Work

Prioritizing Carbon Emission Reduction Measures for the Redevelopment of Aging Planned Cities in South Korea: A Building Life Cycle Approach

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The redevelopment of aging planned cities in South Korea presents a significant carbon dilemma, balancing long-term operational savings against the immediate impact of embodied emissions from new construction. This study addresses this challenge by systematically identifying and prioritizing carbon reduction measures applicable across the entire building life cycle for this specific urban context. Following a comprehensive literature and case study review that produced an initial list of 28 measures, an expert panel of 21 South Korean professionals from academia, public, and private sectors was convened to evaluate their practical applicability and importance. The analysis yielded a final, prioritized framework of 23 measures. Experts strongly endorsed measures related to improving building envelope performance and enhancing energy efficiency, highlighting their immediate impact and feasibility. Conversely, several renewable energy systems and sustainable construction methods were rated lower, primarily due to concerns over high costs, low public acceptance, and prevailing technical constraints. By moving beyond a simple inventory to a prioritized, evidence-based framework, this research provides a clear and actionable guide for policymakers to make strategic decisions for low-carbon urban transformation.

Source: Urban Science

DOI: 10.3390/urbansci10050242

Authors: Sungjoon Kim, Hyungkyoo Kim

Institutions: Architecture & Urban Research Institute, Hongik University

Language: English

Topic: Sustainable Building Design and Assessment

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,930