Factiva 20240226 1330

• Baran Group Ltd
• Investment opportunities open in Vietnam's green real estate market

• Sustainability can be a net positive for businesses
• Investment opportunities open in Vietnam s green real estate market
• Sustainability can be a net positive for businesses
• Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co Ltd
• Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, Sept. 23
• Vietnam holds tremendous opportunities for property investors: Keppel executive
• Vietnam ranks 28th worldwide in terms of green buildings
• Diamond Lotus Riverside eco-apartment project for better health and life quality
• Outlining Vietnam's urban identity
• Outlining Vietnam s urban identity
• Promotion of energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings in Vietnam
• Vietnam Investment Review: Low-carbon economic growth Green building examples from the world
• Vietnam’s polluted cities are markets for green solution providers
• New Vietnam-Germany partnership to save 6.3 bln kWh of electricity in 10 years
• New Vietnam-Germany partnership to save 6.3 bln kWh of electricity in 10 years
• Vietnam: Green building trend severely undervalued in local real estate
• Vietnam aims to utilize energy saving and environmental protection
• US$80 billion green building investment opportunities available in Vietnam
• Greening affordable housing in Vietnam face many challenges
• Green buildings benefit both investors and home buyers
• Vietnam: Green buildings benefit both investors and home buyers
Page 1 © 2024 Factiva, Inc. All rights reserved.

Baran Group Ltd
MarketLine Company Profiles, 28 November 2023, 2894 words, (English)
Baran Group LtdBaran Group Ltd (Baran) is a provider of engineering,
telecommunication, technology, and construction solutions. Baran offers
construction and related services including feasibility and conceptual
studies, engineering and ...
REAL ESTATE
Investment opportunities open in Vietnam's green real estate market
772 words
23 November 2023
Vietnam News Summary
VENEWS
English
Copyright 2023. Vian Company Limited.
As Vietnam continues to undergo rapid urbanization, underpinned by economic growth and an expanding middle
class, coupled with the improvement in infrastructure networks, the country continues to offer tremendous
opportunities for investors, according to Wong Wai Foo, head of Sustainable Urban Renewal in Vietnam, Keppel
Corporation, at the Sustainable Development 2023 conference held by Vietnam Investment Review on
November 16.
Since entering Vietnam more than three decades ago, Keppel has grown with Vietnam and is, today, one of the
largest foreign real estate investors in the country.
“As a global asset manager and operator with deep capabilities in infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity,
Keppel can bring in global financial investors, who will contribute capital to fund the development of more
solutions and assets that are also smarter and greener,” said Foo.
“We will leverage our strong track record in the development and operation of such assets to provide critical
infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonization, sustainable urban renewal and digital
connectivity to Vietnam.”
A good example is the Keppel Vietnam Fund. This private fund is combining capital from Keppel and global
institutional investors to co-invest in residential developments, commercial properties as well as mixed-use
projects and townships, especially ones that are smart and sustainable, in Vietnam. To date, the Keppel Vietnam
Fund has invested alongside Keppel in five high-quality residential projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The company is collaborating with Khang Dien to develop two smart and sustainable residential projects in Thu
Duc city, Ho Chi Minh City. When completed, the development will set the benchmark of the residential
projects landscape as well as contribute to the sustainable urban space in Thu Duc.
In addition, it is also looking to implement sustainable urban renewal technologies at its projects and will work
with best-in-class local and international partners to incorporate innovative urban solutions such as smart
security, smart mobility and environmental infrastructure solutions into projects to make them more energy-
saving.
“We believe that sustainable urban renewal is a compelling solution for Vietnam as the country advances on its
journey to net zero,” Foo added.
Apart from real estate, Keppel sees promising opportunities in the energy and data center sectors, given the
growing emphasis on green and circular economy in Vietnam.
It is making significant progress in these sectors, notably, with the launch of the Operations Nerve Center to offer
Page 2 of 47 © 2024 Factiva, Inc. All rights reserved.

long-term 'Energy-as-a-Service' solutions to many domestic customers.
“This initiative not only delivers exceptional economic value to our customers but also contributes to enhancing
community wellbeing and advancing Vietnam’s sustainable development,” Foo added.
The Vietnamese government has set ambitious goals and sustainability standards for the construction and real
estate industry, including reducing carbon emissions.
At Keppel, its real estate division is undertaking various measures such as phasing out the use of non-essential
diesel equipment, achieving high green building standards for all new commercial developments, improving the
energy efficiency of existing buildings through energy optimization and digitalization strategies, maximizing on-
site renewable energy, and purchasing renewable energy certificates. In addition to those, it is also looking at
increasing the use of green-labeled and low-emission materials and products.
One notable project that exemplifies its commitment to green construction is The Estella, a residential
development. It was the first project in Vietnam to receive BCA's Green Mark Gold Award in 2012.
Some of the green initiatives at The Estella include solar roof panels, use of low Volatile Organic Compound
paint and low emission formaldehyde composite wood. The development also features thoughtfully designed
elements such as natural ventilation-enabled interiors.
As part of Keppel’s sustainability strategy, Keppel increased its use of renewable energy. The photovoltaic panels
installed on Keppel’s residential and commercial developments in Vietnam have generated an energy yield of
nearly 150,000 kWh over the past three years. Celesta Avenue, the newest addition to CELESTA City, will be
developed with water-efficient drip irrigation controlled by rain sensors and solar lighting for the streets.
“With many countries and companies making net-zero pledges, including Vietnam, we see immense
opportunities where Keppel can harness our strong capabilities and experience to help other companies along
their decarbonization journey. Through our sustainable urban renewal initiative, we look forward to actively
contributing to Vietnam's efforts to achieve net-zero by retrofitting older buildings and turning them into energy-
efficient ones. Through these efforts, we contribute to combatting climate change and in building a more
sustainable future for the country,” Foo added. (Vietnam Investment Review – November 21)
Document VENEWS0020231123ejbn00027

BUSINESS EXPENDITURE
Sustainability can be a net positive for businesses
2,073 words
22 November 2023
VENEWS
English
Experts across a raft of sectors have agreed that while sustainable development demands substantial initial
capital, it is essential to recognize it not as an expense, but an investment in the future.
At VIR’s conference on sustainable development held on November 16 in Hanoi, a myriad of business

representatives, government figures, and industry insiders came together to delve into the unique issues Vietnam
is dealing with in terms of sustainable development. As a developing country with many challenges, it was
agreed that the nation needs a business community with high awareness of responsibility and proactive action.
While high costs might be the biggest deterrence for businesses on the sustainable path, according to Dao Xuan
Lai, head of the Climate Change and Environment Department at the United Nations Development Program
Vietnam, in the long run, such investment will help save companies costs.
“In order to achieve net-zero targets by 2050, it is not enough for businesses to stop at corporate social
responsibility (CSR). While it is mostly associated with voluntary actions, sustainability is now a responsibility,”
he explained. “Contrary to common belief, sustainability also presents opportunities, in terms of reputation,
carbon credits and international cooperation.”
Lai cited an example from the renewable energy sector, emphasizing that along with Vietnam’s sustainability
commitment, the country can draw assistance from developed nations and international organizations, ensuring
not only domestic energy security but also export opportunities.
“A notable example would be the recent cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore, allowing us to export
renewable energy to this island. This also presents significant growth opportunities for Vietnamese businesses,”
he said.
In the same vein, Le Viet Anh, director general of the Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources, and
Environment under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, believes that businesses should embrace the
investment mindset towards sustainability.
“Once we are clear about the future, with recognition and persistent implementation, the outcomes will yield
much greater returns than the initial expenses,” he assessed.
Speaking from a business perspective, Bui Bich Lien, director of health and beauty suppliers EMcom JSC.,
explained that the cost-saving benefit can further be transferred to the consumer side of the equation.
“Compared to conventional cleaning products on the market, many people say ours are expensive. However,
considering the price range of organic and imported bioproducts with multi-layered functions and benefits, we
are quite affordable,” Lien said.
As for Hoiana Resort & Golf, its sustainable development activities are based on the pillars of education,
environment, healthcare, and improved living standards, as shared by CEO and chairman Steven Wolstenholme.
“It’s not easy to cover all aspects, but we try as much as we can. We have been conducting many projects that
have long-lasting influence besides regular green activities like picking up rubbish and cleaning surrounding
areas,” Wolstenholme said. “We have about 15,000sq.m of solar power panels to generate electricity, and an
organic waste recycling machine to alter by-products from restaurants and leftovers into organic compost.”

Dr. Le Thi Hong Na, director of Sustainable Development Strategy at Phuc Khang Corporation, said that the
company’s CSR activities have always gone hand-in-hand with its core business activities in the past 14 years.
“During the research and formulation of ESG strategies, we found that the company’s CSR activities, to some
extent, align with ESG indicators. That helped us in introducing relevant strategies, with specific activities
clearly defined,” Na said.
She emphasized that practicing ESG did not entirely change the company’s nature, strategy, or operations.
Rather, it helped the company gain a clearer view of the direction and choose a suitable and sustainable
development path.
“ESG serves both as a measure and a motivation to drive business development. In practice, businesses that have
adopted the criteria have done so at various levels, not starting from scratch. However, it is a long-term process
that requires substantial and serious investment from businesses. This is the right strategy to help businesses
establish a common standard, sustainable development, and contribute to the community and society,” she said.
Tran Quoc Phuong, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment
The digital economy, circular economy, and green growth are increasingly becoming the chosen development
models globally, and sci-tech and innovation are becoming decisive factors in each country’s competitive ability.
Vietnam’s socioeconomic development strategy for 2021-2030 reflects the nation’s aspiration for a sustainable
economy.
However, there are some upcoming challenges. The global economy is expected to change rapidly with complex
developments. Domestically, economic growth confronts challenges including urbanization pressures,
environmental pollution, sustainable resource usage, and the escalating severity of natural disasters and climate
change.
Resource mobilization for future needs, especially in the post-pandemic context, is expected to be challenging.
Compared to before the pandemic hit, the national budget revenue to GDP ratio has shown a declining trend.
Post-2010, as Vietnam entered the lower-middle-income group, official development assistance significantly
reduced. The domestic private sector’s role in driving economic growth and sustainable development has not met
our expectations.
In this challenging environment, achieving green growth and sustainable development is seen as both a challenge
and an opportunity for the business community and its investors.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment proposes key solutions on the national focal point for green growth. To
drive and transform the implementation of sustainable development goals, we need to improve and enhance the
quality of our socialist-oriented market economy institutions and strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of
policy implementation through public administrative reform.
Emphasis must be on the need for continuous investment in human resources, sci-tech, innovation, and the
completion of modern and synchronized economic and social infrastructure systems. These are essential to
enhance productivity and promote sustainable economic growth.
Other focus areas include macroeconomic stability, post-pandemic recovery support, the efficient mobilisation
and use of financial resources for sustainable development, and social security system reform. Environmental
protection, climate change response, disaster prevention, and the promotion of green and circular economies are
also key priorities.
Le Viet Anh, Director general Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources, and Environment Ministry
of Planning and Investment
The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) sees the improvement in responsibility and specific actions of

businesses related to green growth and sustainable development. Our actions and responsibilities are not only for
today’s society but also for the future of all humanity.
Vietnam is appreciated for its commitment and deployment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MPI is organizing the implementation of the UN’s latest initiatives to innovate the implementation of these
goals. The prime minister issued Decision No.841/QD-TTg in July on the roadmap for the implementation of
Vietnam’s SDGs by 2030 to update and adjust the targets.
This is pivotal because there were many fluctuations and uncertainties last year, so the roadmap must be
recalculated and become a foundation and reference for businesses to deploy.
We hope that businesses will learn more about existing policies related to green growth and sustainable
development to receive support, and then propose additional policies for us to synthesize and consider in the
time coming.
A specific standard that businesses can refer to is the national green economic sector system that the MPI is
building and will submit to the prime minister for promulgation in the near future. After being integrated with the
statistical economic industry system, this will be the green classification applied in investment, credit, and
banking, and we will have a very obvious legal corridor to recognize the efforts of businesses and provide
benefits and support for businesses.
With such a clear policy system, businesses can be more confident in making decisions on spending on green
growth and sustainable development, which is not a cost but an investment for the future. If we are aware of the
future, we will devote adequate resources to it, then the results received will be much greater than the initial
costs spent.
Vu Minh Ly, Deputy director of the Communication Centre for Environmental Resources, Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment
Every action of businesses will contribute to the Vietnam’s net-zero journey to become closer to the goal set
forth.
The journey to net-zero cannot be quick and easy: there is still a lot of work to transform technology and
consumption, as well as transform from linear production processes to circular economy, which requires a lot of
resources and capital. Reducing the use of natural resources and fossil fuels in production and business of every
enterprises is contributing to the journey.
The Law on Environmental Protection and Decree No.08/2022/ND-CP detailing a number of articles of the law
provided numerous instructions for businesses in the transition process. Moreover, businesses can access the
Environmental Protection Fund to offer some funds for green projects.
After extended producer responsibility rules take effect from January 2024, more and more recycling businesses
in many fields will be established and developed.
I hope there will be more projects aimed at environmental protection and sustainable development – issues that
the whole world cares about. We have just worked with UNESCO Vietnam on implementing the national
initiative on education for sustainable development, hoping to be paid attention by all of businesses.
Sustainable development must start from educating children, providing knowledge to teachers, and the entire
community.
Le Anh, Sustainability director DuyTan Plastics Recycling
We have 36 years of operation in the industry, and the company currently invests in a high-tech factory to recycle
every bottle after use. If before, these only had one life cycle, now they have a lifespan 50 times longer.

