| 4. In which ways is the initiative creative and innovative?
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A new way in which this policy addressed the problem was with the direct involvement of individuals in low-income target groups in the project. By finding jobs in related areas or establishing/participating in social cooperatives or non-profit private organizations, based on their personal experiences with climate change problems, low-income individuals have contributed significantly to the development of energy welfare projects that address the needs of low-income groups.
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| 5. Who implemented the initiative and what is the size of the population affected by this initiative?
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The primary administrator of the policy is the Seoul Metropolitan Government, while actual administration was carried out by the SMG in cooperation with companies, civic groups and residents. House repair funds were given to 2,300 households, lighting was changed to LED lights in 2,400 cases, support was provided for the installation of 1,600 mini solar panels, and funding was provided for 10,000 sets of winter-use long underwear, 10,000 sets of summer underwear, and 200 insulation tents.
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| 6. How was the strategy implemented and what resources were mobilized?
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The energy welfare project was implemented by providing various types of direct and indirect support for low-income households. The characteristics of local societies, participating companies and recipients were taken into consideration.
The total budget size was approximately KRW 5.5 billion (January 2015 ~ December 2016) and was used in the following ways: approximately KRW 600 million was used for beneficial energy-sharing corporate activities and the Citizen Energy Welfare Fund, approximately KRW 2.2 billion for the Repairs of Hope project (KRW 1.2 billion in 2015, KRW 1 billion in 2016), and approximately KRW 2.7 billion for cultivating/selecting energy planners and energy welfare workers (KRW 15.75 million in 2015, KRW 11.55 million in 2016). The budget was secured through agreements between the SMG and private sector entities (participation in beneficial energy-sharing corporate activities, Citizen Energy Welfare Fund, monetary donations).
The target base of this project—low-income individuals—contributed by directly participating. A total of 180 energy planners and energy social workers have been trained (110 in 2015, 70 in 2016): these individuals are currently conducting inspections of energy usage and the living environments of approximately 1,300 low-income households and local children’s welfare centers that are in dire need of energy welfare. Energy-vulnerable individuals continue to contribute in SMG’s energy welfare projects in other ways too, providing energy conservation consulting services and various forms of housing repairs/construction.
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| 7. Who were the stakeholders involved in the design of the initiative and in its implementation?
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Government employees affiliated with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Citizen Energy Welfare Fund, the Seoul Council on Social Welfare, and the Beneficial Corporate Group for Energy Sharing (consisting of 27 companies and organizations, including manufacturers of heating/cooling devices, are currently listed) participated in project policy planning and execution. Seoul-based energy welfare planners and energy welfare employees are also key project participants.
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| 8. What were the most successful outputs and why was the initiative effective?
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①A housing repair fee was provided to 1,295 households in 2015 through Repairs of Hope project. A total of 1,050 households received support in 2016
②Approximately 2,400 lights in outdoor markets, local children’s welfare centers and low-income households were changed to LED lights.
③Direct repairs were made to approximately 100 low-income households (e.g. windshield, insulation, Cool Roof).
④Approximately 1,600 mini solar panels were provided to residents of rented apartments and low-income households in run-down districts.
⑤Funding was provided for 10,000 sets of winter-use long underwear, 10,000 sets of summer underwear, 200 insulation tents.
⑥A status survey was conducted on the living environments and energy usage of approximately 1,300 low-income households and local children’s welfare centers that are in dire need of energy welfare.
⑦In 2015, 50 individuals gained jobs in energy-related areas. Also, five local cooperatives, three social cooperatives and four non-profit private organizations were founded. All of these organizations are consistently contributing to the energy welfare of low-income groups.
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| 9. What were the main obstacles encountered and how were they overcome?
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The largest obstacle encountered during the implementation process was assessing how to provide support for low-income residents in different districts that was both appropriate and satisfactory for their various needs. This obstacle was overcome by expanding the degree of direct participation by citizens in the relevant districts. In addition, cooperation with organizations that were familiar with each local situation and well-known to local residents (e.g. local civic groups, rehabilitation centers and social cooperatives) made it easier to assess outstanding issues such as housing repairs and understand the levels of energy welfare required.
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