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Green Government

South Korea unveils 1st zero-carbon govt building

By Johanna Morden | 17 June 2011

The South Korean government has unveiled the world’s first carbon neutral office building.

Costing about US$8 million, the project falls under the Ministry of Environment and it houses the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER).

The 2,500-square metre building features 66 different technologies, including solar and geothermal power sources.

It is located in Incheon Metropolitan City, Korea’s third most populous city.

The building began operations April this year, with the aim of lowering the carbon emissions produced by government bodies.

The NIER expects the building to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 100 tons a year, as well as saving US$100,000 in energy bills.

Lee Jae-Bum, an NIER Environmental Researcher, said the building employs passive and active systems to slash 40 per cent off energy consumption.

“First of all, passive technologies are to minimise heat loss such as super insulation and super windows and door,” said Jae-Bum.

Photovoltaic panels have been installed on the building’s roof to supply electricity, while solar and geothermal pumps are present to provide heating.

The building’s walls feature highly-efficient insulation and its triple-glazed windows allow for warmth in the winter and coolness in summertime.

The edifice is lighted by LED bulbs. Window blinds have also been programmed to automatically adjust light that come into the building.

On the other hand, the building also features active technologies, like such natural technology as geothermal heat, solar heat and sunlight to cut energy needs by 60 per cent.

“In South Korea, buildings are responsible for about 25 per cent of greenhouse emission,” said Jae-Bum. “Unless we cut this, it’ll be difficult to achieve our goal (of emissions reduction) and this is why the project to build this type of structure is very important in reducing emissions.”

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