While many people think of recycling as a responsibility but, in reality, it is an opportunity and a market. The
world over, waste has now become a resource. However, how to exploit and use it efficiently and effectively
depends on us.
In Vietnam, there are associations that bring together recycling units such as those for packaging, metal, and
plastic products. All of this is refreshing the recycling industry here and brings great expectations for a cleaner
and greener environment that will benefit the whole society.
The current situation in Vietnam and elsewhere in other Southeast Asian countries is that the classification of
waste at source is not carried out strongly enough. Of every 100 tons of plastic we collect, only half is suitable to
be recycled into plastic bottles. The rest must be recycled into other products.
Poor classification causes a low recycling rate. By around 2025, we will apply classification at source
completely. We hope that consumers who are still hesitant about recycled products will be educated and many
programs to raise awareness and recycle more products will also be implemented.
Wong Wai Foo, Head of Sustainable Urban Renewal in Vietnam, Keppel Corporation
Our real estate division is undertaking various measures such as phasing out the use of non-essential diesel
equipment, achieving high green building standards for all our new commercial developments, improving the
energy efficiency of existing buildings through energy optimization and digitalization strategies, maximizing on-
site renewable energy, and purchasing renewable energy certificates. We are also looking at increasing the use of
green-labeled and low-emission materials and products.
One notable project that exemplifies our commitment to green construction is The Estella, our residential
development. It was the first project in Vietnam to receive BCA’s Green Mark Gold Award in 2012. Some of the
green initiatives at The Estella include solar roof panels, use of low volatile organic compound paint, and low
emission formaldehyde composite wood.
As part of Keppel’s sustainability strategy, we have increased our use of renewable energy. The photovoltaic
panels installed on Keppel’s residential and commercial developments in Vietnam have generated an energy
yield of nearly 150,000kWh over the past three years. Celesta Avenue, the newest addition to CELESTA City,
will also be developed with water-efficient drip irrigation controlled by rain sensors and solar lighting for the
streets. (Vietnam Investment Review – November 21)
Document VENEWS0020231122ejbm0000x

Investment opportunities open in Vietnam s green real estate market
Bich Ngoc
773 words
21 November 2023
Vietnam Investment Review
VNAMIR
English
Copyright 2023. Vietnam Investment Review.
As Vietnam continues to undergo rapid urbanisation underpinned by economic growth and an expanding middle
class coupled with the improvement in infrastructure networks the country continues to offer tremendous
opportunities for investors according to Wong Wai Foo head of Sustainable Urban Renewal in Vietnam Keppel
Corporation at the Sustainable Development 2023 conference held by em Vietnam Investment Review em on
November 16
Click to view image.
Since entering Vietnam more than three decades ago, Keppel has grown with Vietnam and is, today, one of the
“As a global asset manager and operator with deep capabilities in infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity,
Keppel can bring in global financial investors, who will contribute capital to fund the development of more
solutions and assets that are also smarter and greener,” said Foo.
“We will leverage our strong track record in the development and operation of such assets to provide critical
infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal and digital
connectivity to Vietnam.”
A good example is the Keppel Vietnam Fund. This private fund is combining capital from Keppel and global
institutional investors to co-invest in residential developments, commercial properties as well as mixed-use
projects and townships, especially ones that are smart and sustainable, in Vietnam. To date, the Keppel Vietnam
Fund has invested alongside Keppel in five high-quality residential projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
The company is collaborating with Khang Dien to develop two smart and sustainable residential projects in Thu
Duc city, Ho Chi Minh City. When completed, the development will set the benchmark of the residential
projects landscape as well as contribute to the sustainable urban space in Thu Duc.
In addition, it is also looking to implement sustainable urban renewal technologies at its projects and will work
with best-in-class local and international partners to incorporate innovative urban solutions such as smart
security, smart mobility and environmental infrastructure solutions into projects to make them more energy-
saving.
“We believe that sustainable urban renewal is a compelling solution for Vietnam as the country advances on its
journey to net zero,” Foo added.
Apart from real estate, Keppel sees promising opportunities in the energy and data centre sectors, given the
growing emphasis on green and circular economy in Vietnam.
It is making significant progress in these sectors, notably, with the launch of the Operations Nerve Centre to offer
long-term 'Energy-as-a-Service' solutions to many domestic customers.
“This initiative not only delivers exceptional economic value to our customers but also contributes to enhancing
community wellbeing and advancing Vietnam’s sustainable development,” Foo added.
At Keppel, its real estate division is undertaking various measures such as phasing out the use of non-essential
diesel equipment, achieving high green building standards for all new commercial developments, improving the

energy efficiency of existing buildings through energy optimisation and digitalisation strategies, maximising on-
site renewable energy, and purchasing renewable energy certificates. In addition to those, it is also looking at
increasing the use of green-labelled and low-emission materials and products.
One notable project that exemplifies its commitment to green construction is The Estella, a residential
development. It was the first project in Vietnam to receive BCA's Green Mark Gold Award in 2012.
Some of the green initiatives at The Estella include solar roof panels, use of low Volatile Organic Compound
paint and low emission formaldehyde composite wood. The development also features thoughtfully designed
elements such as natural ventilation-enabled interiors.
As part of Keppel’s sustainability strategy, Keppel increased its use of renewable energy. The photovoltaic panels
installed on Keppel’s residential and commercial developments in Vietnam have generated an energy yield of
nearly 150,000 kWh over the past three years. Celesta Avenue, the newest addition to CELESTA City, will be
developed with water-efficient drip irrigation controlled by rain sensors and solar lighting for the streets.
“With many countries and companies making net-zero pledges, including Vietnam, we see immense
opportunities where Keppel can harness our strong capabilities and experience to help other companies along
their decarbonisation journey. Through our sustainable urban renewal initiative, we look forward to actively
contributing to Vietnam's efforts to achieve net-zero by retrofitting older buildings and turning them into energy-
efficient ones. Through these efforts, we contribute to combatting climate change and in building a more
sustainable future for the country,” Foo added.
Document VNAMIR0020231122ejbl00006

Linh Le
2,170 words
21 November 2023
VNAMIR
English
Experts across a raft of sectors have agreed that while sustainable development demands substantial initial
capital it is essential to recognise it not as an expense but an investment in the future
A range of topics were addressed at last week’s conference, from green financing and modernising agriculture to
applying ESG, Photo: Chi Cuong
At VIR’s conference on sustainable development held on November 16 in Hanoi, a myriad of business

representatives, government figures, and industry insiders came together to delve into the unique issues Vietnam
is dealing with in terms of sustainable development. As a developing country with many challenges, it was
agreed that the nation needs a business community with high awareness of responsibility and proactive action.
While high costs might be the biggest deterrence for businesses on the sustainable path, according to Dao Xuan
Lai, head of the Climate Change and Environment Department at the United Nations Development Programme
Vietnam, in the long run, such investment will help save companies costs.
“In order to achieve net-zero targets by 2050, it is not enough for businesses to stop at corporate social
responsibility (CSR). While it is mostly associated with voluntary actions, sustainability is now a responsibility,”
he explained. “Contrary to common belief, sustainability also presents opportunities, in terms of reputation,
carbon credits and international cooperation.”
Lai cited an example from the renewable energy sector, emphasising that along with Vietnam’s sustainability
commitment, the country can draw assistance from developed nations and international organisations, ensuring
not only domestic energy security but also export opportunities.
“A notable example would be the recent cooperation between Vietnam and Singapore, allowing us to export
renewable energy to this island. This also presents significant growth opportunities for Vietnamese businesses,”
he said.
In the same vein, Le Viet Anh, director general of the Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources, and
Environment under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, believes that businesses should embrace the
investment mindset towards sustainability.
“Once we are clear about the future, with recognition and persistent implementation, the outcomes will yield
much greater returns than the initial expenses,” he assessed.
Speaking from a business perspective, Bui Bich Lien, director of health and beauty suppliers EMcom JSC.,
explained that the cost-saving benefit can further be transferred to the consumer side of the equation.
“Compared to conventional cleaning products on the market, many people say ours are expensive. However,
considering the price range of organic and imported bioproducts with multi-layered functions and benefits, we
are quite affordable,” Lien said.
As for Hoiana Resort & Golf, its sustainable development activities are based on the pillars of education,
environment, healthcare, and improved living standards, as shared by CEO and chairman Steven Wolstenholme.
“It’s not easy to cover all aspects, but we try as much as we can. We have been conducting many projects that
have long-lasting influence besides regular green activities like picking up rubbish and cleaning surrounding
areas,” Wolstenholme said. “We have about 15,000sq.m of solar power panels to generate electricity, and an
organic waste recycling machine to alter by-products from restaurants and leftovers into organic compost.”

Dr. Le Thi Hong Na, director of Sustainable Development Strategy at Phuc Khang Corporation, said that the
company’s CSR activities have always gone hand-in-hand with its core business activities in the past 14 years.
“During the research and formulation of ESG strategies, we found that the company’s CSR activities, to some
extent, align with ESG indicators. That helped us in introducing relevant strategies, with specific activities
clearly defined,” Na said.
She emphasised that practising ESG did not entirely change the company’s nature, strategy, or operations.
Rather, it helped the company gain a clearer view of the direction and choose a suitable and sustainable
development path.
“ESG serves both as a measure and a motivation to drive business development. In practice, businesses that have
adopted the criteria have done so at various levels, not starting from scratch. However, it is a long-term process
that requires substantial and serious investment from businesses. This is the right strategy to help businesses
establish a common standard, sustainable development, and contribute to the community and society,” she said.
Tran Quoc Phuong, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment
The digital economy, circular economy, and green growth are increasingly becoming the chosen development
models globally, and sci-tech and innovation are becoming decisive factors in each country’s competitive ability.
Vietnam’s socioeconomic development strategy for 2021-2030 reflects the nation’s aspiration for a sustainable
economy.
However, there are some upcoming challenges. The global economy is expected to change rapidly with complex
developments. Domestically, economic growth confronts challenges including urbanisation pressures,
environmental pollution, sustainable resource usage, and the escalating severity of natural disasters and climate
change.
Resource mobilisation for future needs, especially in the post-pandemic context, is expected to be challenging.
Compared to before the pandemic hit, the national budget revenue to GDP ratio has shown a declining trend.
Post-2010, as Vietnam entered the lower-middle-income group, official development assistance significantly
reduced. The domestic private sector’s role in driving economic growth and sustainable development has not met
our expectations.
In this challenging environment, achieving green growth and sustainable development is seen as both a challenge
and an opportunity for the business community and its investors.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment proposes key solutions on the national focal point for green growth. To
drive and transform the implementation of sustainable development goals, we need to improve and enhance the
quality of our socialist-oriented market economy institutions and strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of
policy implementation through public administrative reform.
Emphasis must be on the need for continuous investment in human resources, sci-tech, innovation, and the
completion of modern and synchronised economic and social infrastructure systems. These are essential to
enhance productivity and promote sustainable economic growth.
Other focus areas include macroeconomic stability, post-pandemic recovery support, the efficient mobilisation
and use of financial resources for sustainable development, and social security system reform. Environmental
protection, climate change response, disaster prevention, and the promotion of green and circular economies are
also key priorities.
Le Viet Anh, Director general Department of Science, Education, Natural Resources, and Environment Ministry
of Planning and Investment
The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) sees the improvement in responsibility and specific actions of
businesses related to green growth and sustainable development. Our actions and responsibilities are not only for

