Savills Property Management: Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for a Greener Tomorrow

In an era where environmental consciousness is paramount, Savills Property Management teams in Viet Nam are market leaders, spearheading sustainable practices across nearly 8 million m2 of real estate across the country. This blog explores the department's proactive green initiatives and accomplishments, exploring case studies of the winners of Savills Property Management Sustainability Awards in H1/2023, One Verandah, a residential development, and OneHub Saigon Office.

Savills Property Management Resource Savings H1/2023 vs H1/2020

Since 2020, Savills Property Management teams in Ho Chi Minh City have been implementing innovative and sustainable operational solutions. These efforts have supported notable resource and emissions savings. Electric intensity has decreased by 5.1% compared to H1/2020, water intensity fell by 9.9%, and carbon emissions softened by 5.1%.

These achievements are a testament to Savills effectiveness in instigating positive transformations and fostering a future marked by environmental consciousness and sustainability.

CASE STUDY 1: One Verandah Notable Water Savings

In H1/2023, One Verandah had the greatest water savings across all of Savills managed properties in Ho Chi Minh City. The project achieved a significant water savings of 57% YoY.

What solutions did One Verandah implement to achieve significant water savings?

1. Repaired and Maintained the Water Supply System:

The property management team regularly maintains and repairs the system to eliminate faults or leaks and ensure optimal functionality. They also ensure that pipes, taps, and toilets do not have leaks to prevent water wastage.

2. Water-Saving Devices:

Water-saving devices were attached to taps and other fittings across public spaces.

3. Hard-Lock for Public Taps:

Hard locks on public taps ensure that they are not used unknowingly or by unauthorised personnel. This prevents any unnecessary water use.

4. Water-Efficient Practices:

The property management team focused on educating staff and the community at One Verandah. The team used promotional materials and even held water-saving contests to encourage economic water use.

5. Control and Monitoring of Daily Water Consumption:

The team regularly checks and monitors water use, which allows them to see if there is any unusual activity. They also use the data to create strategies to use less water. Regular checks also mean any issues are found and addressed promptly, which reduces waste.

Some solutions created from analysing operational data include adjusting water levels in public toilets and reducing how much water is used in a single flush.

CASE STUDY 2: OneHub Saigon Office Building – Optimising Energy Use

In H1/2023, OneHub Saigon had the greatest energy savings across all of Savills managed properties in Ho Chi Minh City. The project achieved a significant YoY electricity savings of 41% YoY.

1. Temperature Control:

Given high temperatures and humidity in Viet Nam, most properties rely on air conditioners to ensure comfortable living and working environments. However, air conditioning is a heavy consumer of electricity.

To reduce energy consumption, air conditioning systems were set to higher temperatures at specific times or were turned off in vacant or quiet areas.

2. Lighting Optimisation:

Timers and monitoring light use played a significant role in saving energy at OneHub Saigon. Timers were also adjusted according to their use and occupancy. 

How Savills Drives Sustainability in Viet Nam

Savills Property Management has a roadmap to a sustainable future, which includes a series of strategic initiatives aimed at advancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. Here are some of the measures Savills is taking to ensure a greener tomorrow:

1. Memorandum on Energy and Water Conservation:

Savills has taken a proactive step by issuing a memorandum that underscores the organisation's commitment to energy and water conservation in all projects we manage. This internal directive serves as a guiding principle for all stakeholders, emphasising the importance of sustainable practices throughout the property management spectrum.

2. Analytical Dashboards for Energy Consumption:

In a bid to harness the power of data, Savills is investing in state-of-the-art technology to create analytical dashboards. These cutting-edge tools enable the comprehensive analysis and comparison of electric and water consumption across managed buildings. This data-centric approach ensures informed decision-making and a nuanced understanding of resource utilization.

3. Awards for Energy and Water Conservation:

Savills founded its Property Management Sustainability Awards in November 2022. The awards recognise the achievements of Savills projects with the greatest water, energy, and CO2 savings. This recognition fosters healthy competition among our projects and raises awareness about resource conservation in the community. This initiative serves a dual purpose of celebrating successes and fostering a culture of healthy competition and continuous improvement in sustainable practices.

4. Feasible Solutions Checklist:

Savills teams have created and use a comprehensive guide that offers insights into operations solutions across diverse properties. The checklist is a strategic tool for property managers and chef engineers to tailor solutions to specific needs.

5. PropTech Collaboration:

In a commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation, Savills actively uses proptech management solutions. This saves energy but facilitates the use of sustainable materials. This includes materials that are not only energy-efficient but also environmentally conscious, contributing to a holistic approach to sustainability.

6. ISO certifications:

In November 2023, Savills Property Management achieved a significant milestone by receiving ISO 14001 and 45001 certifications from Bureau Veritas Vietnam. Savills Viet Nam is the first property management agent in the country to attain ISO certifications. These certifications are a significant achievement and lay the foundations for Savills commitment to sustainable development.

7. ESG Campaigns:

We run community ESG campaigns throughout the year. In 2023, our teams in HCMC collected plastic waste and used batteries across our managed projects.

2023 also marked the third year we have partnered with the WWF for Earth Hour. All Savills managed properties participated in the event, which allows our property management teams to show our residents and tenants how they can reduce their energy consumption in their daily lives.

Conclusion

Savills Property Management's forward-looking strategy involves a multifaceted approach that blends technology, recognition, and collaboration. By incorporating innovative solutions, fostering a culture of sustainability, and exploring sustainable materials, Savills is poised to set new benchmarks for environmental responsibility in real estate in Viet Nam.

Contact our Property Management team for sustainable solutions for your real estate portfolio.