Yangcheon-gu Completes Nation's First Zero-Energy Park Roadmap... Geumcheon-gu Geumbit Park to Undergo Major Transformation

[Seoul District News] Yangcheon-gu Advances Carbon Neutrality and Climate Change Response by 2050 with Zero Energy Park Roadmap; First Nationwide Plan for Zero Energy Park Conversion at Basic Local Government Level Takes Shape... Geumcheon-gu Holds Resident Briefing on 'Geumbit Park Open Plaza' at Siheung 1-dong Community Center on 18th to Transform into Resident-Centered Cultural Space... Yongsan-gu Distributes Eco-Friendly Box Garden Sets in 2022... Dongdaemun-gu Improves Environment of 34 District-Run Senior Centers for Spring

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yu Seong-hoon) will hold a "Geumbit Park Open Plaza Creation Resident Briefing Session" at 3 p.m. on March 18 at the Siheung 1-dong Community Center.

At this briefing session, based on the results of the Geumbit Park revitalization research project, the progress of the project and design details will be shared with residents, and the new appearance of the newly created Geumbit Park will be unveiled.

Geumbit Park will be newly designed with the motif of "Light of Geumcheon" shining throughout the four seasons. Geumcheon-gu plans to unify the overall color scheme, including the flowers and trees planted in the park and the pavement, and create various lighting atmospheres in the plaza according to the passage of time by utilizing natural light, lighting, and mist.

Additionally, the project will explain and gather residents' opinions on related matters such as ▲creating a connecting platform linking Geumharo and the plaza ▲creating resting spaces using landscaping ▲creating resident facilities using existing structures (autonomous crime prevention post, book caf?, exhibition space, etc.) ▲installing a tower vertically connecting the underground parking lot and Cloud Yard (natural playground).

Yu Seong-hoon, Mayor of Geumcheon-gu, said, "By newly creating Geumbit Park as the 'Light of Geumcheon,' which has been greatly loved by residents, we expect to improve the quality of life for residents," adding, "We will actively strive to make Geumbit Park a landmark as a representative outdoor complex cultural space in Geumcheon-gu beyond just a resting place."

Donggaeul Children's Park Solar-Powered Park Lights

Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) has established the nation's first "Zero Energy Park Conversion Basic Plan" to realize carbon neutrality by 2050 and proactively respond to the climate crisis, and will begin full-scale implementation this year.

Although the global trend is shifting toward carbon-neutral cities to respond to the global climate crisis, energy consumption patterns in parks still rely entirely on fossil fuels.

Accordingly, Yangcheon-gu started the "Zero Energy Park Conversion Basic Plan Project" in July last year, analyzing electricity usage in local parks and researching energy-saving and renewable energy expansion measures, ultimately completing the nation's first energy self-sufficiency roadmap.

With the vision of "Sustainable Parks, Sustainable Garden City," this plan aims to ▲contribute to national greenhouse gas reduction targets through carbon neutrality and climate change response in parks by 2050 ▲achieve zero energy use in parks and 100% energy self-sufficiency through energy cooperation ▲establish a zero-energy park foundation involving both public and private sectors to create parks that citizens participate in.

From 2022 to 2050, the project will be implemented in three phases over 10-year periods with a total investment of 4.22 billion KRW, targeting 165 parks, village yards, green belts, and the Anyangcheon stream in the region.

The operation methods include ▲replacing old electrical facilities in parks ▲installing renewable energy facilities such as solar power ▲producing energy using fuel cells generated from underground park sites, totaling three approaches.

The district plans to raise the current energy self-sufficiency rate of 0.07% (1,366 kWh out of a total annual consumption of 1,764,270 kWh) to 100%.

In the first phase (2022?2030), with a budget of 1.12 billion KRW, old electrical facilities in parks will be replaced and solar power installed, aiming for 51% energy self-sufficiency (540 MWh out of 1,760 MWh total energy use).

The second phase (2031?2040) plans to invest 1.4 billion KRW to sequentially introduce fuel cell projects, achieving 73% energy self-sufficiency (1,287 MWh out of 1,760 MWh cumulative total energy use).