today’s society but also for the future of all humanity.
Vietnam is appreciated for its commitment and deployment of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The MPI is organising the implementation of the UN’s latest initiatives to innovate the implementation of these
goals. The prime minister issued Decision No.841/QD-TTg in July on the roadmap for the implementation of
Vietnam’s SDGs by 2030 to update and adjust the targets.
This is pivotal because there were many fluctuations and uncertainties last year, so the roadmap must be
recalculated and become a foundation and reference for businesses to deploy.
We hope that businesses will learn more about existing policies related to green growth and sustainable
development to receive support, and then propose additional policies for us to synthesise and consider in the time
coming.
A specific standard that businesses can refer to is the national green economic sector system that the MPI is
building and will submit to the prime minister for promulgation in the near future. After being integrated with the
statistical economic industry system, this will be the green classification applied in investment, credit, and
banking, and we will have a very obvious legal corridor to recognise the efforts of businesses and provide
benefits and support for businesses.
With such a clear policy system, businesses can be more confident in making decisions on spending on green
growth and sustainable development, which is not a cost but an investment for the future. If we are aware of the
future, we will devote adequate resources to it, then the results received will be much greater than the initial
costs spent.
Vu Minh Ly, Deputy director of the Communication Centre for Environmental Resources, Ministry of Natural
Resources and Environment
Every action of businesses will contribute to the Vietnam’s net-zero journey to become closer to the goal set
forth.
The journey to net-zero cannot be quick and easy: there is still a lot of work to transform technology and
consumption, as well as transform from linear production processes to circular economy, which requires a lot of
resources and capital. Reducing the use of natural resources and fossil fuels in production and business of every
enterprises is contributing to the journey.
The Law on Environmental Protection and Decree No.08/2022/ND-CP detailing a number of articles of the law
provided numerous instructions for businesses in the transition process. Moreover, businesses can access the
Environmental Protection Fund to offer some funds for green projects.
After extended producer responsibility rules take effect from January 2024, more and more recycling businesses
in many fields will be established and developed.
I hope there will be more projects aimed at environmental protection and sustainable development – issues that
the whole world cares about. We have just worked with UNESCO Vietnam on implementing the national
initiative on education for sustainable development, hoping to be paid attention by all of businesses.
Sustainable development must start from educating children, providing knowledge to teachers, and the entire
community.
Le Anh, Sustainability director DuyTan Plastics Recycling
We have 36 years of operation in the industry, and the company currently invests in a high-tech factory to recycle
every bottle after use. If before, these only had one life cycle, now they have a lifespan 50 times longer.
While many people think of recycling as a responsibility but, in reality, it is an opportunity and a market. The

world over, waste has now become a resource. However, how to exploit and use it efficiently and effectively
depends on us.
In Vietnam, there are associations that bring together recycling units such as those for packaging, metal, and
plastic products. All of this is refreshing the recycling industry here and brings great expectations for a cleaner
and greener environment that will benefit the whole society.
The current situation in Vietnam and elsewhere in other Southeast Asian countries is that the classification of
waste at source is not carried out strongly enough. Of every 100 tonnes of plastic we collect, only half is suitable
to be recycled into plastic bottles. The rest must be recycled into other products.
Poor classification causes a low recycling rate. By around 2025, we will apply classification at source
completely. We hope that consumers who are still hesitant about recycled products will be educated and many
programmes to raise awareness and recycle more products will also be implemented.
Wong Wai Foo, Head of Sustainable Urban Renewal in Vietnam, Keppel Corporation
Our real estate division is undertaking various measures such as phasing out the use of non-essential diesel
equipment, achieving high green building standards for all our new commercial developments, improving the
energy efficiency of existing buildings through energy optimisation and digitalisation strategies, maximising on-
site renewable energy, and purchasing renewable energy certificates. We are also looking at increasing the use of
green-labelled and low-emission materials and products.
development. It was the first project in Vietnam to receive BCA’s Green Mark Gold Award in 2012. Some of the
green initiatives at The Estella include solar roof panels, use of low volatile organic compound paint, and low
emission formaldehyde composite wood.
yield of nearly 150,000kWh over the past three years. Celesta Avenue, the newest addition to CELESTA City,
will also be developed with water-efficient drip irrigation controlled by rain sensors and solar lighting for the
streets.
Business community takes responsibility for sustainable development SABECO's principles and commitments
towards sustainable development Technology investment key to sustainable agriculture Views offered at
Sustainable Development 2023 conference VIR honours firms committed to sustainable development VIR
honours businesses with sustainable development commitments Hoiana Resort & Golf emphasises sustainable
development goals Vinamilk invests in sustainable development solutions SLP Vietnam empowering
sustainable development in the logistics sector Tien Phong Plastic striving for sustainable development
Traphaco: Sustainable development via a green value chain
Document VNAMIR0020231121ejbl00004

Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co Ltd
MarketLine Company Profiles, 9 November 2023, 5199 words, (English)
Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co LtdSumitomo Osaka Cement Co Ltd (Sumitomo Osaka)
is a manufacturer and supplier construction materials. It produces
concrete, aggregates, and cement. The company carries out the supply of
construction materials, ...
Politics & Law

Xinhua world economic news summary at 0900 GMT, Sept. 23
391 words
23 September 2023
16:55
Xinhua News Agency
XNEWS
English
Copyright 2023. Xinhua News Agency. All rights reserved.
HANOI -- Vietnam's climate investment opportunities will reach up to 757 billion U.S. dollars by 2030, focusing
on renewable energy, green construction, energy efficiency and transportation, according to the latest statistics
of the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Vietnam's climate finance sector is still facing significant challenges in ensuring a strong alignment between
major investment opportunities and environmental goals, Vietnam News Agency reported on Friday, citing Allen
Forlemu, IFC's regional industry director for Financial Institutions Group, Asia and Pacific. (Vietnam-Climate-
Investment)
----
AMMAN -- Jordan and the German Development Bank in the kingdom on Friday signed a 22.4-million-euro
(about 23.8 million U.S. dollars) grant agreement to support the Jordanian education sector.
The Jordanian Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation said in a statement that the aid will fund
teachers' salaries in public schools that accommodate Syrian students for the academic year 2023/2024. (Jordan-
German Development Bank-Grant-Education Sector)
----
BERLIN -- Residential property prices in Germany fell 9.9 percent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2023, the
sharpest year-on-year decrease since 2000, when the monitoring of housing prices began, the Federal Statistical
Office (Destatis) said Friday.
The downward trend began a year ago with rising interest rates and growing inflation, putting an end to a long
period of cheap financing that previously galvanized the property sector in Germany, according to Destatis.
(Germany-residential property)
----
NAIROBI -- Kenya's foreign exchange reserves experienced a decline of 112 million U.S. dollars this week,
adding pressure on the local currency, the shilling, which reached a historic low of 147 to the dollar, the Central
Bank of Kenya said in its update on the financial markets issued on Friday.
The reserves, as per the apex bank, amounted to 6.95 billion dollars at the week's end, equivalent to 3.76 months
of import cover, marking a decrease from the previous week's figure of 7.06 billion dollars. (Kenya-Forex)
----

MADRID -- Spain's economy grew by 0.5 percent between April and June (second quarter, Q2) this year, the
Spanish Statistical Office (INE) said on Friday.
Q2 growth was higher than 0.6 percent registered in the first quarter of 2023, but 1 percentage point higher than
the preliminary estimate. (Spain-Q2-GDP)
Enditem
Document XNEWS00020230923ej9n005k1

REAL ESTATE
Vietnam holds tremendous opportunities for property investors: Keppel executive
975 words
21 July 2023
VENEWS
English
Vietnam offers tremendous opportunities for real estate investors as the country continues to undergo rapid
urbanization, underpinned by economic growth and an expanding middle class, and coupled with improved
infrastructure networks, said Joseph Low, president of Keppel Land Vietnam.
How do you view investment opportunities in the Vietnamese real estate market over the coming years?
Since entering Vietnam more than three decades ago, Keppel has grown with Vietnam and is today one of the
Vietnam’s economy grew 8% in 2022, the highest increase in the last decade, backed by strong domestic retail
sales and exports. In the real estate sector, the demand for new launches remained healthy. Reflecting the strong
market demand, the first batch of units launched in September 2022 at Keppel’s Celesta Avenue in Ho Chi Minh
City was fully booked within a month.
As Vietnam continues to undergo rapid urbanization, underpinned by economic growth and an expanding middle
class, coupled with improved infrastructure networks, we believe that the country continues to offer tremendous
opportunities for investors.
As a global asset manager and operator with deep capabilities in infrastructure, real estate, and connectivity, we
can bring in global financial investors who will contribute capital to fund the development of more solutions and
assets that are also smarter and greener. We will leverage our strong track record in the development and
operation of such assets to provide critical infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy,
decarbonization, sustainable urban renewal, and digital connectivity in Vietnam.
In addition, we are looking to implement SUR (Sustainable Urban Renewal) technologies at our projects and will
work with best-in-class local and international partners to incorporate innovative urban solutions such as smart
security, smart mobility, and environmental infrastructure solutions in our projects to make them more energy-
saving. We believe that sustainable urban renewal is a compelling solution for Vietnam as the country advances
on its journey to net zero.
Green construction is an increasing trend in Vietnam. How do you analyze opportunities from green design and
construction for new real estate projects in the country?
At Keppel, our real estate division is undertaking various measures such as phasing out the use of non-essential
diesel equipment, achieving high green building standards for all our new commercial developments, improving
the energy efficiency of existing buildings through optimization and digitalization strategies, maximizing on-site
renewable energy, and purchasing renewable energy certificates. We are also looking at increasing the use of
green-labelled and low-emission materials and products.
development. It was the first project in Vietnam to receive BCA's Green Mark Gold Award.
Some of the green initiatives at The Estella include solar roof panels, and the use of low Volatile Organic

Compound (VOC) paint and low emission formaldehyde composite wood. The development also features
thoughtfully designed elements such as natural ventilation-enabled interiors.
yield of nearly 150,000 kWh over the past three years. Celesta Avenue, the newest addition to CELESTA City,
will be developed with water-efficient drip irrigation controlled by rain sensors, and solar lighting for the streets.
With many countries and companies making net zero pledges, including Vietnam, we see immense opportunities
where Keppel can harness our strong capabilities and experience to help other companies along their
decarbonization journey. As mentioned earlier, through our SUR initiative, we look forward to actively
contributing to Vietnam's efforts to achieve net zero by retrofitting older buildings and turning them into energy-
efficient ones. Through these efforts, we can contribute to combatting climate change and building a more
sustainable future for the country.
What are your recommendations for policymakers to help Vietnam develop sustainably in a green manner?
According to the World Green Building Council, the built environment is responsible for 40% of global carbon
emissions. On Vietnam’s journey towards sustainable development and the improvement of the real estate sector,
it is imperative that we address and reduce the built environment’s carbon footprint.
To achieve this will require stronger collaboration between public and private sectors. As a leading player in the
real estate sector, Keppel is committed to contributing to the reduction of the built environment’s carbon
footprint. We aim to contribute to a greener environment by providing sustainability-related solutions to help our
customers and communities reduce their carbon footprints.
In this respect, Keppel is driving our SUR initiative. Our SUR model, which is based on retrofitting and
revitalizing existing buildings, provides a greener, less costly and faster alternative to new construction, and can
contribute to the circular economy. By incorporating smart and sustainable features into retrofitted buildings, we
can also help building owners to enhance their assets’ performance and value.
Governments also play a critical role in encouraging the adoption of sustainable solutions. In Singapore for
instance, the Building and Construction Authority provides grants to developers who meet certain green criteria
– we tapped into this for the extensive asset enhancements carried out for assets such as Keppel Bay Tower.
Perhaps a slightly different approach should be considered in Vietnam. For instance, the government could
consider providing additional development spaces or longer tenures to incentivize developers to adopt cleaner
solutions and technologies to make buildings more sustainable.
Further support from the government would help to encourage more real estate investors and developers to
incorporate green features in their assets in Vietnam. (The Investor – July 21)
Document VENEWS0020230721ej7l0002e

Vietnam ranks 28th worldwide in terms of green buildings
Nhat Ha
717 words
12 July 2023
VNAMIR
English
With over 250 LEED certified constructions over the last decade Vietnam is increasingly demonstrating the
relevance of green aspects in architectural design operations and the maintenance of existing buildings
Vietnam ranks 28th worldwide in terms of green buildings
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is the most widely used green rating system in the
world, and is administered by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).
The set criteria include the site selection, energy and water use efficiency, waste management, carbon footprint,
and the health and wellbeing of the occupants.
In Vietnam, the journey to create a chain of green buildings started with the LEED Silver certification in 2010
being awarded to the Colgate factory and the logistics centre of YCH Protrade Distripark in Binh Duong.
Over the past 10 years, Vietnam has seen many projects spanning various industry segments. A series of new
projects have applied for LEED certification, and to date, more than 400 projects are involved with LEED.
The data shows that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is now not only a trend in business operations
but also in building design, where it also plays an important role in enterprises' sustainable development journey.
At an event on July 5 between the USGBC and Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), experts commented on
the importance of environment certification for buildings.
The event brought together a number of business leaders from various companies involved in the green
construction sector, along with this year's LEED-certified nominees.
The importance of LEED certification is now being seen in not only new projects, but also existing assets. The
Existing Building LEED certification for operations and maintenance makes it easier for organisations and
businesses to practice ESG.
In the panel discussion, Gopalakrishnan Padmanabhan, managing director of GBCI India, Southeast Asia, and
the Middle East, and other leaders, spoke about the importance of LEED certification in terms of business
planning, design and operations, net-zero, and the ESG pathway. The LEED certificate granted to green
buildings is a key factor that makes it easier for organisations to practice ESG.
According to Padmanabhan, Vietnam is currently one of the fastest-growing countries in the region. Many
domestic and international enterprises operating in Vietnam in the fields of commerce, residential planning,
warehouse and industrial facilities, manufacturing industries, services, and healthcare are choosing LEED to
green their assets and set their net-zero goals through LEED Zero.
"By adopting LEED, enterprises are creating a strong wave of green buildings by inspiring and motivating other
domestic and foreign businesses to follow suit," he said.
Vietnam currently holds 28th position in terms of the number of LEED-certified green buildings. Padmanabhan
believes that this is a huge step forward that will catapult Vietnam into the top 10 countries within the next
decade.
Garment and textile factories in Vietnam have started following LEED, and a further push for more adoption
could ensure that international fashion brands make Vietnam a preferred manufacturing destination – as seen in
Bangladesh, which has close to 500 factories involved with LEED.

