MOU signed to expand zero-energy building adoption in apartment complexes; project aims to develop urban eco-friendly energy mix model
Seoul Energy Corp. plans to introduce a renewable energy system combining geothermal and solar power for approximately 1,700 apartment units in the Yeoksam district along Teheran-ro in Gangnam-gu.
The initiative aims to identify an energy combination suited to high-rise, high-density urban redevelopment sites in Seoul, with the dual goal of achieving zero-energy building (ZEB) ratings and reducing maintenance costs for residents.
Seoul Energy Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday with the preparatory committee of the Teheran-ro Yeoksam District Residents' Council, which is pursuing a private urban mixed-use development project in the area, to expand ZEB adoption in apartment complexes.
The agreement comes as energy performance standards for private apartment buildings are being tightened and the importance of renewable energy adoption and efficiency improvements grows. The government has applied ZEB Grade 5 energy performance standards to private apartment complexes of 30 units or more since June 2025.
The Yeoksam district project is working with geothermal specialist G&G Technology to introduce a geothermal heating and cooling system across all approximately 1,700 units in the complex.
Seoul Energy Corp. will examine ways to integrate additional renewable energy sources, including solar power. The plan involves using geothermal energy for heating and cooling while installing solar panels on rooftops and exterior walls to generate electricity.
From the design stage, the company plans to comprehensively review the complex's energy demand, architectural characteristics, technical feasibility and economic viability to propose an energy mix suited to the project's conditions. Through this process, it aims to support the energy performance improvements needed to achieve a ZEB rating.
Regulatory benefits tied to ZEB certification — including relaxed building standards and acquisition tax reductions — are also factors in the project's planning. According to Seoul Energy Corp., a ZEB Grade 5 certification allows building standards to be eased by up to 11 percent, with an acquisition tax reduction rate of 15 percent.
The agreement extends Seoul Energy Corp.'s ongoing building energy transition efforts. In May, the company signed an MOU with the Seoul Mok-dong 2 LH-Participating Street Housing Improvement Project Association in Yangcheon-gu, targeting ZEB Grade 4 through a combination of district heating, geothermal and solar energy.
The Yeoksam district project is drawing attention as a public-private cooperation model, as residents took the initiative in pursuing geothermal adoption while a public energy agency provides technical review and renewable energy integration support. Seoul Energy Corp. plans to use the project as a foundation for developing a "Seoul-type energy mix" model applicable to high-rise, high-density apartment complexes, and to strengthen the city's energy self-sufficiency.
"We will review renewable energy adoption plans tailored to the Yeoksam district's project conditions and energy demand, and work to develop an energy mix model suited to urban apartment complexes," said Choi Seong-woo, head of Seoul Energy Corp.'s renewable energy division. "Drawing on our technical expertise, we will contribute to improving the energy performance of apartment buildings and creating carbon-neutral residential environments."
Jung Tae-yong, chair of the preparatory committee for the Teheran-ro Yeoksam District Residents' Council, said the MOU with Seoul Energy Corp. brings the project a step closer to building an eco-friendly residential complex powered by renewable energy. "We will work to ease the maintenance cost burden, improve the living environment and enhance asset value, with the protection of residents' property rights as our top priority," he said.
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
