The homes would use clean energy from sources such as solar and wind while maximizing the efficiency of energy use throughout the home.

As Koreans are becoming more interested in the concept of a "green home," expos are being held to introduce various types of eco-friendly buildings to the general public.

One presentation focused on using solar panels as part of a home's architecture a system known as Building-Integrated Photovoltaics, or BIPV. The linked solar cells replace the roof, windows and skylights of a building.

Aside from drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and utilizing renewable energy, this reduces the cost of building homes with integrated solar panels.

Other environmentally friendly and energy-saving home products were showcased, such as a space heater which burns wood pellets instead of conventional kerosene or liquefied petroleum gas. By burning wood, the manufacturer says energy consumption is reduced by as much as 50 percent, while the remaining ashes can be used as fertilizer.

In Europe, thanks to big government incentives, the construction industry is already quite environmentally conscious yet cost-effective. Attendees from abroad say Korea should consider its green home project in bigger terms rather than focusing only on energy. Korea's goal of green growth must be achieved through exchange of ideas and development in technology, between the government and industry experts, while also keeping the general public well-informed.

Arirang News