Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
POSCO International conducts energy efficiency projects for underprivileged
Solar panels are set up by POSCO International at nursing homes in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, as a part of its social contribution projects. Courtesy of POSCO International
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
POSCO International is conducting major energy efficiency projects to help reduce the worries of the energy-vulnerable class, who are increasingly burdened by soaring heating costs, according to the company Sunday.
There are three types of energy efficiency improvement projects: cooling/heating efficiency improvement, support for solar power facilities and an employee electric inspection service.
The cooling/heating efficiency improvement program aims at supporting underprivileged households by creating better residential conditions. Since 2012, POSCO International has been engaged in energy efficiency improvement programs such as providing floor heating work and replacing old boilers and windows with new ones, especially by focusing on older houses in Incheon. It has helped a total of 444 households so far.
In Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, where the LNG terminal is located, the company has been supporting welfare facilities to become equipped with a solar power facility. A total of 39 welfare facilities, including Gwangyang Sarang Nursing Home and Jinsang Nursing Home, were supplied with solar power-related facilities and power generation monitoring computers, thereby enabling senior citizens and children to stay warm in winter without having to worry about heating costs.
"I was nervous when I thought about upcoming utility bills such as electricity," a social welfare facility operator in Gwangyang said. “With the support of POSCO International, I am very grateful to be able to provide a warmer space for children without worrying about heating costs.”
Electricity inspections that are conducted by POSCO International employees are also among the firm's key social contribution activities. Since 2012, POSCO International has been steadily providing electric inspection services, in which executives and employees visit households that require attention to carry out safety checks and replace worn-out wiring and circuitry.
Through these energy endeavors, target households and facilities can save 150 million won ($115,000) in energy costs each year. In terms of carbon neutrality, it also reduces a total of 690,000 kg of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equivalent to planting some 180,000 pine trees.
POSCO International's energy efficiency improvement project focuses on building infrastructure so that the underprivileged can become self-sufficient in the long term, rather than providing one-time cost support, the company stressed.