[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]Citibank Korea (CEO Yung-gu Ha, www.citibank.co.kr) has been recognized by its implementation of sustainable design practices reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As from Nov. 18th, the renovation project of CKI Yeongdeungpo Br. has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design –Commercial Interiors (LEED-CI) Certification (silver) from United Stated Green Building Council (USGBC). This is significant achievement because it was nation’s very first certified project in the financial sector. This certification proves that the mission of Citibank Korea “minimizing pollutants and maximizing energy performance” meets the international standard for the sustainable building design.

USGBC developed LEED rating system as a means to define and evaluate green buildings by establishing a common standard of measurement. The LEED rating system is organized by core credit categories including Energy & atmosphere, materials & resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation & design process.

Green building practices at Citibank Yeongdeungpo Br. include encouragement of cycling by providing bike storage services and accessible facilities for showering. In addition, an automatic control system for the interior lighting and ventilation is operated by keeping the system turned off when no activities occur in the space, improving energy efficiency. Additionally, a great deal of attention has focused on utilizing and controlling natural daylight. This has optimized the energy use, the proper management of illumination level and improvement of the thermal comfort of people.