Energy Consumption Characteristics and User Perceptions of Wooden Public Buildings in Jinju City
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: As South Korea pursues its carbon neutral goals, interest in sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient buildings continues to grow.Wood, known for its low carbon footprint and strong thermal insulation, has emerged as a promising alternative.Since 2018, Jinju City in Gyeongsangnam-do has promoted itself as a "wood-friendly city," encouraging the use of wood in public buildings.This study examines the energy efficiency and user satisfaction of five wooden public buildings in Jinju, mainly used as local community facilities.The research consists of two stages: a quantitative comparison of energy consumption with similar non-wood buildings, and a qualitative evaluation through on-site observation and interviews.Energy performance was assessed using Energy Use Intensity (EUI, kWh/m²•yr).The results indicate two key findings.First, smaller wooden buildings tend to show higher and more variable EUI values, suggesting that differences arise from operational characteristics rather than the inherent properties of wood.However, limited sample size and data availability highlight the need for further research.Second, satisfaction surveys involving 20 users and managers revealed that wooden buildings offer higher psychological comfort and a warmer atmosphere than concrete buildings, though concerns remain regarding pests, humidity, fire safety, and maintenance.The study suggests that technical improvements, stable funding, and consistent policy support are essential to ensure the sustainable development of wooden public architecture.
Source: 한국생활환경학회지
Authors: Ji-Hyeon Seo, Han-Seo Yu, Su-Jeong Sim, Dae-Yeong Kim, Chang-Heon Cheong
Institution: Gyeongsang National University
Language: English
Subfield: Building and Construction
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7135041304