Carbon Offset Service and Design Guideline of Tree Planting for Multifamily Residential Sites in Korea

Abstract

Multifamily residential sites (MRS) are practical alternatives for securing a carbon uptake source in urban areas where hardscape is dominant, as trees must be planted in the lot area, according to the current landscape-related ordinances in Korea. Tree planting contributes to sustainability of residential sites through carbon reduction. This study quantified direct and indirect carbon reduction from tree planting in MRS in Korea and explored sustainable design guidelines to maximize the carbon offset service of MRS. The total annual direct and indirect carbon reduction through tree planting in all the MRS was estimated to be about 101.1 kt/year. This carbon reduction equaled 3.3% of the total annual carbon emissions from the heating and cooling energy consumption of multifamily buildings. This study considered both direct and indirect carbon reduction from trees in MRS which was insufficient in previous studies. The results of this study can be useful internationally by sharing the information of sustainable residential design in enhancing carbon offset service.