GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR VIETNAM

Green buildings are becoming increasingly popular as Vietnam moves towards sustainable development and environmental protection. This morning, October 22, at the Green Economy Forum and Exhibition 2024, opinions presented in the discussion session showed that the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction believes in the bright future of the Green Building sector.

One of the major challenges for green building projects is that investment costs are often several percentages higher than traditional buildings. For investors, this figure is quite significant as they have to carefully consider financial efficiency before implementing. However, with growing awareness of the long-term benefits of green buildings, many investors have begun to see that these initial costs are not only reasonable but also bring sustainable value.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Xuyen, Head of Construction Quality Management Department (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction), the State plays a very important role in shaping the future of green buildings in Vietnam. To promote this trend, there must be specific and clear incentive mechanisms. The State needs to take the lead in adjusting mechanisms, improving and leading investment in green buildings. Recognizing and encouraging projects with practical and sustainable values ​​through specific standards will create strong motivation for investors.

 Ms. Phan Thu Hang, Chairperson of the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC) shared at the discussion that VGBC is very honored that the Ministry of Economy and Construction has recently used the LOTUS green standard as a benchmark for a school project and in the future it will be applied to hospital projects as well as other segments. This is a positive signal showing that green buildings are opening up great opportunities for investors in Vietnam. Along with the active participation of the State, promoting support mechanisms and applying international standards will help green buildings develop more strongly and sustainably in the future.