Partners to develop a zero-energy building Grade 5 certification model for apartment complexes using Han River thermal energy and other renewable sources
Seoul Energy Corp. and GS Engineering & Construction will collaborate on an energy-mix project aimed at achieving zero-energy building (ZEB) certification for private residential complexes.
The two companies plan to combine Seoul Energy Corp.'s expertise in energy design and operations with GS Engineering & Construction's capabilities in housing design and construction to develop eco-friendly energy models applicable to reconstruction and redevelopment projects in Seoul.
Seoul Energy Corp. announced Wednesday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with GS Engineering & Construction at the latter's headquarters in Gran Seoul Building, titled "MOU for the Expansion of Zero-Energy Buildings in Private Residential Complexes."
The signing ceremony was attended by Seoul Energy Corp. President Hwangbo Yeon and GS Engineering & Construction Architecture and Housing Business Division Head Nam Kyung-ho.
Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly review the introduction of renewable energy systems at Seoul redevelopment sites that GS Engineering & Construction won contracts for this year, including Seongsu Strategic Redevelopment Zone District 1. Those systems include integrated geothermal, water-source thermal and solar photovoltaic installations, district energy linkage optimization, and a building energy management system (BEMS)-based intelligent energy-mix solution. The companies plan to pursue phased on-site implementation following consultations with the relevant housing associations.
Exploring energy-mix options using Han River thermal energy for residential complexes
Seoul Energy Corp.'s energy-mix project is a customized model developed from the earliest planning stages of a residential complex. It analyzes site conditions and energy load characteristics to combine district heating, water-source thermal, geothermal and solar energy in an optimal configuration. The core objective is to achieve ZEB certification for apartment complexes by comprehensively weighing energy self-sufficiency, economic viability and resident benefits.
The company is particularly eyeing Seongsu Strategic Redevelopment Zone District 1 — which borders the Han River — as a primary candidate site, and is reviewing the introduction of a water-source thermal system that would recover heat from Han River water via heat pumps to supply heating and cooling to the complex.
Water-source thermal energy is a form of renewable energy that draws on the temperature characteristics of river water, which is cooler than the ambient air in summer and warmer in winter. Compared with conventional heating and cooling systems, it can cut energy costs by roughly 20 to 50 percent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Han River thermal energy is already used for heating and cooling in large Seoul buildings such as Lotte World Tower. Seoul Energy Corp. plans to consult with redevelopment associations to assess project viability and resident benefits before finalizing specific implementation plans.
The company also plans to expand its energy-mix project by identifying models that draw on a wider range of Seoul's energy sources, including sewage heat, in addition to Han River thermal energy.
At the ceremony, Seoul Energy Corp. President Hwangbo Yeon said the agreement was significant in that it would apply an energy-mix model linking various renewable energy sources, including water-source thermal energy, to residential complexes. "We will work together with GS Engineering & Construction to build a model that combines renewable energy sources suited to the conditions of large-scale redevelopment and reconstruction complexes, enabling us to meet the mandatory ZEB requirements for private residential buildings," he said.
GS Engineering & Construction Division Head Nam said the company would "strengthen the competitiveness of our eco-friendly premium residential brand through the partnership with Seoul Energy Corp. and proactively present differentiated green energy solutions for future urban redevelopment projects."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