"The strong increase in demand for LEED certification is a positive sign that Vietnam is developing rapidly and
becoming more aware of ESG and green buildings," said Padmanabhan.
Agreeing with the leader of GBCI, Do Huu Nhat Quang, co-founder of GreenViet, said that Vietnam still has a
lot of room to develop and increase the number of green buildings throughout the territory.
Quang, a green building certification specialist with many years of experience, stated that Vietnamese
organisations and enterprises face some challenges, such as the sourcing of green materials. However, the
country's net-zero 2050 commitment should hopefully see the industry working closely with key stakeholders to
come up with a holistic approach, including incentivising green investments into renewable energy and focusing
on capacity building through education.
GBCI independently recognises excellence in green business performance and practice globally. Established in
2008, it exclusively administers project certifications, professional credentials, and certificates within the
framework of the US Green Building Council’s LEED rating system.
It also administers the PEER standard for power systems, the WELL Building Standard, the Sustainable Sites
Initiative, Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, TRUE certification for zero waste, and Investor
Confidence Project for energy efficiency retrofits.
Document VNAMIR0020230713ej7c0000d

Property
Diamond Lotus Riverside eco-apartment project for better health and life quality
SGT
1,105 words
29 March 2023
The Saigon Times Daily
SGTD
English
© 2023 Saigon Times Group
As a green apartment project located close to the heart of HCMC, Diamond Lotus Riverside features modern and
eco-friendly utilities that meet all the requirements for better health and quality of life for its residents.
Diamond Lotus Riverside residents happily pose for a photo with the Cat mascots to welcome Lunar New Year
2023
Diamond Lotus Riverside is located at 49C Le Quang Kim Street in HCMC’s District 8, only seven minutes
from Ben Thanh Market and Bach Dang Port, with easy access to six downtown districts. The project is known
as the first high-rise apartment building in Vietnam of the Phuc Khang Mitsubishi Corporation Holding (PKMC),
a joint venture between Phuc Khang Group and the leading Japanese company Mitsubishi.
From the very beginning, Diamond Lotus Riverside was designed and constructed under LEED standards of the
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and LOTUS standards of the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC).
Six of the strict evaluation criteria for the green building standards that need to be fulfilled comprise (1)
Sustainable site; (2) Water efficiency; (3) Energy and Atmosphere; (4) Materials and Resources; (5) Indoor
Environmental Quality; (6) Innovation in Design and Regional Priority.
Visitors to Diamond Lotus Riverside frequently include foreign experts, partners, lecturers, and university
students who come to experience the site firsthand
Diamond Lotus Riverside boasts a highly coveted position close to the heart of the city. With its 300-meter
facade facing the river and proximity to the intersection of Doi-Te-Ben Nghe canals, the property provides a
unique and refreshing living space that harmoniously blends in with nature. As a result, it has become an
attractive destination for those seeking to settle in a “green community”. Diamond Lotus Riverside prides itself
on its impressive occupancy rate of 84%, the highest among new projects since 2016.
A small corner of a Hungarian-style cafe in Diamond Lotus Riverside that offers a cozy atmosphere for
residents, families, and friends to gather and spend time together
The project covers a total area of over 1.6 hectares with three 22-story residential towers, requiring an estimated
investment of VND1,286 billion. The construction density is only 19%, making it one of the lowest-density
apartment projects in HCMC. The developer places special emphasis on material and equipment selection to
ensure the efficient use of electricity and water resources. According to calculations and measurements, the
project can help save about 40% of monthly water and electricity usage compared to the standard model. This
not only helps conserve energy and water resources but also helps residents save a large amount of money in the
long run.
The GS25 convenience store situated within the Diamond Lotus Riverside project serves the residents
All apartments at Diamond Lotus Riverside are well-designed and optimized to create convenience for
homeowners. The interior decoration style boasts a great harmony between modern and traditional traits. All
rooms are arranged to receive wind and sunlight. Each apartment has a spacious layout with a 180-degree view
as if it were truly the most luxurious hotel in HCMC.
The modern kindergarten and the refreshing swimming pool help improve the living standards for the residents

of Diamond Lotus Riverside
The project is also widely known for its green facilities, which prioritize health and quality of life. Up to 15.4%
of the rooftop area is dedicated to green trees, while only 19% of the total area is used for construction. All living
space receives natural lighting, and all direct sun-exposed areas are equipped with Low-E glass, double-layered
glass, and a balanced ventilation system to reduce noise, glare, and heat transfer into the homes. The project has
over 8,000 square meters of green space, including riverbank parks, parks between buildings, rooftop parks, and
greenery on apartment balconies.
The “Sustainable Park”, stretching 300 meters along the Doi Canal, was inaugurated in 2020. During the
construction of the Sustainable Park, the investor made an effort to preserve all the riverside greenery and
develop a diverse biological ecosystem for a better living space for many future generations. At the end of 2021,
the green area of over 2,000 square meters along the riverbank was successfully developed with a diverse
biological ecosystem.
Many facilities and activities are prioritized to improve the health and living standards of residents at Diamond
Lotus Riverside
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Diamond Lotus Riverside’s investors strived to ensure the health and quality
of life of the residents. They organized various programs to support the residents, such as gifting clean
vegetables, facilitating vaccinations, and providing medicine, and health handbooks. Additionally, they made
further efforts to bring life back to normal after the pandemic, especially during important traditional festivals
such as Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, and Lunar New Year. The investors have also organized cultural events
with unique art forms such as Don Ca Tai Tu, Cai Luong (traditional music in the southern region), and water
puppetry. These efforts aim to preserve and promote the nation’s cultural values, as well as connect and enrich
the spiritual and physical lives of the residents and the surrounding community.
The “Mid-Autumn Festival” program at Diamond Lotus Riverside was organized as a gift for residents and
young children on the occasion of the 2022 Mid-Autumn Festival
A heartfelt effort can be seen in those practical actions taken to improve the living standards for the community
of Diamond Lotus Riverside. Currently, the residents of this eco-apartment project in District 8 can enjoy
outstanding facilities such as a swimming pool, children’s playground, outdoor public exercise area, gym, yoga
studio, GS25 convenience store, kindergarten, luxurious cafe, restaurant, and completed Winmart supermarket.
The investor will continue to work with reputable partners to open more healthy dining restaurants and organic
food stores, ensuring the good health and quality of life of residents and their families as a priority.
The Diamond Lotus Riverside eco-apartment project has won the title of “Top 10 Best Luxury Apartment
Projects of 2022”
Diamond Lotus Riverside has continuously received numerous prestigious awards: Top 10 Best Luxury
Apartment Projects of 2022, Top 5 Best Smart Green Construction Projects of 2021, the title of “Most Liveable
Apartment Project in 2021”, and the Lotus Provisional Certification by the Vietnam Green Building Council
(VGBC), which is the first step to the Lotus Certification. The reputable awards of Diamond Lotus Riverside are
clear evidence of the practical contributions of the project in creating a green, safe, healthy, and community-
friendly living environment in today’s society.
Document SGTD000020230329ej3t00030

TRANSPORT & INFRASTRUCTURE
Outlining Vietnam's urban identity
1,583 words
17 February 2023
VENEWS
English
The process of urbanization and urban development is posing numerous challenges in balancing development
goals and preserving urban identity, as well as ensuring quality of life. Dr. Ngo Viet Nam Son, chairman of
NgoViet Architects & Planners, talked with Trong Tin about the thorny issues.
According to a recent report by the Ministry of Construction, strong urbanisation in Vietnam has taken place in
the past two decades. How do you assess the pace of urbanisation and urban development in Vietnam in recent
years?
Vietnam has witnessed a fast pace of urbanization and this is also an inevitable trend around the world as current
economic development focuses mainly on urban areas. The pace of urbanization is therefore usually proportional
to economic development.
However, it is important to ensure swift and sustainable growth, meaning that to bring about socioeconomic
development, urban planners must control environmental impacts at an acceptable level as would take a long
time to tackle them, causing great waste to the economy and hindering development.
Have cities in Vietnam been developing sustainably?
It is difficult to judge whether Vietnamese cities are sustainable because this is a goal, rather than a state.
Every development has an impact on the environment, and there should be a balance in the process.
Sustainability is not being greedy – that is, you must leave room and retain existing values, especially
environmental ones.
In this regard, the sustainability factor in Vietnam is often disproportional to development, and the more cities in
Vietnam, the more consequences begin to appear. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City is considered being the most
developed in Vietnam, but it is also a place with many consequences such as traffic jams, flooding, lack of
technical infrastructure, lack of social infrastructure, lack of schools, and more.
Why is that? As we grow up, the population density increases, the work density increases, and the need for
technical and social infrastructure also increases proportionally. Sometimes people think only of their own
interests while neglecting balance with other interests.
Thus, it should be said that urban development in Vietnam is increasingly unbalanced – the more developed
areas are, the more unsustainable they become.
How do you rate a sustainable city?
To develop a sustainable city, we must meet many factors. First is to preserve existing values. These things relate
to the environment, such as keeping or increasing the proportion of trees, rivers, and lakes, which must be kept
clean and less polluted.
In addition, heritage values must be preserved such as architectural planning, historical heritage, or the works left
to us by our ancestors. In order to keep the identity of an ancient city, it is necessary to clearly define its
characteristics to give an appropriate development direction.

