Page 76 - U4SSC Case study Daegu, Korea (Republic of), February 2022

7.3.1 Recreation, green spaces and air quality

The review of Daegu’s performance starts with its efforts to green the city. With 45.40 per cent
of the city protected, Daegu has made great strides in ensuring that there is a balance between
the urban and natural spheres. Recreational facilities at almost 3m / person are at the top range
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of the benchmark and this shows that Daegu’s inhabitants are well served in this area. Air quality
considerations are a top priority for Daegu and its inhabitants, and air pollution is the largest single
environmental risk for health. Fine particulate matter of 2.5 micrometres or less in diameter (PM )
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2.5
is the most dangerous pollutant because it can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the blood
system, causing cardiovascular and respiratory disease and cancers. By reducing air pollution levels,
countries can reduce the burden of disease, and long- and short-term illnesses. As such, Daegu
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has implemented a significant programme of ICT-based air quality monitoring and reporting. While
Daegu’s reported PM of 20 ug/m is above the WHO guideline of 10 ug/m, it does lie within
3
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2.5
the WHO interim target of 25 ug/m . In addition, Daegu supports the early scrapping of old diesel
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vehicles and provides subsidies when inhabitants purchase electric vehicles. Daegu’s programmes
and emphasis on PM air quality, the implementation of PM traffic lights and projects to capture
2.5 2.5
fine particulates show that the city is on the path to ensuring a healthy urban environment.

7.3.2 Wastewater treatment and waste disposal

Daegu reported water consumption of 313.76 ℓ / day / capita, which is at the lower level of
performance to the benchmarks. Water quality testing reports that 100 per cent of samples tested
comply with regulations, and an extensive wastewater treatment regime that treats 100 per cent
of water through primary (screening and sedimentation), secondary (biological oxygen demand
(BOD) reduction) and tertiary processes (disinfection) is also reported. Daegu has implemented
separate collection services for waste and recycling and a deposit programme for bottles. With
72.9 per cent of waste diverted to recycling, Daegu is making progress on transforming into a
circular economy.

7.3.3 Energy usage

Daegu has reported electricity consumption of 6 482 kWh per year per capita and also reports
that renewables currently account for only 1.03 per cent of that consumption. While this is below
the country average of 10 900 kWh per year per capita for the Republic of Korea, it is significantly
above the Asia-Pacific average of 2 800 kWh per year per capita. It is of concern that coal still
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plays a significant role in the electricity supply mix. Hence, while Daegu gives carbon points and
incentives according to energy reduction, more attention needs to be paid to reducing electricity
use (based on fossil fuels) in order to assist with meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement.

58 U4SSC Case study | Daegu, Korea (Republic of) | February 2022