Worsening Climate Change and Air Pollution... 'Green Smart Shelter' Establishes Itself as an Important Space for Citizens
Citizens Respond Positively to Various Convenience and Safety Facilities Including Air Quality Monitoring, Purification, Heating and Cooling Systems, and Smart Kiosks... Winter Usage Rate in 2023 Increased by 35% Compared to Usual, 500,000 Visitors in One Month
As air pollution and climate change become increasingly severe, the ‘Green Smart Shelter’ that provides protection from fine dust, cold waves, and heatwaves is playing a crucial role in safeguarding citizens' safety.
Air pollution and climate change in South Korea have reached disaster levels.
According to the OECD’s “Economic Consequences of Air Pollution (2016),” the number of premature deaths per 1 million people in Korea is projected to reach 1,109 by 2060.
This is the only figure exceeding 1,000 among OECD member countries.
In particular, as of 2011, among the total fine dust emissions of 1,870 tons in Seoul, 45.8% came from road mobile pollution sources such as automobile exhaust particles and wear particles from tires and brakes, highlighting the severity of road pollution in Korea.
Along with this, the number of patients suffering from heat-related illnesses due to climate disasters is rapidly increasing every year.
According to the heat illness surveillance system operated by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency from May 20 to September 30 this year at about 500 emergency medical institutions, there were 3,704 heat illness patients during this period, a 31.4% increase compared to the previous year. This is the highest level since 2018.
Amid such air pollution and climate disasters, Dwelling’s ‘Green Smart Shelter’ has established itself as an important space protecting citizens’ safety and health.
This shelter is a space in downtown Seoul where citizens using public transportation can enjoy various safety facilities and convenience services while waiting for buses. It is equipped with continuous air quality monitoring and purification functions as well as state-of-the-art heating and cooling systems.
Additionally, through a smart kiosk, real-time bus operation and arrival information is provided, and smart displays offer brand content and public information for citizens to enjoy.
Smart chairs equipped with public free Wi-Fi and mobile phone charging functions are also provided, serving as a convenient resting place for citizens.
Besides serving as a protective shield against air pollution and climate disasters, it also plays a vital role in the local safety network.
The ‘Green Smart Shelter’ is thoroughly prepared for citizen safety with automated external defibrillators, emergency bells, and intelligent CCTV, and it is monitored 24 hours a day through its own control center.
In 2023 alone, it handled 95 emergency cases including crime reporting and prevention, lost property reporting, ensuring the safety of intoxicated individuals, and transporting emergency patients.
The role of the ‘Green Smart Shelter’ is expected to shine even more during the upcoming severe winter cold.
According to data on the increase and decrease of visitors to the ‘Green Smart Shelter’ in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, from December 4, 2023, to January 3, 2024, when temperatures dropped below freezing, the usage rate of this shelter was 35% higher than usual, with about 500,000 visitors during this period alone.
The ‘Green Smart Shelter’ has been operating at a total of 20 locations since 2022, including 14 sites on Dosan-daero and 6 on Hakdong-ro in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. In 2024, 20 new locations were introduced in Jung-gu, Seoul, including 11 on Euljiro and Sejongno, 3 on Toegye-ro, and others on Dasan-ro.
Jeon Jeong-hwan, CEO of Dwelling, stated, “The Green Smart Shelter has received great response and support from citizens, leading to continuous inquiries from local governments. We plan to faithfully carry out ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management and upgrade to more advanced facilities. After consultations with local governments, we aim to gradually expand and install these shelters throughout all areas of Seoul.”
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