Energy Consumption Characteristics and User Perceptions of Wooden Public Buildings in Jinju City

Ji-Hyeon Seo; Han-Seo Yu; Su-Jeong Sim; Dae-Yeong Kim; Chang-Heon Cheong

doi:10.21086/ksles.2026.2.33.1.029

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2026 Vol.33, Issue 1 Preview Page Next Page

Research Article

Energy Consumption Characteristics and User Perceptions of Wooden Public Buildings in Jinju City 진주시 목조 공공건축물의 에너지 소비특성 및 사용자 인식 조사

28 February 2026. pp. 29-40

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Abstract

As South Korea pursues its carbon neutral goals, interest in sustainable construction materials and energy-efficient buildings continues to grow. Wood, known for its low carbon footprint and strong thermal insulation, has emerged as a promising alternative. Since 2018, Jinju City in Gyeongsangnam-do has promoted itself as a “wood-friendly city,” encouraging the use of wood in public buildings. This study examines the energy efficiency and user satisfaction of five wooden public buildings in Jinju, mainly used as local community facilities. The research consists of two stages: a quantitative comparison of energy consumption with similar non-wood buildings, and a qualitative evaluation through on-site observation and interviews. Energy performance was assessed using Energy Use Intensity (EUI, kWh/m²·yr). The results indicate two key findings. First, smaller wooden buildings tend to show higher and more variable EUI values, suggesting that differences arise from operational characteristics rather than the inherent properties of wood. However, limited sample size and data availability highlight the need for further research. Second, satisfaction surveys involving 20 users and managers revealed that wooden buildings offer higher psychological comfort and a warmer atmosphere than concrete buildings, though concerns remain regarding pests, humidity, fire safety, and maintenance. The study suggests that technical improvements, stable funding, and consistent policy support are essential to ensure the sustainable development of wooden public architecture.

Keywords

Wooden architecture

Public buildings

Energy efficiency

Jinju City

User Perception

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Publisher(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Journal Title :Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System
Journal Title(Ko) :한국생활환경학회
Volume : 33
No :1
Pages :29-40
Received Date : 2025-12-22
Revised Date : 2026-02-14
Accepted Date : 2026-02-21
DOI :https://doi.org/10.21086/ksles.2026.2.33.1.029

Journal of The Korean Society of Living Environmental System ISSN:1226-1289(Print) 한국생활환경학회

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