The Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) announced on August 12 that it is spearheading the initiative alongside other major business organizations, including the Federation of Korean Industries, Korea International Trade Association, Korea Federation of SMEs, Korea Enterprises Federation, and Korea Federation of Middle Market Enterprises. 

As a relentless heatwave drives electricity demand to record highs, South Korea’s business community has banded together to launch an energy conservation campaign. 

The urgency of the campaign is underscored by recent power consumption figures. On August 5, electricity demand soared to 93.8 gigawatts, surpassing previous records and pushing the power reserve rate down to 9%.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy projects peak demand could reach 97.2 gigawatts this summer.

At the heart of the campaign is the “1-1-1″ energy-saving strategy for buildings: raise the temperature by 1 degree Celsius, turn off air conditioning 1 hour before closing, and switch off at least 1 light in unused office spaces.

The initiative advocates maintaining indoor temperatures at 26 degrees Celsius. 

Lee Dong-geun, vice chairman of the Korea Enterprises Federation, took to social media to urge companies to embrace these “temperature-conscious” practices, emphasizing their importance in the face of worsening climate change. 

The Korea International Trade Association and Korea Federation of SMEs are leveraging their websites to disseminate practical energy-saving tips through posters and infographics, calling for participation from trade companies and small businesses.

Lotte Group, known for its numerous large commercial buildings, is encouraging its 55,000 employees to join the campaign through corporate social media channels.

The KCCI is coordinating with 72 regional chambers of commerce nationwide to display “temperature awareness” stickers at building entrances. It has also distributed energy-saving guidelines to 110,000 small business owners. 

In a bid to crowdsource ideas, the KCCI has launched an energy-saving suggestion contest through its communication platform.

Additionally, on August 22, designated as “Energy Day,” member companies of the Entrepreneurship Research Team will participate in targeted actions such as maintaining air conditioning temperatures between 26 and 28 degrees from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and turning off lights for five minutes after 9 p.m.

Park Il-joon, vice chairman of the KCCI, emphasized the critical nature of energy conservation, especially given South Korea’s reliance on imported energy and the anticipated increase in power demand in the AI era.

“As economic organizations and businesses unite in this effort during a period of increased power usage due to the heatwave, we hope to contribute to the stability of power supply,” Park stated.

According to Koreabizwire.com