A Prioritized Strategic Green Remodeling Framework for Early Childhood Education Centers in South Korea

Abstract

Upgrading and renovating existing buildings to make them more energy- efficient and sustainable is one of the key drivers of fulfilling a nation's sustainable development goals (SDGs). Of the 17 SDGs, the provision of quality education and good health and well-being are two goals strongly associated with education facilities. This research aims to develop a strategic green remodeling (GR) framework for early childhood education centers in South Korea by specifically (i) identifying the key features and retrofit strategies of GR and (ii) comparing the energy efficiency of facilities before- and- after retrofit. Using the developed framework, 30 case studies comprising green retrofitted early childhood education and care centers across Gyeonggi-do and Jeollanam-do were investigated. Energy consumption data for the heating, cooling, domestic hot water, lighting, and ventilation services were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis and Wilcoxson signed ranked test. Overall, the comparative analysis shows that there was an average reduction in energy consumption, with 18 projects achieving more than 30% in energy saving, and that there was a statistically significant improvement in energy consumption for both heating and lighting features. In conclusion, by implementing the proposed framework. It could help policymakers, educators, and relevant stakeholders develop better- targeted retrofitting strategies and create a healthier and more sustainable environment for children and teachers.