The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) has developed a “Digital Green Remodeling Platform” that utilizes AI and digital technologies to rapidly and accurately carry out green remodeling. As a result of diagnosing apartments over 30 years old using AI and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies, the consumption of heating and cooling energy was reduced by up to 43%.
The research team, led by Jae-Sik Kang from the Architectural Energy Research Division, developed this integrated digital platform technology, which is the first in Korea. It combines a digital database, automatic energy performance evaluation, and BIM design automation technologies. Addressing existing green remodeling shortcomings, this technology provides a one-stop service throughout the entire construction process through data-driven decision-making, step-by-step information connection and integrated management, and automation of design and simulation processes. It allows for the reduction of remodeling time to one-third by diagnosing the performance of old buildings, predicting energy performance post-remodeling, calculating optimal remodeling construction costs, and selecting appropriate materials. The platform enables achieving passive-level energy performance, offering a rational green remodeling service.
The newly developed technology was demonstrated on an aging housing unit in the first-generation new town of Ilsan from October 20 to November 30, 2024. Using digital diagnostic technology, on-site investigations were conducted, resulting in the replacement of old windows and doors with first-grade energy-efficient materials. Insulation enhancements were made with vacuum insulation materials for floors, ceilings, and walls, while active shading was applied to the exteriors of windows. According to an analysis using the nationally certified energy performance evaluation program (ECO2), primary energy requirements decreased by up to 43%. This demonstration showed that even 30-year-old public housing can be upgraded to an energy efficiency level of 1+ through digital green remodeling.