Why Did Jungnang-gu Introduce the 'Eco Mileage Fine Dust Seasonal System'?

Establishment of Eco Mileage Fine Dust Season System Contributing to Fine Dust Reduction by Reducing Heating Use in Winter...Electricity Essential, Comparison of Energy Usage Registration for Two or More Among City Gas, Water, and District Heating Over the Past Two Winters

Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu (left), presented the Eco Mileage Excellence Group Award.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Kyung-gi) has established and implemented a special Eco Mileage fine dust season point system to raise public awareness that reducing winter heating usage at home can also contribute to fine dust reduction and to actively encourage participation.

The Eco Mileage season system is a policy that aims to lower the baseline concentration by implementing stronger reduction measures during the four winter months from December to March, when high concentrations of fine dust frequently occur, thereby reducing the frequency and intensity of high fine dust occurrences.

It is based on the fact that energy use such as heating increases in winter, resulting in higher average monthly fine dust concentrations and more days classified as ‘bad’ for fine dust, requiring more reduction efforts than other seasons. Special incentives are given to households that significantly reduce energy consumption to promote energy-saving campaigns among residents.

Members who register usage of electricity plus two or more of city gas, water, or district heating are eligible for an additional mileage worth 10,000 KRW if their usage during the four winter months is reduced by 20% or more compared to the average usage over the previous two years. Mileage can be used for donations, mobile gift certificates, local tax payments, or apartment management fees.

The current Eco Mileage system provides 10,000 mileage points for energy savings under 10%, 30,000 mileage points for savings between 10% and 15%, and 50,000 mileage points for savings above 15%, evaluated twice a year in the first and second halves. Participation in the Eco Mileage fine dust season allows for additional winter saving incentives.

Additionally, for businesses and organizations, the energy-saving evaluation period will change from the current biannual system to focused management during the four winter months (December to March) and four summer months (June to September), when energy use surges.

Companies, corporations, public institutions, welfare, and educational organizations in Seoul registered with Eco Mileage that achieve a greenhouse gas reduction rate of 10% or more will receive incentives up to 10 million KRW, which can be used for energy efficiency projects and asset acquisition costs.

Notably, Shinhyeon High School has been selected as an excellent Eco Mileage participant for three consecutive years, and three organizations including Mancheon Industrial, Hoyatex, and Emart Mukdong Branch have been selected for two consecutive years, contributing to greenhouse gas reduction and enjoying the dual benefit of replacing outdated equipment with the incentives received.

Ryu Kyung-gi, Mayor of Jungnang-gu, stated, “We are continuously promoting activities for energy-saving practices such as greenhouse gas diagnosis, Eco Mileage education, and operating Eco Mileage promotion booths at various festivals and events.” He added, “We ask for active participation and support from each household and workplace in the Eco Mileage fine dust season system to save energy and improve air quality.” For more information, contact Jungnang-gu Office Clean Environment Division (☎2094-2454).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.