I once questioned whether there was a need for another Ho Chi Minh City-like destination in the Central
Highlands, when I wrote an article about the development direction of Dalat. If you look at aerial photos, the
centre of Dalat currently has the Governor’s Palace as the only green area, and the rest has been almost
concreted.
Developing and increasing the living value in an area does not only embrace increasing construction density,
modernising infrastructure, or looking at non-agricultural rate mechanically, but is also the need to increase
green space, enhancing conservation, and promoting existing heritage values.
It is necessary to have a broader view so that some urban areas with specific characteristics of nature, cultural
heritage and architecture still have appropriate mechanisms for urban development and receive preferential
policies from the state.
Secondly, the sustainable value of a city is also related to planning and management. When developing, we will
have available technical and social infrastructure in proportion to the housing size. There must be good planning
and management.
Furthermore, development must also be geographically and regionally balanced, as well as not too concentrated
in one place.
International studies indicate that liveable cities often have a low population, limited to fewer than three million
people. If the city is too big, it will be complicated and the community lacks cohesion and identity.
Therefore, organising a central urban area connected to large and small cities would be much better than
organising a considerable urban area.
For example, Paris is huge yet only accommodates two million inhabitants and few tall buildings, which
facilitates cultural preservation. To enlarge a modern urban space, Paris proposed a neighbouring province of
Hauts-de-Seine as a new downtown area. They formed an inner ring city consisting of Paris and three
neighbouring cities to form a large metropolis.
This model can be applied in Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike the southern urban area that was proposed by overseas
consultants, the Eastern City project is the first initiated by the municipal management authority.
This resembles a satellite town located in the inner-ring multi-centre city. The outer belt will be an urban cluster
connecting the region with neighbouring provinces such as Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Tien Giang, with a system of
radial roads and ring roads.
The satellite urban model is not a new creation. One should refer to districts 1 and 3 of Ho Chi Minh City, which
feature European-style infrastructure attuned to the principle of ensuring all necessary technical and social
infrastructures are provided within a walking distance.
Urban development has become an important driving force for socioeconomic development, but is subject to
many risks due to global climate change. What is the root of the problem?
First off, planning is a science. When we develop an urban area, the housing rate should be commensurate with
the traffic rate; social infrastructure, hospitals, and schools should all have relative proportions to ensure that all
people can enjoy the facilities. If the planning was not scientific, it would leave great impacts, so that when
approving the planning, this science must be ensured.
Once you have a plan, you must follow the plan. There are many cases where a project promises countless
benefits when being approved. Later, upon implementation without having a good management, some investors
can only do what they can sell, while ignoring the responsibility for building social infrastructure, leaving the
burden on the state.
If we couldn’t manage it well, there might only have some living quarters where rooms are available, associated
social infrastructure such as power lines, roads, schools, and stations are lacking.
The next aspect is coping with environmental impacts. For instance, important urban projects must complete
environmental impact assessment reports, and the investors must be held socially accountable for their

environmental impacts.
For example, an urban area is stable, with full infrastructure. If the investor proposes to build an apartment
complex for 10,000 people, yet neglecting to upgrade the infrastructure, then when these people move in, they
would cause serious overcrowding for that area.
Therefore, before licensing a project, it is necessary to assess the environmental impact carefully; if not, there are
only two options: stop the project or ask the investor to upgrade associated social technical infrastructure.
Legal background is also crucial. Many urban areas have been developing in the wrong direction, but we can’t
do anything due to the lack of good legislation, as seen with the phenomenon of greenhouse building in Dalat.
On Dalat’s agricultural land, many areas are now covered with greenhouses. Many are unknown that
greenhouses cause the same effect as concrete houses, causing water to drain too quickly to the lowlands, leaving
Dalat to fall into temporary flooding state this late year period.
From a scientific perspective, you have to treat the greenhouse like a concrete building. Currently, urban
residential land is often built at the rate of 30-40 per cent, the rest is for roads, infrastructure, and green
construction.
Thereby, there need to be apparent regulations on building greenhouses on agricultural land which should not
exceed 30 per cent of total land area and must be accompanied by a drainage system connecting to the common
system; the design must be beautiful, and harmonising with the general landscape.
How do you envision Vietnam’s urban future in the next decade?
For future development, we would need both long-term and short-term development planning.
In the long term, we now have planning schemes for the next 30 years, but in my opinion, the planning must
embrace a vision for the next 50-100 years, or even beyond.
For example, Vietnam is being severely affected by climate change with rising sea levels. Future development
trends must then give priority to development in the highlands.
Development should be limited in lowland areas, and a lot of land should be reserved for green space and water
surface. This would help save on money as it takes a long time to overcome flooding, greatly affecting the
economy.
Along with the embellishment of existing urban areas and development in all directions, development in
highland regions should still be given top priority.
In the short term, weak points in existing legal framework for sustainable urban development need to be soon
adjusted by relevant authorities.
It is necessary to have in place practical policies to promote green urban development, such as annual tax
reduction for investors using green and renewable energy, or developing technical and social infrastructure for
the community.
There must also be heavy fines imposed on investors and managers not compliant with the planning, causing
traffic jams and flooding, exacerbating the burden on the state budget in dealing with such consequences.
(Vietnam Investment Review – February 16)
Document VENEWS0020230221ej2h0001j

Outlining Vietnam s urban identity
Trong Tin
1,602 words
16 February 2023
VNAMIR
English
The process of urbanisation and urban development is posing numerous challenges in balancing development
goals and preserving urban identity as well as ensuring quality of life Dr Ngo Viet Nam Son chairman of
NgoViet Architects Planners talked with Trong Tin about the thorny issues
Dr. Ngo Viet Nam Son, chairman of NgoViet Architects & Planners
According to a recent report by the Ministry of Construction, strong urbanisation in Vietnam has taken place in
the past two decades. How do you assess the pace of urbanisation and urban development in Vietnam in recent
years?
Vietnam has witnessed a fast pace of urbanisation and this is also an inevitable trend around the world as current
economic development focuses mainly on urban areas. The pace of urbanisation is therefore usually proportional
to economic development.
However, it is important to ensure swift and sustainable growth, meaning that to bring about socioeconomic
development, urban planners must control environmental impacts at an acceptable level as would take a long
time to tackle them, causing great waste to the economy and hindering development.
Have cities in Vietnam been developing sustainably?
It is difficult to judge whether Vietnamese cities are sustainable because this is a goal, rather than a state.
Every development has an impact on the environment, and there should be a balance in the process.
Sustainability is not being greedy – that is, you must leave room and retain existing values, especially
environmental ones.
In this regard, the sustainability factor in Vietnam is often disproportional to development, and the more cities in
Vietnam, the more consequences begin to appear. In particular, Ho Chi Minh City is considered being the most
developed in Vietnam, but it is also a place with many consequences such as traffic jams, flooding, lack of
technical infrastructure, lack of social infrastructure, lack of schools, and more.
Why is that? As we grow up, the population density increases, the work density increases, and the need for
technical and social infrastructure also increases proportionally. Sometimes people think only of their own
interests while neglecting balance with other interests.
Thus, it should be said that urban development in Vietnam is increasingly unbalanced – the more developed
areas are, the more unsustainable they become.
How do you rate a sustainable city?
To develop a sustainable city, we must meet many factors. First is to preserve existing values. These things relate
to the environment, such as keeping or increasing the proportion of trees, rivers, and lakes, which must be kept
clean and less polluted.
In addition, heritage values must be preserved such as architectural planning, historical heritage, or the works left
to us by our ancestors. In order to keep the identity of an ancient city, it is necessary to clearly define its
characteristics to give an appropriate development direction.
I once questioned whether there was a need for another Ho Chi Minh City-like destination in the Central
Highlands, when I wrote an article about the development direction of Dalat. If you look at aerial photos, the

centre of Dalat currently has the Governor’s Palace as the only green area, and the rest has been almost
concreted.
Developing and increasing the living value in an area does not only embrace increasing construction density,
modernising infrastructure, or looking at non-agricultural rate mechanically, but is also the need to increase
green space, enhancing conservation, and promoting existing heritage values.
It is necessary to have a broader view so that some urban areas with specific characteristics of nature, cultural
heritage and architecture still have appropriate mechanisms for urban development and receive preferential
policies from the state.
Secondly, the sustainable value of a city is also related to planning and management. When developing, we will
have available technical and social infrastructure in proportion to the housing size. There must be good planning
and management.
Furthermore, development must also be geographically and regionally balanced, as well as not too concentrated
in one place.
International studies indicate that liveable cities often have a low population, limited to fewer than three million
people. If the city is too big, it will be complicated and the community lacks cohesion and identity.
Therefore, organising a central urban area connected to large and small cities would be much better than
organising a considerable urban area.
For example, Paris is huge yet only accommodates two million inhabitants and few tall buildings, which
facilitates cultural preservation. To enlarge a modern urban space, Paris proposed a neighbouring province of
Hauts-de-Seine as a new downtown area. They formed an inner ring city consisting of Paris and three
neighbouring cities to form a large metropolis.
This model can be applied in Ho Chi Minh City. Unlike the southern urban area that was proposed by overseas
consultants, the Eastern City project is the first initiated by the municipal management authority.
This resembles a satellite town located in the inner-ring multi-centre city. The outer belt will be an urban cluster
connecting the region with neighbouring provinces such as Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Tien Giang, with a system of
radial roads and ring roads.
The satellite urban model is not a new creation. One should refer to districts 1 and 3 of Ho Chi Minh City, which
feature European-style infrastructure attuned to the principle of ensuring all necessary technical and social
infrastructures are provided within a walking distance.
A sustainable city must maintain and grow the ratio of trees and water surface
Urban development has become an important driving force for socioeconomic development, but is subject to
many risks due to global climate change. What is the root of the problem?
First off, planning is a science. When we develop an urban area, the housing rate should be commensurate with
the traffic rate; social infrastructure, hospitals, and schools should all have relative proportions to ensure that all
people can enjoy the facilities. If the planning was not scientific, it would leave great impacts, so that when
approving the planning, this science must be ensured.
Once you have a plan, you must follow the plan. There are many cases where a project promises countless
benefits when being approved. Later, upon implementation without having a good management, some investors
can only do what they can sell, while ignoring the responsibility for building social infrastructure, leaving the
burden on the state.
If we couldn’t manage it well, there might only have some living quarters where rooms are available, associated
social infrastructure such as power lines, roads, schools, and stations are lacking.
The next aspect is coping with environmental impacts. For instance, important urban projects must complete
environmental impact assessment reports, and the investors must be held socially accountable for their

environmental impacts.
For example, an urban area is stable, with full infrastructure. If the investor proposes to build an apartment
complex for 10,000 people, yet neglecting to upgrade the infrastructure, then when these people move in, they
would cause serious overcrowding for that area.
Therefore, before licensing a project, it is necessary to assess the environmental impact carefully; if not, there are
only two options: stop the project or ask the investor to upgrade associated social technical infrastructure.
Legal background is also crucial. Many urban areas have been developing in the wrong direction, but we can’t
do anything due to the lack of good legislation, as seen with the phenomenon of greenhouse building in Dalat.
On Dalat’s agricultural land, many areas are now covered with greenhouses. Many are unknown that
greenhouses cause the same effect as concrete houses, causing water to drain too quickly to the lowlands, leaving
Dalat to fall into temporary flooding state this late year period.
From a scientific perspective, you have to treat the greenhouse like a concrete building. Currently, urban
residential land is often built at the rate of 30-40 per cent, the rest is for roads, infrastructure, and green
construction.
Thereby, there need to be apparent regulations on building greenhouses on agricultural land which should not
exceed 30 per cent of total land area and must be accompanied by a drainage system connecting to the common
system; the design must be beautiful, and harmonising with the general landscape.
How do you envision Vietnam’s urban future in the next decade?
For future development, we would need both long-term and short-term development planning.
In the long term, we now have planning schemes for the next 30 years, but in my opinion, the planning must
embrace a vision for the next 50-100 years, or even beyond.
For example, Vietnam is being severely affected by climate change with rising sea levels. Future development
trends must then give priority to development in the highlands.
Development should be limited in lowland areas, and a lot of land should be reserved for green space and water
surface. This would help save on money as it takes a long time to overcome flooding, greatly affecting the
economy.
Along with the embellishment of existing urban areas and development in all directions, development in
highland regions should still be given top priority.
In the short term, weak points in existing legal framework for sustainable urban development need to be soon
adjusted by relevant authorities.
It is necessary to have in place practical policies to promote green urban development, such as annual tax
reduction for investors using green and renewable energy, or developing technical and social infrastructure for
the community.
There must also be heavy fines imposed on investors and managers not compliant with the planning, causing
traffic jams and flooding, exacerbating the burden on the state budget in dealing with such consequences.
Document VNAMIR0020230216ej2g00001

REAL ESTATE
Promotion of energy efficiency in residential and commercial buildings in Vietnam
609 words
24 December 2021
VENEWS
English
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) co-organized a
conference to announce the final results of the “Energy efficiency improvement in high-rise and commercial
buildings in Vietnam” (EECB) project and discuss the future of energy-efficient and green buildings in Vietnam.
Construction is an energy-intensive industry that accounts for about 35-40 per cent of the total national energy
consumption, mainly electricity consumption. However, the industry has a great potential for energy efficiency.
Energy use in buildings can be saved by 25 to 67 per cent, which will help reduce building operating costs and
CO2 emissions and bring about environmental benefits and improve the quality of life.
The development and promotion of energy-efficient buildings in Vietnam, supported by the Global
Environmental Facility (GEF) through the UNDP, address energy-saving measures leading to direct greenhouse
gas (GHG) mitigation of 73,035 tCO2.
The project provided policy review and technical inputs to the inclusion of energy-efficient and green buildings
provision into the law on amending and supplementing of many articles of the Construction Law (June 2020)
and a decree guiding the management of construction investment projects (Decree No.15/2011/ND-CP); five
technical standards on energy-efficient properties of building materials, six technical standards on the
methodology of the establishment of Specific Energy Consumption Profiles; one technical cost norm related to
energy efficiency consultancy service costs and one roadmap on development of energy-efficient buildings in
Vietnam, two databases on energy-efficient equipment and materials.
The project also provided technical support to 23 new and existing buildings with a total of 75 solutions applied,
resulting in a savings of 12,000MWh (equivalent to 10,000 tCO2e reduction), corresponding to VND35 billion
($1.52 million). This also proved the economic and technical feasibility investment in energy efficiency solutions
with averaged incremental cost of less than 3 per cent and a pay-back period of 3.5 years.
In his opening speech, Le Quang Hung, Deputy Minister of Construction, said, “The project brings about
meaningful impacts in the construction industry in particular and contributes to the goal of reducing greenhouse
gas emissions of Vietnam in general.”
He emphasised, “Results and lessons from 75 energy-saving solutions will be shared and further promoted.”
UNDP deputy resident representative in Vietnam, Patrick Haverman stated, “Energy-efficient and green
buildings are essential for sustainable growth and green recovery efforts of the real estate sector. Retrofitting and
economic recovery through energy-efficient and green construction could result in long-term cost savings and
greenhouse gas emissions reduction while improving the well-being, health, and living and working environment
of users.”
He highlighted some further actions that the government should consider to sustain the development of energy-
efficient and green buildings, including (i) the formal establishment of building-specific energy consumption
profiles, energy benchmarking, and energy-efficient building certification system in Vietnam; (ii) design of
specific incentive schemes and innovative financing models to encourage the higher demand and supply of EE
buildings; (iii) long-termed vision of private sector towards net-zero energy building by 2050 and (iv) continued
public awareness-raising of the co-benefits in the form of health, environment, and reduced electricity bills to
generate increased demand for energy-efficient and green buildings.