Finally, the third phase (2041?2050) will invest 1.68 billion KRW to complete the fuel cell project, realizing 100% energy self-sufficiency (1,760 MWh out of 1,760 MWh cumulative total energy use). Through this, Yangcheon-gu aims to achieve zero-energy conversion for all parks.

Based on this, the district expects to reduce all fossil fuel energy use in parks, which was 1,764,270 kWh as of 2018, resulting in a budget saving effect of 5.42 billion KRW compared to the 4.22 billion KRW investment, and also generate a profit of 1.2 billion KRW.

Furthermore, upon project completion, it is expected to reduce 810 kg of carbon dioxide annually, significantly contributing to carbon neutrality. The district plans to expand the project to social welfare, sports and cultural, and educational facilities in the region to maximize its effects.

Kim Soo-young, Mayor of Yangcheon-gu, said, "We will not be satisfied with being the nation's first zero-energy park conversion project but will expand carbon reduction plans to various urban spaces to become a model carbon-neutral city and a sustainable garden city, Yangcheon-gu."

Yongsan-gu (Mayor Seong Jang-hyun) will begin recruiting applicants from the 16th for the "2022 Eco-friendly Box Garden Set Distribution" to expand urban agriculture.

Applicants include local residents and institutions or organizations within the district. Individuals can apply for up to 2 sets per person, and institutions or organizations can apply for up to 5 sets. Recipients must pay 8,000 KRW per set (20% of the cost).

The box garden set consists of ▲box garden ▲support frame ▲soil (20ℓ) ▲wheels ▲seedlings (8 seedlings) ▲stand ▲instruction manual.

The box garden measures 650 mm (width) × 450 mm (depth) × 750 mm (height) and features an automatic watering system. It has an external gauge indicating the water level in the reservoir, making it easy to know when to refill water and allowing worry-free use during long trips.

The support frame can be used for growing upward plants like chili peppers and cherry tomatoes and can also be used to install a greenhouse. The detachable wheels help move the planter. Seedlings include 4 green lettuce and 4 red lettuce plants.

Applicants can apply through the district office website under Participation & Communication, Residents' Opinions/Participation, and Urban Garden sections until the 25th. Residents who have difficulty applying online can visit the Job and Economy Division on the 5th floor of the district office or the nearest community center for assistance.

A district official said, "Due to prolonged COVID-19 restrictions on outdoor activities, demand for gardens among residents has increased," adding, "We have increased the number of sets by 230 compared to last year, preparing a total of 738 sets."

The district will conduct a computerized lottery and announce the selection results on the website on the 28th, with individual notifications sent to selected applicants. Selected applicants must pay their share by the 30th according to the guidance message. After confirming payment, the district will deliver the box garden sets to the addresses provided in the second week of April.

Seong Jang-hyun, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, "Originally planned to promote urban agriculture, this project has taken on new significance due to COVID-19," adding, "Gardening and nurturing companion plants will become a source of daily vitality."

Additionally, the district is promoting "companion plant distribution" for low-income seniors aged 65 and older to improve their mental and physical health and welfare, and "school garden creation" to enhance students' ecological sensitivity.

Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor Yoo Deok-yeol) will carry out environmental improvements for district-run senior centers in spring 2022 until April 30.

The district will utilize the period when senior center operations were temporarily suspended due to the spread of COVID-19 to maintain or replace aging facilities and support insufficient operational supplies.

Improvements will include wallpapering, flooring, painting, and electrical and gas facility repairs in 34 district-run senior centers, as well as replacing old items such as refrigerators, televisions, and sofas.

In addition, to prevent respiratory diseases among seniors and improve air quality, air purifiers and air conditioners will be inspected, and joint inspections with architectural experts will be conducted for leaks, cracks, and safety facilities to prevent accidents.

Yoo Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, said, "We aim to revitalize senior center operations by creating a pleasant environment through these improvements," adding, "We will continue to support senior centers to enhance the welfare and quality of life of seniors."

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