Seoul has announced that it will intensively operate the “Building Energy Reporting and Rating System” from May to July. This system is designed to strengthen the total energy management of buildings, which are the main source of greenhouse gas emissions.
The “Building Energy Reporting and Rating System” is a system where public and private non-residential buildings self-diagnose their energy usage online and report it, after which Seoul evaluates and provides a rating based on this data. The system targets private buildings with a floor area exceeding 3,000㎡ and public buildings over 1,000㎡.
The report includes the electricity, city gas, and heat energy (district heating) used for the previous year, and Seoul analyzes this based on the building’s purpose and size to assign a grade from A to E.
This system was first introduced nationwide last year, with 4,281 out of 4,346 targeted buildings completing their reports, achieving a participation rate of 98.5%. More than half of the buildings achieved a rating of B or higher, and 18 buildings were selected as “Seoul Low-Carbon Excellent Buildings” for recognition.
For the 382 buildings that received a D grade or lower, consulting was provided to induce improvements in reducing greenhouse gases and energy consumption.
This year aims to expand voluntary participation from the private sector and encourage participation from other public institutions. Buildings with low ratings will continue to receive custom consulting for energy efficiency improvements and greenhouse gas reductions.
Reports can be submitted through the Seoul Low-Carbon Building Support Center’s website, and the rating results will be available in September 2025 on the same website.
Submissions and evaluations are available year-round, but to participate in the “Seoul Low-Carbon Excellent Building” selection, evaluations must be completed during the focused reporting period from May to July.
Jung Ji-wook, head of Seoul’s Eco-Friendly Building Division, stated, “About 68% of Seoul’s greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings,” and emphasized, “This system provides an effective means for buildings to self-diagnose their carbon-neutral status.” He added, “There are no penalties for low ratings, but rather opportunities for improvements through consulting.”
