Samsung Display announced on the 22nd that its new building, Samsung Display Research (SDR), in Giheung-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, completed last year, has obtained the highest grade of platinum in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification system operated by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
LEED is a widely used green building certification system globally. It evaluates various criteria, including energy efficiency of buildings, water resources utilization, environmental impact of materials used, location, and transportation infrastructure, to assign grades.
SDR was highly praised for optimizing energy efficiency. It verifies data related to building energy use in real time and implements technology to optimize and enhance the operation status of the building from the design and construction stages. After comprehensively analyzing energy consumption, real-time indoor and outdoor environments, and energy expenses, it aims to enhance occupant comfort and reduce costs.
SDR also obtained the highest grade of 1st grade in the 'Building Energy Management System' (BEMS) certification system operated by the Korea Energy Agency, and received recognition for an energy efficiency rating of 1+ from the Korea Real Estate Board.
SDR received the highest scores in areas such as water resources utilization and sustainable land. It has a system for reusing rainwater and wastewater, and planted low-maintenance vegetation in outdoor parks to conserve water resources. Additionally, it mitigated the heat island effect and reduced heating and cooling burden through 'cool roof' construction using materials that reflect solar energy.
Samsung Display recycles waste glass generated during the display manufacturing process into fiberglass, and recycled fiberglass was also used as raw material for the pavement blocks used in SDR construction. More than 10% of the construction costs for SDR were used to purchase green building materials such as low-carbon ready-mixed concrete and eco-friendly insulation materials.
SDR also achieved the highest score in the materials and resources sector in the 'Green Building Certification System' (G-SEED) organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Ministry of Environment, receiving the highest grade.
Lee Gun-hyung, Vice President of Global Infrastructure at Samsung Display, said, 'The SDR, built with consideration for not only the workers but also the local community and future environment, embodies the aspiration to become a carbon-neutral landmark in the long term,' adding, 'Under the principle that 'environmental safety is the number one management principle,' we will strive to expand a comfortable, safe, and environmentally sustainable workspace.'