As Part of the ESG Master Plan
[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seoyoon] SK Gas is actively engaging in ESG management through coexistence with the local community.
On the 17th, SK Gas announced that it donated an urban forest of approximately 486㎡ (about 150 pyeong) in Godeok-dong, Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, near its business site, to Pyeongtaek City.
The urban forest, named ‘Haengbok Forest Garden,’ was designed with the concept of ‘harmony within various circular spaces’ to create a space where both Pyeongtaek citizens and visitors to Pyeongtaek can relax.
This Haengbok Forest Garden project is part of SK Gas’s ESG master plan activities for ‘ecological protection and urban forest creation.’ It was promoted to protect the ecosystem near the SK Gas business site and to create a forest to foster a clean local community environment.
Pyeongtaek is geographically and environmentally vulnerable to fine dust due to its proximity to China and the presence of large-scale industrial complexes. The Haengbok Forest Garden, planted with about 1,400 trees, will contribute to improving Pyeongtaek’s air quality and serve as a resting space where citizens can enjoy nature within the city.
The spatial composition and planting plan of Haengbok Forest Garden were carried out in collaboration with SK Forestry, Korea’s only afforestation company. The space was designed in a streamlined shape and consists of the ‘Perimeter Garden,’ ‘Log Shelter,’ ‘Hydrangea Garden,’ and ‘King Cherry Blossom Forest.’ Approximately 700 trees with high fine dust reduction effects, such as crape myrtle, burning bush, boxwood, and ninebark, were selected and planted. Additionally, colorful flowers such as silver grass, garden mums, lemon balm, and mountain azalea were planted by color to provide a rich variety of seasonal colors.
Furthermore, the garden management system ‘CODE.G’ was introduced to efficiently cultivate plants throughout the four seasons. Based on the Internet of Things (IoT), it automatically supplies the necessary amount of water by monitoring soil temperature and humidity. It can control key information needed for planting management, such as indoor and outdoor fine dust and harmful gas status, and weather information, and allows quick checking of growth status by section through a real-time control screen.
Going forward, Haengbok Forest Garden will be developed as an urban forest where local residents can take light walks and exercise, as well as a communication space where various experiential events such as festivals, gatherings, and performances are held.
An SK Gas official said, “We are pleased to help reduce fine dust, a long-standing concern of Pyeongtaek City, through the creation of Haengbok Forest Garden and to offer Pyeongtaek citizens a healing space and clean air. SK Gas will continue various ESG activities to achieve carbon neutrality as a ‘Net Zero Solution Provider’ by realizing social value through coexistence with the local community.”
Meanwhile, SK Gas announced its mid- to long-term comprehensive plan, the ESG Master Plan, last year and is expanding ESG management. Accordingly, this year, it has selected three main support directions: ‘Green,’ ‘Health,’ and ‘Vulnerable Groups,’ focusing on ▲environmental ecological protection and urban forest creation ▲local community specialized programs ▲regular volunteer activities by members ▲strengthening the social safety net through achieving zero hunger, and is carrying out activities across all areas.
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