Seoul City Uses 80% of Building Energy Efficiency Loan Funds... 100% Support for Insulated Windows

Samsung Seoul Hospital Introduces District Heating and Water Source Heat Pump... Expected to Reduce Annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 10,000 Tons
44 Private Buildings and Homes Including Guro-gu Hyunil Daycare Center Undergoing Low-Carbon Building Conversion

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] Seoul City announced on the 12th that it has decided on the recipients to support 2.7 billion KRW, which is 80% of the 3.5 billion KRW interest-free loan fund for this year, as part of the Building Energy Efficiency (BRP) support project aimed at achieving one million low-carbon buildings.

According to Seoul City, the number of loan applications received so far has been counted at 44. Energy-intensive buildings are actively working on improving energy performance, so the overall energy savings are expected to improve significantly.

In particular, Seoul Samsung Hospital plans to introduce thermal energy following last year's district heating project, replacing energy facilities that have relied on fossil fuels with eco-friendly energy. The city plans to provide 2 billion KRW interest-free support for the introduction of thermal energy facilities, which is expected to reduce annual energy costs by 3.1 billion KRW once completed.

Guro-gu Hyunil Kindergarten received an interest-free loan to replace semi-noncombustible insulation materials in connection with the subsidy support project for fire safety performance improvement. Hyunil Kindergarten, opened in 1998 and currently serving 33 children, removed combustible exterior materials vulnerable to fire and replaced them with semi-noncombustible insulation materials through the building energy efficiency project, improving fire prevention as well as energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, starting from the 12th, Seoul City expanded the support limit for insulation windows, which account for 99% of the application items for old houses, from the original 80% to 100%. The support procedures will also be simplified. Additionally, a one-on-one customized consultation program with energy experts such as architects is being provided for old detached houses and small to medium-sized buildings.

Yoo Yeon-sik, Director of the Climate and Environment Headquarters, said, “We will actively promote efficiency improvements for energy-intensive buildings with high greenhouse gas reduction rates and induce simplification of procedures so that old houses can receive support benefits.”