The Ministry of Construction and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) jointly launched Vietnam Green Building Week 2020 on December 9 as part of the activities in response to World Green Building Week.

Vietnam Green Building Week 2020 kicks off on December 9
(Photo: https://www.vn.undp.org/)

Supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and other agencies and institutions, the three-day event is expected to attract nearly 1,000 delegates from ministries, provincial authorities, national and international organisations, and enterprises.

It aims to create a forum for idea sharing and information and experience exchanges on policy development; new technologies, products, equipment, and building materials to develop green and energy efficient buildings; urban development projects towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and environmental impacts for better living environments; and using resources economically and effectively.

It also demonstrates the efforts and actions of Vietnam to promote energy saving and environmental protection in the construction sector, contributing to the implementation of the country’s international commitments on climate change and sustainable development.

According to Deputy Minister of Construction Le Quang Hung, UNDP’s demonstration projects on the application of energy efficient solutions in new and existing buildings has resulted in potential energy saving of between 25% and 67% per building, at an incremental cost of about 3% of the total investment cost per building and with a maximum payback period of five years.

However, the total number of certified green buildings in Vietnam remained at just 150 as of the end of 2019.

The organisation of the annual Vietnam Green Building Week is expected to raise awareness among the stakeholders about promoting green and energy efficient projects, Hung stressed.

Participants are discussing and proposing mechanisms and policies and introducing effective technical and technological solutions to promote green urban development, green buildings, and energy efficient buildings in Vietnam.

According to architect Nguyen Trung Kien from the Vilandco Company, the Vietnam Green Building Council has built a green building certification system (also known as LOTUS) to evaluate green buildings in the country.