Journal of the Korea Institute of Building Construction (한국건축시공학회지)

The Korean Institute of Building Construction (한국건축시공학회)
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ESG Evaluation and Response of Construction Companies in Korea

국내 건설기업의 ESG 평가 및 대응방안

  • Park, Hwan-Pyo (Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology)
  • Received : 2023.07.19
  • Accepted : 2023.11.04
  • Published : 2023.12.20
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Abstract

The adoption of Environmental, Social, and Governance(ESG) practices in domestic construction firms is predominantly driven by major corporations. These companies not only publish reports on their ESG management but also engage in a meticulous process of identifying key issues and setting priorities. This process entails an in-depth evaluation of the severity of various issues and the gathering of insights from experts in the field. Interestingly, a comparative analysis of ESG assessments for construction companies, both domestically and internationally, reveals significant discrepancies in outcomes. These differences stem from the varied evaluation methodologies and criteria employed by different assessing bodies. Addressing this gap, our study proposes a suite of strategies aimed at bolstering ESG management within the construction sector. We advocate for enhanced policy support and financial backing, especially targeting small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) to facilitate their engagement in ESG practices. A critical step forward involves the standardization and transparent disclosure of ESG evaluation criteria, tailored to reflect the unique aspects of the construction industry. Moreover, the standardization and publication of ESG assessments for subcontractors are essential, equipping them with the necessary tools for effective ESG management and evaluation. Given the global nature of construction projects, particularly those commissioned by the European Union in regions like Africa and East Asia, adherence to ESG standards is imperative. Our long-term vision includes the development of a comprehensive database detailing ESG regulations and their impacts, segmented by region and country. This repository will serve as a valuable resource for companies venturing into international construction projects.

국내 건설기업의 ESG 경영은 대형업체 중심으로 추진되고 있다. 건설업체는 ESG 경영보고서를 발간하고, 중대성 평가를 통하여 이슈를 도출하고, 관련 전문가 의견수렴 과정을 통하여 10대 이슈와 우선순위를 도출하여 ESG 경영관리를 하고 있다. 또한 국내외 ESG 평가기관의 건설업체 ESG 평가결과, 동일한 업체에 대한 평가결과가 상이한 것은 각 기관별 평가항목과 평가절차 등의 평가모델이 다르기 때문이다. 따라서 본 연구는 건설ESG 경영을 강화하기 위한 대응방안을 제안하였다. 첫째, 중소건설업체도 건설ESG 경영을 추진할 수 있도록 정책적인 지원과 자금지원이 필요하다. 둘째, 건설산업의 특성에 맞는 건설 ESG 평가항목을 표준화하여 공개함으로써 건설업체가 ESG 경영 및 추진하는 것이 필요하다. 셋째, 하청업체의 ESG 평가도 표준화하여 발표함으로써, 하청업체들이 ESG 경영 및 평가를 준비하는데 활용하는 것이 필요하다. 넷째, EU 발주처인 사업의 경우 아프리카, 동아시아지역의 해외건설 사업은 ESG 기준에 맞게 사업을 추진하도록 요청받고 있다. 따라서 장기적으로 해외사업은 지역별, 국가별 ESG 규제사항 및 영향 등에 관한 자료를 구축하여 해외건설 진출기업에게 정보를 제공하는 방안을 제안하였다.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

Research for this paper was carried out under the KICT Research Program (project no. 20230079-001, Construction Policy and Construction Management Development Strategy) funded by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

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