The future of green remodeling captured in children's drawings

[Financial News] The idea of 'green remodeling'—renovating old buildings for eco-friendly reuse—unfolded on children's drawing paper. Preschoolers and elementary school students gathered at Sejong Lake Park and drew the neighborhoods and future that eco-friendly architecture could bring. The winning entries will be posted on the Green Remodeling Creation Center website next month.
According to the Korea Authority of Land & Infrastructure Safety (KALIS) on the 19th, the children's art contest for the 6th Green Remodeling Challenge was held on the 17th around Sejong Lake Park in Sejong Special Self-Governing City. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) and organized by KALIS. It aimed to help children learn about the meaning of green remodeling through play and develop an interest in eco-friendly architecture.
Activities for families were also prepared in addition to drawing. At the activity area, 'Green Village,' children took part in character-themed games and crafts, as well as safety activities. A stamp tour and prize event were also held, giving children and other visitors a chance to enjoy themselves together.
The contest was open to preschoolers aged five and older and elementary school students. The children freely put their visions of eco-friendly architecture onto canvas, choosing between two themes: 'The Green Neighborhood I Dream Of' and 'The Future Created by Green Remodeling.' The judging results are scheduled to be posted in November on the 'Green Remodeling Challenge' page of the Green Remodeling Creation Center website.
Green remodeling is a program that improves the energy performance of aging public buildings completed more than 10 years ago by installing insulation, high-performance windows, high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and other upgrades. MOLIT oversees the program, while KALIS carries it out; eligible facilities include public health centers, senior centers, libraries, and facilities related to children. Under the call for proposals at the end of 2024, central government funding covers up to 70% of project costs. The program was included among the flagship projects of the Korean New Deal in 2020, and 450 billion won in central government funding had been invested by 2021. Public and national childcare centers, public health centers, medical facilities, and others were among the facilities covered. An analysis of 76 sites included in the program in 2020 found that energy use fell by an average of 33.6%.
This year marks the sixth Green Remodeling Challenge. The third contest, held in 2023, featured six categories, including drawings and posters, promotional merchandise, promotional songs and user-created videos, and energy and greenhouse gas reduction. A total of 69 winning entries were selected.

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