A Modified Energy Evaluation Tool for Residential Complexes in South Korea to Reflect Total Electricity Consumption

This study suggests a new method to evaluate the CO2 emissions from residential complexes in South Korea. The conventional method only reflects energy consumption for space heating, hot water, and lighting. The Korean government has mandated a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions from these sources to achieve the 26.9% national CO2 reduction requirement from the building sector. The modified method reflects electricity consumption for public use and total electricity consumption for private use. The suggested equation for public electricity consumption is established by analyzing the electricity consumption of 26 residential complexes. The results of the study can be summarized as follows: (1) the conventional evaluation method is appropriate for low-rise residential complexes and a 26.7% reduction in CO2 emissions is expected. (2) However, the conventional method cannot meet the national CO2 reduction goal in high-rise residential complexes. Only a 21.7% reduction in CO2 emissions can be achieved and a modification of the energy calculation method and CO2 reduction goal should occur.