Gwangju Seo-gu Launches Promotion of 'Carbon Point System' to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Published 20 Oct.2021 14:32(KST)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Shin Dong-ho] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (Mayor Seo Dae-seok) has actively promoted increasing the subscription rate for the Carbon Point System to reduce greenhouse gases at home and realize a carbon-neutral city by 2045.

According to Seo-gu on the 20th, the Carbon Point System is a method where households, schools, commercial facilities, and apartment complexes reduce their energy (electricity, water, city gas) usage, and points are calculated based on the reduction rate, with corresponding incentives provided.

Carbon Point incentives are given twice a year (June and December) to participants who achieve a reduction rate of 5% or more by comparing the average monthly energy usage over the past two years from the time of subscription, with a maximum annual payment of 50,000 KRW.

Incentives can be received in cash or Green Card points (only for Green Card holders), and if the payment type is selected as ‘donation,’ it can be donated to the Community Chest of Korea.

Previously, since the Carbon Point System was implemented in 2008, about 56,000 households in Seo-gu have joined and participated in energy saving.

As of the first half of this year, through the operation of the Carbon Point System over the past year, 11,676 tons of greenhouse gases (CO₂) were reduced, and incentives totaling 284 million KRW were paid.

Applications for participation are accepted year-round and can be made online through the Carbon Point System website, by visiting the Seo-gu Office Climate Environment Division or Administrative Welfare Centers, or via mail (fax).

If existing subscribers have changes in their address or other information, they must update their personal information to receive incentives.

A Seo-gu official said, “Since action is most important to realize a carbon-neutral city by 2045, we ask for citizens’ great interest and participation in the Carbon Point System.”