318 aging public buildings to get green remodeling for energy savings

The energy performance of 318 aging public buildings across the country, including the Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art and the Suwon Lifelong Learning Center, is set for a major overhaul.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced Tuesday it will provide green remodeling support for aging public buildings through its "2026 Public Building Green Remodeling 2.0" project.

Starting this year, the program expands beyond energy efficiency improvements to include climate resilience technology — equipping buildings to withstand increasingly frequent extreme weather events such as heat waves, heavy snowfall and flooding. Eligible measures include flood barriers, drainage systems, stormwater runoff reduction facilities, heat-resistant pavement and rooftop greenery.

The ministry also broadened the range of eligible building types to reach more of the public. In addition to the existing categories of senior centers and libraries, welfare facilities, vocational training centers and community shared facilities — larger everyday-use buildings — are now eligible for support.

The ministry accepted applications for 535 buildings through a public call in April, then selected 318 as final recipients after reviewing project feasibility, projected energy savings and regional impact. Senior centers account for the largest share at 217 buildings, followed by social welfare facilities at 31, elderly welfare facilities at 18 and libraries at 13.

The Suwon Lifelong Learning Center — comprising two buildings constructed in 1996 — will receive upgrades including replacement of aging wall insulation, windows and heating and cooling systems, as well as installation of an energy storage system. The Jeju Museum of Contemporary Art will be remodeled with dehumidifying ventilation units and wind-pressure-resistant glass. The Hwaseong City Dungjinarae Children's Library will introduce an AI-powered building energy management system.

Jeong Eui-gyeong, director general of the ministry's Land and Urban Affairs Bureau, said familiar neighborhood spaces such as libraries and exhibition halls refreshed through public green remodeling "are expected to serve as a catalyst for making green remodeling commonplace throughout our society."