Busan City, South Korea is following the trend of sustainable building certification for apartments by selecting seven “2022 Green Apartments” to promote carbon-neutral living. The Green Apartment Certification System has been implemented since 2011 for apartment buildings with more than 150 units to reduce greenhouse gases in the non-industrial sector. The apartments are evaluated based on 10 items, including quantitative indicators such as electricity, water, and gas savings rate, recycling separation rate, and food waste reduction rate, as well as participation rate in various environmental programs.
The selected apartments will be awarded a certificate and plaque at the Earth Day event, along with a total of 12 million won to fund greenhouse gas reduction projects such as LED light replacement and tree planting. Furthermore, the city will provide free installation of mini-solar lights in the security rooms of green apartments, in collaboration with the Future Energy Industry Division of Busan City.
Sustainable building certification for apartments offers significant benefits to building owners, residents, and the environment. It enables building owners to attract environmentally conscious buyers or tenants, as well as demonstrate the building’s environmental performance. Sustainable apartments offer residents a healthier and more sustainable living environment, with improved indoor air quality and reduced energy bills. For the environment, sustainable apartments help reduce the carbon footprint of urban living and promote sustainable development.
From Singapore to Sweden, sustainable building certification for apartments is gaining popularity around the world. Singapore’s Green Mark Scheme, Germany’s Passive House Standard, and Sweden’s Miljöbyggnad system are among the pioneers of this approach and have been successful in promoting sustainable building practices. With the world grappling with the impact of urbanization and population growth, sustainable building certification for apartments is a crucial tool in promoting sustainable living and creating a more sustainable future for all.
