The Carbon Neutral Basic Law has been passed by the National Assembly.

The official name is 'The Framework Act on Carbon-Neutral Green Growth for Response to the Climate Crisis'.

It stipulates the goal of carbon neutrality declared by President Moon Jae-in in October last year, and contains comprehensive contents such as establishing and implementing a national master plan to achieve this and establishing a climate response fund.



Controversy over the adequacy of the 2030 carbon reduction target (35% or more compared to 2018) specified in the Carbon Neutrality Framework Act has only just begun, but in a broad framework, the direction to a decarbonized society is an unavoidable urgent task. It's hard to deny that it happened.



It will have a huge change and impact on the lives of our citizens, but as of yet, it is difficult for citizens to find their role in the carbon-neutral debate, as they are biased towards huge discourses such as conflicts between camps over renewable energy and nuclear power and decarbonization technology.



<Catch up on Carbon Neutrality> attempts to examine the changes in our lives that carbon neutral policies will bring, the current reality, and the participation and practice of citizens from the perspective of consumers and citizens.

First of all, here are a few ways you can participate in carbon reduction in your daily life and get incentives.



Q. Do you participate in carbon reduction and get your money back?



A Yes, yes.

Several campaigns are underway to provide incentives for consumers to reduce carbon emissions in their daily lives, centering on Seoul.

In the case of Seoul Eco Mileage, which will be introduced below, there are about 2.22 million participants.


1. Eco Mileage

First of all, it is the eco-mileage system implemented by Seoul City. This is a campaign that returns incentives as much as they contribute to carbon reduction by reducing energy use at home. For two or more types of energy (required electricity, other city gas, water, district heating) every 6 months, if the amount of usage decreases compared to the average usage for the same period of the previous two years, incentives (gift certificate, card point conversion, apartment management) deduction, etc.)


If you reduce by 5-10%, you will receive 10,000 miles (equivalent to KRW 10,000), if you reduce by 10-15%, you will receive 30,000 miles (equivalent to KRW 30,000), and if you reduce by 15% or more, you will receive 50,000 miles (equivalent to KRW 50,000).




According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, as of July, there were 2225,000 people participating in the Eco Mileage program, showing that 20% of the total population participated in it, showing that the interest of citizens has increased.

This is a 6.2-fold increase from 360,000 in 2009, when it was first introduced.

About 23,000 citizens received 50,000 mileage twice each for 6 months, and enjoyed 100,000 mileage benefits over the past year.

You will learn that there are many smart experts around us who unknowingly join the energy reduction program to take the lead in practicing a low-carbon lifestyle and enjoy incentives.



Is this only for Seoul?

A carbon point system is also being implemented for other local governments across the country except Seoul.

Unlike Seoul, it is a method that provides points by individually measuring the amount of electricity, water supply, and city gas reduction.

When electricity is reduced by less than 10%, it is 5,000P, when it is less than 15%, it is 10,000P, and when it is 15% or more, it is 15,000P.

For city gas, it is 3,000 P when it is reduced by less than 10%, 6,000 P when it is less than 15%, and 8,000 P when it is 15% or more.

The level of incentives is far behind that of Seoul.

The carbon point system is in charge of the Korea Environment Corporation under the Ministry of Environment.



2. Car mileage

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is implementing a campaign to receive mileage instead of participating in carbon emission reduction by reducing the number of passenger cars.

Based on the annual passenger car mileage reduction by less than 10% compared to the previous year, 20,000 points (equivalent to KRW 20,000), 10-20% reduction 30,000 points, 20-30% reduction 50,000 points, 30% or more reduction 7 Only points will be provided as an incentive.

Separately, during the fine dust season management system (December to March), you will receive an additional 10,000 points if you drive less than 50% (1,850 km) of the average mileage in Seoul.



As of last year, about 130,000 of Seoul citizens' car owners signed up for passenger car mileage.

Of these, about 26,000 people successfully reduced their mileage by more than 30% and received 70,000 points, so they are really good car owners.


3. Affordable transportation card

Similarly, the thrifty transportation card implemented by Seoul City is a mileage system designed to reduce private car operation and increase public transportation use, but the method of earning it is a bit peculiar.

It is a method of accumulating mileage in proportion to the distance you walk with two feet rather than the distance you travel by bus or subway when commuting.




For example, if the distance you walk from your home to the subway station and the distance you walk from the destination station to your company are more than 800 meters, you will receive the maximum amount of mileage. Riding a bike instead of walking has the same benefits. If the one-time transportation cost is less than 2,000 won, 250 won will be credited. Currently, the fare for the basic section of the Seoul subway is 1,250 won. If you earn 250 won, you get 20% back. If the one-time transportation cost is 3,000 won or more, you can earn up to 450 won. However, if the walking distance excluding the public transportation section is 400 meters while going to work, you will receive only 50% of the mileage. In addition, you must use public transportation at least 15 times a month to earn mileage. When fine dust reduction measures are issued when fine dust is severe in winter, the mileage is doubled and paid.



The intention is to give relatively greater compensation as the motivation to use public transportation decreases as the walking section is longer during commuting to and from work. The reaction is hot. It was first launched in April, but more than 60,000 people signed up and this year's budget is running out. It's a pity, but it looks like we'll have to make an appointment early next year. For specific usage, you can see the information page by typing 'Fine-Through Transportation Card Mileage' on the Internet.