The EECB project aimed to reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector in
Vietnam, by improving the energy utilization performance of commercial and high-rise residential buildings in
Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. It started in 2016 and ends this year. (Intellasia – December 24)
Document VENEWS0020211224ehco0001f

REAL ESTATE
Vietnam Investment Review: Low-carbon economic growth Green building examples from the world
998 words
10 December 2021
VENEWS
English
One of the countries to be most impacted by climate change and with one of the fastest growth in greenhouse gas
emissions globally, Vietnam sits in the crosshairs of the climate crisis.
The country’s Paris commitment is to achieve a minimum 9 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions by 2030. Boosting energy efficiency is key to this reduction as power generation is a major source of
GHG emissions. Building construction and maintenance account for one-third of electricity consumption in
Vietnam, making them notable drivers behind the double-digit growth in power demand since 2000;
The Vietnamese government acknowledges the urgent need to green the building sector as part of its climate
change mitigation strategy. Rapid urbanization and rising incomes will create demand for an estimated additional
100 million square meters of floor space to be developed every year, making green construction crucial for
Vietnam to meet its climate targets and spur continued low-carbon economic growth for years to come.
This potential was first recognized by the government with the enactment of a revised National Building Energy
Efficiency Code in 2013. Ever since then, energy-efficient features in targeted buildings have helped reduce
GHG emissions by 130,000 tons of CO2 a year, equating to approximately $28 million in annual savings for
building owners. Private developers in Vietnam followed suit, furthering the effort by adopting recognized green
building certifications such as the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) EDGE – a building resource
efficiency certification system created for emerging markets.
Green-certified floor space in Vietnam is at a nascent stage, accounting for about 2 per cent of estimated new
built stock between 2014 and 2020. However, there is an encouraging upward trajectory. Certified green building
growth jumped 55 per cent a year in the same period, creating 201 new green buildings with the total floor space
of 5.3 million sq.m by September 2021, compared with just 127,500sq.m in 2013.'
What will be the key to scaling up Vietnam’s green building market?
Experience from other emerging markets underlines the need for a national master plan for a green building
sector with specific targets, consistent standards and requirements, detailed guidelines, and solutions including
incentives. Such a plan is a precondition to removing barriers and driving the large-scale adoption of green
construction.
Vietnam has great potential to transform the whole construction industry with well-planned national support and
the mobilization of private resources. Regulatory changes such as those introduced in Vietnam in 2013 can boost
momentum.
The market share for green buildings in Colombia grew from zero to 20 per cent in just four years after the
national government enacted a Green Building Code in 2015 which introduced tax incentives for solutions like
insulation and energy-efficient air conditioning. This triggered action in the private sector with two commercial
banks, Bancolombia and Davivienda, launching green construction finance programs for new housing
including loans up to 2 per cent less than market rates for green developers, and discounted loan rates for
homebuyers. There are now five commercial banks offering green mortgages in Colombia.
Likewise, provincial-level policies can provide a catalyst. Non-fiscal incentives allow a density bonus for
certified green buildings in the district authority of San Borja (a residential area in Lima). They deliver multiple
benefits: developers sell more housing units in a single development, governments increase tax revenue, and

buyers pay lower utility costs, kickstarting a green building ecosystem. Now 10 municipalities across Peru have
enacted similar ordinances.
Governments can also lead by example by applying green building standards to public buildings. US state
governments set mandatory energy savings targets for new and existing state government facilities,
benchmarking energy use through either tailored or widely available tools. Such targets could reduce energy
usage and costs, which can contribute up to 10 per cent of a government’s annual operating budget. In Vietnam,
the EDGE standard could serve this purpose.
Greening public procurement specifications has been successful in Kenya, which offers a public-private
partnership model where the Department of Housing and Urban Development provides free land to developers of
green social housing. The model demonstrates that green construction is economically viable for developers
and offers tremendous benefits to homeowners.
In other emerging markets, incentives to promote green building certification include Takoradi city’s 30 per cent
reduction in permit fees for green-certified buildings in Ghana. In Brazil, Salvador city’s points-based system
offers up to 10 per cent discounts on property taxes, and Pune city allows an additional 3-7 per cent floor area if
projects achieve a 30-50 per cent improvement in energy, water, and materials usage.
Green finance is essential to scale-up green buildings and green building policies must consider means to
mobilize green credit, which can offset the impact of the 1-3 per cent of incremental total project costs over the
period of a mortgage. Lower utility bills also help to counter slightly higher mortgages.
It is important to include green building and sustainable infrastructure in green finance taxonomies and for banks
to report against it. Green taxonomies can help banks identify climate transition risks, such as exposure to
regulatory changes and changing consumer preferences, while also encouraging them to direct their financing to
green projects and expand their green financing portfolio.
The IFC estimates that in the next decade, green construction will be one of the largest investment opportunities
in East Asia and the Pacific – forecast to hit $16 trillion – and opening up markets like these to international
sources of finance more than ever.
For Vietnam, green buildings play a pivotal role in addressing pressing infrastructure requirements and climate
change challenges while spurring low-carbon economic growth. Governments – national and local – can help
create the right conditions for growth in the green buildings market which is crucial to achieving emission
targets. (Vietnam Investment Review – December 10)
Document VENEWS0020211210ehca0001y

ENVIRONMENT
Vietnam’s polluted cities are markets for green solution providers
955 words
30 June 2021
VENEWS
English
Many urban areas in Vietnam are suffering from pollution caused by urbanization. While the Government and
construction industry are looking for solutions to restore the balance of the living environment, sustainable
construction solution providers have found a big market in this country.
Freek Crum, the APAC President of the water management solutions supplier – Wavin said that Vietnam is a big
market for the providers of advanced solutions for the building and infrastructure industry. Wavin has over 20
projects in Vietnam ranging from residential to commercial buildings including the Head Office of Ministry of
Foreign Affairs in HCMC, the Parliamentary conference hall building in Hanoi, the National Assembly House
and the New Ba Dinh conference hall in Hanoi. There are more rooms to expand in this market since the country
is seeking to build climate-resilient cities and better building performance.
Recently, the General Planning Management unit of HCMC Department of Planning and Architecture proposed
to renovate the Saigon River corridor. The HCMC’s river and canals system plays an essential role in the process
of urban formation and development. However, the Saigon River is facing pollution, saltwater intrusion,
riverbank erosion and flooding issues. Also, the river bank is heavily concretized by illegal encroachment in the
upstream and sand mining. Therefore, the unit proposed to build an environment-friendly space to respond to
climate change and prevent flooding and landslides.
Another opportunity for sustainable construction solution providers comes from urbanization degrading the
environment. Currently, the soil is tending to be polluted due to the impact of wastes from industrial,
construction and daily life activities, waste landfills that directly dispose wastewater into the ground. According
to the Ministry of Construction, the wastewater of all kinds in urban areas is not treated but is discharged directly
into the environment, especially in large urban areas such as Hanoi and HCMC. Therefore, the need to improve
environmental protection systems and natural ecosystems is increasing.
Improving the environment also helps to attract investment and economic development. “Ho Chi Minh City has
the potential to expand upon the traditional triple helix model of an innovation district’s structure – involving
academia, government, and industry – to more directly involve communities and society at the core of its
innovation activities while ensuring long-term ecological and environmental resilience,” explained Romil Sheth,
principal and lead designer of the project The Highly Interactive Innovation District for over 22,000 hectares of
the city throughout District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc District.
Accordingly, HCMC National University, Hi-Tech Park, Thu Thiem financial center, Rach Chiec, Tam Da in
District 9 are the focused areas which need to address flooding and ecological problems. Nguyen Do Dung,
Managing Director at enCity Urban Solution Pte, Ltd. and this project said “A successful urban area needs to be
in a good location with transportation connectivity and regional linkage, an appealing living environment for the
community with adequate facilities and green space, diversified products from luxurious to affordable homes to
meet demand, adequate services, environmental protection measures and good services.”
According to Freek, the expected momentum for construction projects across Vietnam’s commercial, industrial
and residential sectors must incorporate solutions for sustainable, clean and accessible water and sewer facilities
– both are crucial, basic human requirements. Vietnam is currently facing a rapidly growing urban population
that is navigating pressing challenges surrounding sanitation, water supply, urbanization and sustainability,
exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. The government has been proactive in ensuring sustainability remains on
the national agenda, with commitments made to double the country’s use of renewable energy and slash carbon
emissions down by 15% by 2030, and to date the country has achieved impressive progress on these goals. Yet,

despite the initiatives made, noise pollution still continues to be a persistent challenge for Vietnamese living in
urban areas.
According to the United Nations, the 6 largest cities in Vietnam will see a considerable increase in population by
2030. The forecast suggests that the HCMC will increase in population to reach 11.1 million citizens over the
next decade. The second largest city – Hanoi is also projected to increase to 6.4 million inhabitants. Therefore,
the government is making concerted efforts to meet increased demand for residential housing that is
underpinned by ongoing urbanization and a growing middle class, which is expected to generate momentum in
the residential construction sector. With the Vietnamese government also driving efforts to develop a technology
and smart city hub in HCMC, the country’s rapid urban population expansion is also expected to be accompanied
by an accelerated expansion of the construction and built-environment sectors. These factors will impact the
country’s industry and construction sector with its growth 6.3% in Q1 2021.
However, green construction materials are not really popular in Vietnam. The total number of certified green
buildings in Vietnam is only about 155 projects, lagging behind regional countries, according to UNDP. There
have been a number of advanced construction solutions entering the market, but not many new products are
commonly accepted, according to a report of the Ministry of Construction. Contractors have to invest a lot of
money, but the user can only address the benefits during the entire life of the product. In addition, there is a risk
of liability that engineers, contractors and suppliers will face if they propose a new material.
Not only the Vietnamese market, the global market also increases the demand for solutions for the greener
construction industry. According to the Constructive Dive, 71% of contractors surveyed are facing at least one
material shortage. Therefore, all institutions including public, private and cities themselves have important roles
in providing the best solutions, according to Greenbiz. (Vietnam Insider – June 29)
Document VENEWS0020210630eh6u0003i

