THE HANOI TIMES — Advancing green buildings and intelligent urban infrastructure stands as a pivotal strategy in Vietnam’s journey toward becoming a modern, eco-friendly nation, aligning with its ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2050, as emphasized by Deputy Minister of Construction Nguyen Van Sinh.
During the forum titled “Innovative Solutions for Green Buildings and Sustainable Transportation,” jointly organized by the Hanoi People’s Committee and the Ministry of Construction (MOC) on October 16, Sinh underscored Vietnam’s proactive policy framework aimed at fostering green buildings and sustainable urban development.
Reiterating Vietnam’s dedication to a green and sustainable future, he called for collaborative efforts from experts, investors, consultants, and individuals with expertise in green development to drive this transformation.
Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Sinh addressing the forum. Photos: Anh Kiet/The Hanoi Times
“The development of green buildings is instrumental in reducing energy, water, and material consumption, as well as CO₂ emissions. It encourages the use of sustainable and recycled materials, optimizes urban land use, and enhances environmental quality,” Sinh stated.
Citing Resolution No.06-NQ/TW on sustainable urban development, he highlighted the importance of integrating green materials, buildings, and energy into urban infrastructure projects by 2030.
Under this resolution, Vietnam aims to expand green transportation networks, increase green spaces, and ensure all construction projects meet energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction standards. These initiatives are supported by laws such as the Environmental Protection Act, the Energy Efficiency Act, and the Construction Act.
“Green building development is a recurring theme across various legal provisions, reflecting its centrality to Vietnam’s sustainability agenda,” Sinh noted.
Guided by these regulations, the Ministry of Construction has championed green building initiatives over the years, achieving notable success.
Over the past 15 years, green buildings have proliferated across Vietnam, starting from Ho Chi Minh City and now numbering over 600 nationwide, with a combined floor area of nearly 17 million square meters.
Given the annual construction of approximately 100 million square meters of residential and commercial buildings, excluding industrial and other structures, the potential for green building expansion remains vast, according to officials.
Vu Linh, a technician at the MOC, shared with The Hanoi Times that green buildings not only enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions but also promote sustainable resource use and minimize environmental pollution.
Vu Linh (second from right) with colleagues at the forum.
“By improving ventilation and utilizing sound-absorbing materials, green buildings enhance air quality and reduce noise pollution. Research indicates that these buildings significantly boost worker productivity, leading to substantial cost savings for organizations,” Linh explained.
He emphasized additional benefits such as improved indoor air quality, reduced noise levels, and energy savings, while also stressing the need for advanced technologies, sustainable materials, and supportive government policies.
Thus, promoting green building development is crucial for accelerating Vietnam’s green transition, Linh concluded.
Overcoming Challenges in Green Building Development
Despite robust government policies and international commitments, green building development in Vietnam faces several hurdles, according to Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Sinh.
“Key challenges include the voluntary nature of green building initiatives, technical and financial constraints for investors, and limited access to green financing,” he explained.
Nguyen Hong Hai, Director of the Institute of Construction Science and Technology.
Nguyen Hong Hai, Director of the Institute of Construction Science and Technology, noted that the initial investment for green projects is significantly higher than for conventional ones.
“This financial barrier often deters businesses from pursuing green initiatives. Additionally, many investors remain unaware of the long-term benefits of green buildings, further discouraging investment,” Hai observed.
“While current policies encourage green building, Vietnam needs to introduce mandatory regulations with a clear implementation roadmap to drive widespread adoption across regions,” he told The Hanoi Times.
Nguyen Quoc Hiep, President of the Vietnam Association of Construction Contractors, advocated for policy enhancements to attract investment and promote eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient technologies.
“Government agencies should establish clear criteria and standards for green buildings, ensuring uniform application nationwide,” Hiep suggested.
He recommended that the Institute of Construction Economics conduct further research on the investment efficiency of green buildings, particularly their operational efficiency and payback periods compared to traditional buildings, to better communicate their advantages.
Luu Thi Thanh Mau, General Director of Phuc Khang Investment & Construction Group.
Luu Thi Thanh Mau, General Director of Phuc Khang Investment & Construction Group, urged the swift establishment of criteria and standards for green buildings.
“I hope the MOC will provide comprehensive information, streamline administrative processes, and create a conducive legal environment for green building development,” Mau shared with The Hanoi Times.
She proposed that the ministry issue guidelines for specialized agencies, develop energy-saving standards, and raise investor awareness of their role in meeting green building criteria.
In closing the forum, Deputy Minister Nguyen Van Sinh reaffirmed the MOC’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to refine policies and create an enabling environment for green building development.
The forum is a highlight of the Vietnam Green Building Week 2025, scheduled for October 29 in Hanoi, under the theme “Innovation in Sustainable Construction: Advancing Green Buildings and Transportation.”
The event will feature panel discussions, an exhibition of green technologies, and an awards ceremony. Focus areas include innovative eco-friendly materials, energy efficiency, and smart urban planning, all aimed at propelling Vietnam toward its sustainability goals.
Overview of the forum in Hanoi on October 16.
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