In the future, the minimum certification level for zero-energy buildings that must be obtained when constructing public buildings will be raised. For outdated public buildings, the promotion of green remodeling will be gradually mandated. Energy-saving design standards will also be strengthened for private buildings with a total floor area of over 1,000 square meters.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 1st that it had finalized and officially announced the '3rd Basic Plan for Green Buildings (2025-2029)', aimed at responding to climate crises and achieving carbon neutrality.
The Basic Plan for Green Buildings is a legal plan established every five years under the 'Act on the Promotion of Green Buildings' to foster the creation of green buildings. The third plan is aimed at promoting the green building ecosystem, expanding green remodeling, increasing zero-energy buildings, and nurturing green building technologies, with four key strategies to promote balanced policies related to green buildings through cooperation between the public and private sectors.
Under this plan, the Ministry will integrate the 'Building Energy Efficiency Rating System' into the 'Zero-Energy Building (ZEB) Certification System.' Previously, to obtain zero-energy building certification, a building had to achieve an energy efficiency rating of '1++' or higher and then apply for zero-energy building certification again. However, going forward, with the simplification of the system, effects such as improved administrative convenience for applicants and a reduction in certification processing time (from 80 to 60 days) are expected.
The minimum certification level for zero-energy buildings that must be obtained when constructing public buildings will also be raised from the current level 5 to level 4. Additionally, through the revision of the 'Act on the Promotion of Green Buildings', the progression of green remodeling projects for public buildings will be gradually mandated. This aims for the public institutional sector to take the lead in achieving carbon neutrality targets for buildings.
The energy performance of private new buildings will also be enhanced. The Ministry will strengthen the 'Energy-Saving Design Standards for Buildings' for private new buildings with a total floor area of over 1,000 square meters. The aim is to improve the overall performance of domestic buildings and support the reduction of greenhouse gases through the strengthening of private design standards.
To enhance the consistency of green building policies with local governments, the Ministry plans to amend the 'Act on the Promotion of Green Buildings' to legally require the establishment of local development plans within two years after the national basic plan is established. Additionally, in the medium to long term, a methodology for quantitatively assessing the greenhouse gas reduction amounts of buildings will be prepared to allow for greenhouse gases to be sold in the market.
Jang Woo-cheol, director of building policy at the Ministry, noted that 'the 3rd Basic Plan for Green Buildings is a long-term roadmap for achieving carbon neutrality in the building sector' and stated, 'Starting with the integrated certification system for zero-energy buildings that was implemented this year, we will ensure that the basic plan is executed without any hitch over the next five years.'