ENERGY
New Vietnam-Germany partnership to save 6.3 bln kWh of electricity in 10 years
382 words
7 January 2021
VENEWS
English
The Ministry of Construction (MoC) and the German Cooperation Organization (GIZ) on January 6 signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in developing the Vietnam Green Housing Program,
expected to save about 6.3 billion kWh of electricity over the next decade.
The document was inked by Ha Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of the MoC’s Housing and Real Estate
Market Administration (HREMA), and Kia Fariborz, Director of the GIZ SIPA Program.
The VGHP, implemented under the Program for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB) in Vietnam, aims to
benefit the mid-income housing market through targeting the low-cost commercial housing segment. The MoU
focuses on enabling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation in the residential building sector.
Under the partnership, GIZ and HREMA will join hands to develop and implement the Vietnam Green Housing
Program. A particular focus of the program is on improving energy efficiency and reducing GHG emissions in
the affordable housing segment as per Vietnam’s commitment in its Nationally Determined Contribution to the
Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Through the program, the partnership aims to motivate private housing developers to move into the market for
energy-efficient and green buildings, and stimulate local commercial banks to develop green financing products
for energy efficient housing and green construction materials.
According to calculations, within 10 years after reaching the target of the Green Housing Program, the apartment
buildings will save about 6.3 billion kWh of electricity, equivalent to 15.8 trillion VND.
This is a significant cost saving that will benefit the home buyers if they use energy efficiently in the apartment,
Hung said. In addition, in the short term, the program will create a plentiful supply of low-cost commercial
housing, thereby facilitating the people’s access to affordable housing.
Fariborz, for his part, said, as an emerging economy, Vietnam is witnessing a sharp increase in demand for space
and housing expansion as a result of the rapid growth of the middle class.
There is huge potential in reducing GHG through improving energy efficiency in the housing sector so this
partnership will contribute to the fulfillment of Vietnam’s goal of GHG reduction, he added. (Viet Nam Plus –
January 6)
Document VENEWS0020210107eh1700015

New Vietnam-Germany partnership to save 6.3 bln kWh of electricity in 10 years
374 words
6 January 2021
Vietnam News Agency Bulletin
VIETNA
English
© 2021 iInvest Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
(VNA) – The Ministry of Construction (MoC) and the German Cooperation Organisation (GIZ) signed a
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in developing the Vietnam Green Housing Programme,
expected to save about 6.3 billion kWh of electricity over the next decade.
The document was inked by Ha Quang Hung, Deputy Director General of the MoC’s Housing and Real Estate
Market Administration (HREMA), and Kia Fariborz, Director of the GIZ SIPA Programme.
The VGHP, implemented under the Programme for Energy Efficiency in Buildings (PEEB) in Vietnam, aims to
benefit the mid-income housing market through targeting the low-cost commercial housing segment. The MoU
focuses on enabling greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mitigation in the residential building sector.
Under the partnership, GIZ and HREMA will join hands to develop and implement the Vietnam Green Housing
Programme. A particular focus of the programme is on improving energy efficiency and reducing GHG
emissions in the affordable housing segment as per Vietnam’s commitment in its Nationally Determined
Contribution to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
Through the programme, the partnership aims to motivate private housing developers to move into the market
for energy-efficient and green buildings, and stimulate local commercial banks to develop green financing
products for energy efficient housing and green construction materials.
According to calculations, within 10 years after reaching the target of the Green Housing Programme, the
apartment buildings will save about 6.3 billion kWh of electricity, equivalent to 15.8 trillion VND.
This is a significant cost saving that will benefit the home buyers if they use energy efficiently in the apartment,
Hung said. In addition, in the short term, the programme will create a plentiful supply of low-cost commercial
housing, thereby facilitating the people’s access to affordable housing.
Fariborz, for his part, said, as an emerging economy, Vietnam is witnessing a sharp increase in demand for space
and housing expansion as a result of the rapid growth of the middle class.
There is huge potential in reducing GHG through improving energy efficiency in the housing sector so this
partnership will contribute to the fulfillment of Vietnam’s goal of GHG reduction, he added.
Document VIETNA0020210106eh16002mh

REAL ESTATE
Vietnam: Green building trend severely undervalued in local real estate
1,321 words
15 December 2020
VENEWS
English
With the runaway growth of urbanization and the real estate sector in recent years, renovation and construction
of green and energy-efficient buildings has become a key trend in Vietnam, even though the true concept of
going green is still vague.
Besides COVID-19, the second key word of the year is “green building” but many developers and consumers are
still hazy on the concept. A “green” building is deemed one that, in its design, construction, and operation,
reduces or eliminates negative impacts and can create positive impacts on the climate and natural environment.
Green buildings preserve precious natural resources and improve quality of life.
However, in Vietnam the concept is sometimes confused with buildings covered with green trees only, sporting
the usual image of a resort or an eco-urban area. Meanwhile, key features such as the efficient use of energy,
water, and other resources, use of renewable energy, pollution, and waste reduction measures, and good air
quality indoors are glossed over.
The 20-year-old Somerset Chancellor Court building, a complex of offices and serviced apartments in the heart
of Ho Chi Minh City, has recently undergone a renovation to improve energy efficiency, leading to it being
granted a green building certificate by the Ministry of Construction (MoC).
To gain this certification, the old building has seen extensive upgrades of its lighting and air-conditioning
systems as well as replaced old equipment with the latest technologies.
Hoang Anh, engineer of the MoC’s energy efficiency in commercial and high-rise building (EECB) project
shared, “The building has received consultancy from EECB, which identified three key solutions. So far, the
building has implemented one of these by replacing two inverter chiller systems, saving about 227 kWh per year,
equivalent to 207kg of CO2 emissions per year.”
The power meter for the chiller system has also been put into operation to monitor energy consumption. “Once
the renovation is completed, the building will be able to save around 711 kWh per year, equivalent to 649kg of
CO2 a year,” Hoang Anh added.
Preparing legal grounds
The MoC, with support from the Global Environment Facility through the United Nations Development Program
(UNDP), has been promoting the 2016-2021 EECB project on improving energy efficiency in commercial and
high-rise residential buildings.
“Green buildings and energy-efficient real estate projects have received a great deal of global attention in recent
years and the latest moves from the government show that Vietnam is refusing to be left behind. People today
pay attention to not only projects featuring fair value but also comfort, health, and environmental benefits. This
motivates investors to integrate green elements and energy efficiency features into their projects,” said Vu Ngoc
Anh, director of the Science-Technology and Environment Department of the MoC.
While Somerset – like many certified green buildings – is reporting gains from its eco-minded renovation,
according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), by the end of the third quarter of 2020, certified green
buildings in Vietnam only numbered 155 – a sparse figure compared to other Southeast Asian countries.

In its recently updated Nationally Determined Contribution, the Vietnamese government has committed to
reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emission by 9 per cent on its own (compared to the business as usual scenario)
by 2030, which can be improved to 27 per cent with international support.
The government has also shown strong commitment by joining the Kyoto Protocol and more recently, the Paris
Agreement. Accomplishing its targets under these schemes requires the enhancement of green and energy-
efficient buildings.
Accordingly, after the Law on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy was issued a decade ago, the MoC issued
the National Technical Regulation on Energy Efficiency Buildings No.09:2013/BXD, to be brought in line with
modern-day realities in 2017.
These commitments were enshrined in several policies this year, including Resolution No.55-NQ/TW from
February providing orientations for Vietnam’s National Energy Development Strategy towards 2030 and outlook
to 2045; Resolution No.140/NQ-CP dated October that set the specific tasks for energy saving and efficiency in
the construction sector, and the revised Law on Construction 2020; as well as the Vietnam Energy Efficiency
Program 2019-2030 and the Construction Materials Development Strategy 2021-2030 with a vision until 2050.
These pieces of legislation are expected to set the grounds for the development of green and energy efficient
buildings.
The way ahead
“Although Vietnam is already implementing its green building goals through several programs as well as by
organizing the annual Green Building Week, it needs to enhance the promotion of green and energy-efficient
development,” said Sitara Syed, UNDP deputy resident representative in Vietnam, adding that local authorities of
all levels should pay more attention to promoting green features and materials, as well as green buildings in
general.
Co-organized by the MoC and the UNDP as well as supported by the IFC, German organization GIZ, and other
agencies and institutions, the Vietnam Green Building Week 2020 during December 9-12 provided a forum for
local and international experts, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to exchange their opinions and experiences on
key topics, including policy development, master planning, as well as the design and operation of green and
energy efficient buildings.
Deputy Minister of Construction Le Quang Hung also stressed that over past years, with cooperation and support
from international organizations such as the IFC, the United States Agency for International Development, the
UNDP, and the Global Environment Fund, the MoC has organized many training courses to enhance green
design and construction practices while conducting studies on criteria for green buildings and urban areas.
“We believe that the MoC’s policies, guidelines, and activities like the annual Vietnam Green Building Week,
will help effectively raise awareness among stakeholders and promote green and energy-efficient projects,” said
Hung.
Throughout activities like technical seminars, field trips to Viettel’s green building, policy dialogues, plenary
sessions, as well as exhibitions of buildings, materials, equipment, and technologies, the events of the Green
Building Week showcased the efforts and actions of Vietnam in the implementation of international
commitments on climate change and green and sustainable development.
Specifically, during the Policy Dialogue among the MoC, related ministries and other stakeholders – who have
been making a great efforts to transform Vietnam into a greener, more environmentally-responsible construction
market – shared specific and effective policy orientations to create momentum for the development of the green
construction market across the country.
Nguyen Thanh Trinh-Sales director, Eurowindow JSC
A high-rise building has both positive and negative impacts on the natural environment as well as its users.
Green buildings offer a comprehensive solution to optimize environmental benefits as well as improve the
comfort and the health of residents. To maximize its potential, we should understand what green buildings really
are.

Most Vietnamese consumers are not aware that the environment inside the building can be more polluted than
outside and seriously affect their health. The latest report from the World Green Building Council has shown that
the level of air pollution inside the building is 2-5 times higher than outside.
Nguyen Thanh Tu-Lecturer, National University of Civil Engineering
Homebuyers in Vietnam are often impressed by a good location or sensational amenities like a Japanese garden
or an astronomical park – rather than green spaces that actually protect the environment. Decisions are based
mainly on the images of luxury lifestyle, high-class entertainment, and consumption venues, instead of saving
electricity and water, recycling, or conserving the environment.
Many buyers are still evaluating life based on how much they pay for their apartment or villa. The majority of
homebuyers choose property by the profit they can make from buying, selling, and leasing as well as the
convenience of the location and the amenities rather than looking at whether the building is green or not.
(Vietnam Investment Review – December 15)
Document VENEWS0020201215egcf0001z

ENERGY
Vietnam aims to utilize energy saving and environmental protection
611 words
2 November 2020
VENEWS
English
Vietnam aims to utilize energy saving and environmental protection by reducing total heat consumption by 2.86
per cent and total power consumption by 8.77 per cent by 2025, and 14 and 9.68 per cent by 2030 compared to
figures from 2015 to 2018.
According to the Department of Science, Technology and Environment under the Ministry of Construction
(MoC), new buildings should pay attention to construction materials, air conditioning, and ventilation systems,
lighting, elevators, automatic power cut-off, and hot water system to reduce their energy consumption.
MoC is establishing a legal framework to support energy savings in buildings, accomplishing green
construction and economy.
Among these is the draft circular guiding activities to certify constructions using energy-saving and efficient
natural resources and protecting the environment. This draft circular is being presented to experts and authorities
to collect opinions and suggestions.
A project called “Energy Efficiency Improvement in Commercial and High-Rise Residential Buildings in
Vietnam” (EECB) has been rolled out by the ministry since 2016 under the sponsorship of the United Nations
Development Program (UNDP).
This project aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions over the long run, will review and seek better energy-
saving methods and create a framework for the task.
According to statistics from the MoC, there are more than 1,500 high-rise buildings in five cities of Vietnam
ranging from 2,500 square meters each. These buildings are wasting a great deal of energy and releasing large
volumes of greenhouse gas emissions.
In order to save energy for high-rise buildings and construction, efforts must be started from the very first step of
the project, from design, construction, advanced technologies, and environmentally friendly equipment.
Currently, the industrial and construction sectors consume the largest volume of energy with around 54 per cent.
The largest portion of energy in large-scale constructions is consumed by air conditioning systems, accounting
for 45 per cent in office buildings, 41 per cent in retail centers, and 42 per cent in hotels.
In addition, the lighting system is also occupying 13-25 per cent of the energy consumption.
According to research and statistics by relevant ministries and projects, the total energy consumption in the civil
sector – including buildings and residential areas – accounts for about 37-40 per cent of the total national energy
consumption.
Currently, there are many new technologies and products that also introduce energy-saving requirements in the
construction investment process as well as the management and operation of civil works and housing.
Since 2005, the MoC has issued the Vietnam Construction Code No.09/2005 on energy-efficient constructions,
stipulating that works with a total floor area of over 2,500 square meters must apply energy-saving solutions. For
the smaller construction works, we have technical guidelines and standards to guide owners in the process of

construction and installation of equipment.
The revised Construction Law in 2020 was passed by the National Assembly in which Article 10 stated that the
government encourages investment activities in certifying construction works economically, using energy
resources and protecting the environment.
This is the foundation for us to implement the regulations to create legal documents for activities to promote
energy-saving and efficient works and environmental protection in practice.
We already know that these activities have taken place in Vietnam for many years. The green buildings have
been certified by international organizations in Vietnam for nearly 20 years. Vietnam currently has more than
100 projects certified by international organizations.
However, the legal corridor on green building certification has not been set up despite its enormous
socioeconomic significance. (Vietnam Investment Review – November 1)
Document VENEWS0020201102egb20000z

