Korean ministry allots green technology certificate to POSCO for composite column construction technology

South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) have approved the concrete-filled composite column technology by POSCO. The Pohang-based steel-making company, POSCO will be allotted a green technology certificate as its concrete technology has been verified as environment friendly. 

In the construction industry, green technology decides the fitness status of constructed buildings. Green technology retains checks whether the construction ensures minimal harm to the environment, lesser toxic emissions, and energy utilization or not. 

It’s the Green Certification Review Committee’s role to identify candidates or companies suitable for green technology certificates in South Korea. The committee is overseen by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy along with a few other evaluation partners and ministries.  

Over the years, the Korean administration has supported more productive yet eco-friendly methods in construction sites. Since it enables a healthier setting, lowers the carbon footprint, enhances the construction business image, reduces the need for excess resources and delivers long-term sustainable results. 

Traditional construction process doesn’t hold much significance in the present age which is inclined towards sustainability. In recent years, South Korea has made investments in research and development space for green growth. The country’s investment in green technology crosses $408.65 billion in 2021. During that period, 115 green companies were successfully built. 

The Korean government sponsors Green Technology Center-Korea (GTC-K), a think tank that’s centred around facilitating results and development related to green technology across South Korea and also outside. 

POSCO initially came up with concrete-filled composite column technology in 2019. Back in the day, it was swiftly recognized for its efficiency by experts. This concrete-filling composite column method is a column built using cold-forming quality steel that ultimately benefits by improving compressive potency via the composite effect of concrete and steel.  

This POSCO technology reduces the amount of waste by 53%. By applying the concrete-filled composite column method construction agencies can save up to 59% on waste treatment costs. Compared to the reinforced concrete column, the POSCO technology degrades carbon dioxide emissions by about 47%. 

However, what awaited was a nod from the government for its eco-friendliness level which has been fulfilled now. The green technology certificate is evidence that the company’s concrete technology emits comparatively less carbon and pollution. 

The South Korean steel manufacturer along with its planning, procurement, construction, and operation subsidiary, POSCO Engineering and Construction (E&C) have switched reinforced concrete methods with the new concrete-filled composite column method for underground parking facilities. 

The construction industry is infamous for its harmful impacts on the climate. The South Korean government intends to rebound the negativity using its 2050 carbon neutrality policy. In the both short and long term, the government’s National Strategy for Green Growth provides a comprehensive policy framework for green growth. South Korea has sorted out 2% of annual GDP for supporting green growth programs and projects under its strategy. 

It is anticipated that POSCO will continue to expand the application of low-carbon construction methods and devote time to developing new similar technologies. Construction work can be quite disturbing for nature. 

POSCO and its concrete technology are cordial towards efficient usage and the environment. The company looks to transform not just the South Korean construction industry but plants and infrastructure as well.