Inaugural Address of the 15th President

Dear Members,

My name is Choi Chang-ho, and I am a professor at KwangWoon University. I am deeply honored to serve as the 15th President of the Korea Green Building Council (KGBC).

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt gratitude and deep respect to all KGBC members for your unwavering support and dedication. I also wish to express my sincere appreciation to the past presidents, advisors, consultants, executives, and staff members who have led this council with commitment and passion, overcoming challenges to shape KGBC into what it is today.

KGBC traces its roots back to the Green Building Research Group established in 1997 and was officially founded as a council in 2000. Since then, it has actively engaged in academic endeavors centered around experts from academia, industry, and research in the green building sector. By fostering communication among professionals in urban planning, architecture, and real estate, KGBC has continuously presented future visions in response to global climate change and for the sustainable development of humanity.

As a member of the World Green Building Council (WGBC), KGBC is recognized as Korea’s sole public interest corporation representing the green building sector. Our council actively participates in international exchanges with leading organizations in the global green building market, including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the British BRE, and the 18 national member institutions of the WGBC Asia Pacific Network. Through these collaborations, we share best practices in green building certification, industrial advancements, and technological innovations, driving progress in the construction sector and strengthening Korea’s global presence. Furthermore, KGBC collects and analyzes the latest global trends in green buildings, distributing valuable insights to members, academia, industry professionals, and government agencies. This initiative plays a pivotal role in supporting research, technological advancements, and policy development. To enhance communication and knowledge-sharing, KGBC publishes a quarterly web magazine that highlights member activities and key developments in the field. Additionally, we host a monthly forum open to all, providing an inclusive platform for knowledge exchange and professional networking. These efforts contribute to expanding the reach and influence of the green building sector.

Today, KGBC serves as a key hub that unites members in advancing sustainable architecture and urban development in Korea. By collaborating with professionals across various disciplines, KGBC continues to drive innovation in the green building industry. Each year, we organize the "Green Building Day" event, which presents the latest green building agendas, fosters camaraderie among members, and features lectures and seminars on cutting-edge technological developments. As part of this initiative, we host the Green Building Awards to recognize individuals, organizations, and buildings that have made significant contributions to the advancement of green building technologies and policies within government agencies, public institutions, research institutes, academia, and the private sector. Additionally, to foster a positive green building image and cultivate young talent, KGBC hosts the Architectural Environmental Facilities and Green Building Technology Contest. This competition provides university students with a platform to showcase innovative ideas in sustainable architecture and eco-friendly building solutions based on their academic knowledge.

During my tenure, I am dedicated to further solidifying KGBC’s position as Korea’s leading green building organization. In close collaboration with the 15th executive board, we will establish a mid-to-long-term roadmap, develop educational materials, and initiate research projects to accelerate the growth of Korea’s green building industry. We will also expand our efforts to promote green building technologies by organizing professional training programs on zero-energy buildings, green building symposiums, academic lectures, and various domestic and international conferences related to sustainable architecture.

I sincerely seek your continued support and collaboration in these efforts.

Thank you.

May 2024
Choi Chang-ho
15th President, Korea Green Building Council (KGBC)