US$80 billion green building investment opportunities available in Vietnam
By Trang Nguyen The Saigon Times Daily

511 words
9 December 2019
The Saigon Times Daily
SGTD
English
(c) 2019 Saigon Times Group
HANOI – Some 65.7 million more people will live in urban areas in Vietnam by 2050, and this represents
investment opportunities worth up to US$80 billion for the nation’s green construction sector over the next 10
years, according to a new report by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group.
IFC’s new report titled “Green Buildings: A finance and policy blueprint for emerging markets” has highlighted
how investors can tap into the great potential of green buildings in the Asia-Pacific region, which will house half
the world’s urban population by 2030. IFC has estimated US$17.8 trillion worth of investment opportunities,
primarily in residential buildings, for the region.
In emerging markets alone, green buildings will offer a US$24.7 trillion investment opportunity, which will spur
economic growth and accelerate sustainable development. Further, with 80 million people projected to enter
Asia’s middle class in the next few years, the demand for housing will continue to rise.
The growing demand for green housing units in Vietnam, in particular, will result in the US$80-billion
investment opportunities in new green buildings in the country by 2030.
“The floor area of the buildings that dot our skylines is expected to double by 2060,” noted Alzbeta Klein,
director of Climate Business at IFC. “The majority of this construction boom will occur in emerging markets,
particularly in middle-income countries experiencing high population growth, rapid urbanization and income
growth. Green construction is one of the largest investment opportunities of the next decade that can spur low-
carbon economic growth and create skilled jobs for decades to come.”
The report stated that green buildings can be a strong driver of economic growth, generating over nine million
skilled jobs in both the renewables and construction sectors by 2030. Currently, green buildings account for just
8% of the construction and renovation sector, indicating a vast potential for growth.
However, though emerging markets have ambitious targets for green buildings, they struggle to put in place
effective measures to mandate and incentivize large-scale adoption of green construction practices. Hurdles
include low technical capacity, as well as challenges in developing and adopting consistent standards and
requirements for green construction across a highly local and decentralized industry.
Despite the challenges, the report pointed out that realizing the full investment potential of green buildings is
within reach, with established financing models and proven, easy-to-execute technologies that are readily
available and continue to decrease in cost with greater adoption. The report underlined the clear financial
benefits investors, banks, developers and owners, including governments, can expect when entering the green
building market.
Green buildings command substantially higher sale premiums, at up to 31% more, and sell more quickly than
traditional buildings. In addition, they maintain occupancy rates up to 23% higher than conventional buildings
and offer higher rental income. By consuming less water and electricity, operational costs are up to 37% lower
than those for traditional buildings.
Document SGTD000020191209efc90000e

REAL ESTATE
Greening affordable housing in Vietnam face many challenges
596 words
6 August 2019
VENEWS
English
In Vietnam, green buildings are normally considered as expensive and only for luxury and high-end segments.
But in fact, they provide more benefits for investors in the long term than normal buildings and reduce the
economic burden for low- and middle-income households, heard from experts at workshop in Hanoi on July 26.
At the workshop "Greening affordable housing segment: Costs and benefits" organized by Vietnam Real Estate
Association (VNREA) in collaboration with International Finance Organization (IFC) and Capital House, Vu
Hong Phong, a specialist on green buildings of IFC said, referring to the term "green building", many people
think of the expensive solutions that only rich people could afford, for example, using solar power, planting trees
on roof, etc.
Phong said Vietnam could make green construction much cheaper. In developing countries with rapid
construction, the use of EDGF – a green building certification system focused on making new residential and
commercial buildings more resource-efficient – can help overcome market shortcomings while only driving
construction costs up by one or two percent.
Nguyen Viet Chien, General Secretary of VNREA said investing in affordable housing projects would bring
positive results for property developers. This market segment could ensure social security for people, especially
low income earners in big cities, and ensure the property market continues to develop in a sustainable way.
He noted: “The affordable housing market has been talked about much in the past three years as real demand for
the segment was always more than 80 percent.”
According to a survey by VNREA, housing demand for the middle- and high-end segment with selling prices of
over VND25 million per sqm only accounted for 20 to 30 percent and was mainly focused in major cities.
Demand for affordable housing priced below VND25 million per sqm made uo 70 to 80 percent. But there was
not enough affordable housing on the market to meet the demand.
VNREA expected with the rapid urbanisation rate, 40 percent of Vietnam population of 100 million people
would live in urban areas by 2020. Major cities with populations of more than 1.7 million people would struggle
to provide accommodations for everyone. In order to meet the demand, Vietnam needs to build about 700,000
apartments by the end of 2020.
High demand in the affordable housing sector would provide a good opportunity for real estate developers in the
long term and they should consider adjusting their business strategies accordingly, it added.
Chien pointed out: “This is good news for the market and for low-income earners. However, developers’
shortcomings and tightening credit policies in the market have been obstacles to the segment’s growth."
Those who live in green buildings enjoy a more convenient life, improved health and decreased power and water
costs, said Trinh Tung Bach, director of the R&D Department at Capital House Group, which received the EDFG
certification for its EcoHome 3 affordable housing project.
He said: “Our apartments were sold more quickly thanks to applying green criteria in our desig. The rapid sale
offset for the higher cost of greening our apartments and reducing marketing costs."
Customers at Capital House’s projects saved 25 percent on electricity and 36 percent on water bills, Bach added.

Bach concluded that green buildings are inevitable but green buildings for affordable housing have not attracted
strong attention of the people. The deployment of green solutions at low and medium-end housing projects is an
inevitable trend to create sustainable development communities and environmental protection. (En.reatimes.vn –
August 6)
Document VENEWS0020190806ef860002u
Green buildings benefit both investors and home buyers
615 words
27 July 2019
Vietnam News Agency Bulletin
VIETNA
English
© 2019 iInvest Pty. Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
(VNS/VNA) - Green buildings provide more benefits for investors in the long term than normal buildings and
reduce the economic burden for low- and middle-income families, according to general secretary of Vietnam
Real Estate Association (VNREA) Nguyen Viet Chien.
Chien spoke at a workshop in Hanoi on July 26 about the costs and benefits of greening the affordable housing
sector. He said investing in affordable housing projects would bring positive results for developers. The market
segment could ensure social security for people, especially low income earners in big cities, and ensure the
property market continues to develop in a sustainable manner.
“The affordable housing market has been talked about much in the past three years as real demand for the
segment was always more than 80 percent,” he said.
A VNREA survey showed that housing demand for the middle- and high-end segment with selling prices of
more than 25 million VND per square metre only accounted for 20 to 30 percent and was mainly focused in big
cities. Meanwhile, demand for affordable housing priced below 25 million VND per square metre accounted for
70 to 80 percent. However, there was not enough affordable housing to meet demand.
The association predicted that with the rapid urbanisation rate, 40 percent of Vietnam’s population of 100 million
people would live in urban areas by next year. Big cities with populations of more than 1.7 million people would
struggle to provide accommodations for everyone. To meet demand, the country needs to build about 700,000
apartments by the end of next year.
The association said high demand in the affordable housing sector would provide a good opportunity for real
estate developers in the long term and they should consider adjusting their business strategies accordingly.
“This is good news for the market and for low-income earners," Chien said. "However, investor shortcomings
and tightening credit policies in the market have been barriers to the segment’s development."
Affordable housing projects have not given attention to applying green designs or smart and energy-saving
technologies even though this segment has the most customers and consumes the most energy. For these reasons,
applying green solutions in affordable housing could protect the environment.
To encourage the development of environmentally friendly buildings, the Government should have policies and
plans as well as a clear definition of what constitutes a green building. These would provide guidance for
investors as they develop their projects.
Vu Hong Phong, a specialist on green buildings at the International Financial Corporation, said Vietnam could
make green construction much cheaper. In developing countries with rapid construction, the use of EDGF – a
green building certification system focused on making new residential and commercial buildings more resource-
efficient – can help overcome market shortcomings while only driving construction costs up by one or two
percent.
Trinh Tung Bach, Director of the Research and Development Department at Capital House Group which

received the EDFG certification for its EcoHome 3 affordable housing project, said those who live in green
buildings enjoy a more convenient life, improved health and decreased power and water costs.
“Our apartments were sold more quickly thanks to applying green criteria in our design," Bach told Viet Nam
News. "The rapid sale offset for the higher cost of greening our apartments and reducing marketing costs."
Bach said customers at their projects saved 25 percent on electricity and 36 percent on water bills.
“In addition, the long-term value for developers of greening their projects is that their brand will carry more
value thanks to good products," he said. "International organisations and foreign partners will want to co-operate
with our company."
Document VIETNA0020190727ef7r001e1

REAL ESTATE
Vietnam: Green buildings benefit both investors and home buyers
662 words
27 July 2019
VENEWS
English
Green buildings provide more benefits for investors in the long term than normal buildings and reduce the
economic burden for low- and middle-income families, according to general secretary of Vietnam Real Estate
Association (VNREA) Nguyễn Viết Chiến.
Chiến spoke at a workshop in Hanoi on July 26 about the costs and benefits of greening the affordable housing
sector. He said investing in affordable housing projects would bring positive results for developers. The market
segment could ensure social security for people, especially low income earners in big cities, and ensure the
property market continues to develop in a sustainable manner.
“The affordable housing market has been talked about much in the past three years as real demand for the
segment was always more than 80 per cent,” he said.
A VNREA survey showed that housing demand for the middle- and high-end segment with selling prices of
more than VND25 million per square metre only accounted for 20 to 30 per cent and was mainly focused in big
cities. Meanwhile, demand for affordable housing priced below VND25 million per square metre accounted for
70 to 80 per cent. However, there was not enough affordable housing to meet demand.
The association predicted that with the rapid urbanisation rate, 40 per cent of Vietnam’s population of 100
million people would live in urban areas by next year. Big cities with populations of more than 1.7 million
people would struggle to provide accommodations for everyone. To meet demand, the country needs to build
about 700,000 apartments by the end of next year.
The association said high demand in the affordable housing sector would provide a good opportunity for real
estate developers in the long term and they should consider adjusting their business strategies accordingly.
“This is good news for the market and for low-income earners," Chiến said. "However, investor shortcomings
and tightening credit policies in the market have been barriers to the segment’s development."
Affordable housing projects have not given attention to applying green designs or smart and energy-saving
technologies even though this segment has the most customers and consumes the most energy. For these reasons,
applying green solutions in affordable housing could protect the environment.
To encourage the development of environmentally friendly buildings, the Government should have policies and
plans as well as a clear definition of what constitutes a green building. These would provide guidance for
investors as they develop their projects.
Vũ Hồng Phong, a specialist on green buildings at the International Financial Corporation, said Vietnam could
make green construction much cheaper. In developing countries with rapid construction, the use of EDGF – a
green building certification system focused on making new residential and commercial buildings more resource-
efficient – can help overcome market shortcomings while only driving construction costs up by one or two per
cent.
Trịnh Tùng Bách, Director of the Research and Development Department at Capital House Group which
received the EDFG certification for its EcoHome 3 affordable housing project, said those who live in green
buildings enjoy a more convenient life, improved health and decreased power and water costs.

“Our apartments were sold more quickly thanks to applying green criteria in our design," Bách told Vietnam
News. "The rapid sale offset for the higher cost of greening our apartments and reducing marketing costs."
Bách said customers at their projects saved 25 per cent on electricity and 36 per cent on water bills.
“In addition, the long-term value for developers of greening their projects is that their brand will carry more
value thanks to good products," he said. "International organisations and foreign partners will want to co-operate
with our company."
Green buildings are more attractive to home buyers, according to Cường. He suggested the Government have
preferential credit and land fund policies for investors who build environmentally friendly housing. (Viet Nam
News – July 27)
Document VENEWS0020190727ef7r0001e

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• Investment opportunities open in Vietnam's green real estate market

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At VIR’s conference on sustainable development held on November 16 in Hanoi, a myriad of business

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Tran Quoc Phuong, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment

Sustainability can be a net positive for businesses

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Le Anh, Sustainability director DuyTan Plastics Recycling

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At VIR’s conference on sustainable development held on November 16 in Hanoi, a myriad of business

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Tran Quoc Phuong, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment

Sustainability can be a net positive for businesses

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Sustainability can be a net positive for businesses

Le Anh, Sustainability director DuyTan Plastics Recycling

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Vietnam ranks 28th worldwide in terms of green buildings

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Have cities in Vietnam been developing sustainably?

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