“Zero Energy” Housing

[Anchor Lead]

President Moon Jae-in visited Korea's very first "zero energy" joint housing unit where energy consumption has been drastically reduced through insulation work and the use of renewable energy. The visit is part of his objective to revamp the country's energy policies.

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President Moon Jae-in visited Korea's very first "zero energy" apartment building that has opened in Seoul's Nowon-gu district. The building uses renewable energy sources such as geothermal heat and sunlight as well as materials advanced in insulation and sealing features. This way, it can save energy consumption by as much as 61% compared to regular homes.

[Soundbite] Pres. Moon Jae-in : "Is there no chance of poor ventilation affecting indoor air quality?"

[Soundbite] Lee Myeong-joo(President of Zero Energy Housing Project) : "The ventilation device which supplies oxygen 24 hours a day all year round can be operated by relieving heat."

The 49 billion won project began construction in 2013. A total of 121 households have moved in including newlyweds and senior citizens. President Moon hailed the building as a role model of providing both housing welfare and energy welfare to the socially vulnerable.

[Soundbite] Pres. Moon Jae-in : "For such policies to be successful, many of these energy independent towns and apartment complexes should be built."

He said the zero energy apartment house has potential to step beyond energy independence and even develop into a town community, and expressed resolve to further foster these housing units.