Seoul began implementing new measures Monday requiring major buildings to disclose their electricity use and expanding the scope of facilities subject to monitoring of energy consumption.

Seoul Metropolitan Government issued a municipal ordinance under which the top 2 percent of energy-guzzling buildings or locations are asked to make public their energy usage through an electric display board.

Some of the highest energy consumers, the officials said at a press briefing, are Seoul National University, COEX shopping mall and exhibition center, Lotte World theme park, and Samsung Medical Center.

The city currently monitors and evaluates 413 buildings that use more than 2,000 tons of oil equivalent of energy including city gas, oil and electricity.

The figure will likely increase to more than 13,000 places in 2013 when those using 100 kilowatts of electricity or more will be subject to monitoring and evaluation.

“It is not a punitive or mandatory ordinance but the city expects cooperation from the private sector,” an official said.

The owners of the buildings who contribute to the city’s energy saving efforts will be given a certification mark, a three to 15 percent exemption of property tax and a 20 to 50 percent reduction of environmental improvement charges.

For those who want to make their buildings more energy efficient, such as with insulation and light emitting diode lighting, the city will provide an eight-year-loan up to 1 billion won ($900,000) with a 2.5 percent annual interest rate.

The financial support has only been given to public sectors including public schools and welfare centers.

It is recommended that the temperature inside buildings that consume 100 kilowatts or more should be adjusted to the city government’s standards, the first of their kind adapted by a municipal government.

During the summer, June through Sept, the indoor temperature should be maintained at 26 degrees Celsius or above.

It should be 20 degrees Celsius or lower during the winter season, from Nov to March.

Residential buildings, factories and medical and welfare centers will be exempt from the rules.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)