business orders despite the COVID-19 situation, including becoming the first domestic construction company to secure a plant contract in Poland, a European Union (EU) country, and received the Overseas Construction Association President's Award.

In addition, SK Eco Plant (eco-friendly), Daewoo E&C (win-win cooperation), Kumho E&C (brand), Lotte E&C (customer satisfaction), and Hanwha E&C (construction safety) were selected as winners in their respective categories and received the Asia Economy Representative Award.

The Asia Construction Comprehensive Awards hosted by Asia Economy were supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Seoul Metropolitan Government, Korea Construction Association, Overseas Construction Association, Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements, Korea Institute of Construction Industry and Economy, and Korea Real Estate Development Association.