How to decarbonize the real estate industry? Korean & French Models

Smart cities are rapidly evolving by harnessing digital technology and urban development to create sustainable, efficient, and livable environments for citizens. They employ IoT, big data, and connected devices to boost energy efficiency, waste management, and urban mobility. From electric vehicles and EV charging to renewable energy production and intelligent lighting, smart cities aim to reduce pollution and energy consumption, ultimately striving for a cleaner, greener urban environment.

The ecological transition has become a major concern for real estate stakeholders. Faced with the climate emergency, it has become essential to decarbonize the real estate industry. This approach is crucial to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of building construction, renovation, and operation.

• Eco-neighborhoods: Eco-neighborhoods are urban projects aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of cities. They are designed to be energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and supportive of biodiversity. Eco-neighborhoods often feature renewable energy generation systems, communal gardens, and bike lanes.

• Positive Energy Buildings: Positive energy buildings are structures that produce more energy than they consume. These buildings are equipped with solar panels, heat pumps, and other technologies for generating renewable energy. They are commonly used for commercial projects but can also be adapted for residential developments.

• Smart Buildings: Smart buildings are connected structures that use intelligent technologies to optimize energy management. These buildings are equipped with sensors, temperature control systems, and lighting management tools. Smart buildings help reduce energy consumption and enhance operational efficiency.

• Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The real estate sector is one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions due to energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, etc. Reducing these emissions is essential to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement aimed at limiting climate change.

These innovative solutions are already implemented in many countries worldwide. However, their adoption in France is still relatively low. To accelerate the ecological transition in the real estate industry in France, it is essential to support the research and development of these innovative technologies.

FRANCE

France is home to four smart cities – Lille, Lyon, Marseille and Paris – with the country’s capital ranking second on the index. Paris has become a leading smart city due to its innovative traffic management systems and its network of sensors, which are placed throughout the city to help monitor noise levels, air quality and various other environmental factors.

In addition to these innovations, the government launched the “Paris Respire” (Paris Breathes) programme, to enforce car-free areas in some parts of the city on weekends and public holidays.

KOREA

Since the creation of the world’s first smart city – Songdo, 20 miles south-west of Seoul in South Korea – the principle has gathered pace. Singapore is arguably the leader, offering contactless payments for its 7.5 million users of public transport.

In just 10 years, South Korea has witnessed the emergence of an entire city, an ultra-connected, technologically advanced Smart City in the vicinity of Seoul. Specifically, it's a district of 610 hectares integrated into the city of Incheon. A model of sustainable and future development, its popularity, however, struggles to rise as expected. Let's introduce you to this smart city that hasn't generated the anticipated excitement.

FRANCE/ KOREA Together

In the past few years, we have seen French and Korean cities strengtening bonds. Issy Les moulineaux has twinned with Seoul/District of Guro, Tours with Suwon : When is the twinning between Paris and Songdo scheduled for?