ESG Program – Pioneering Sustainability Initiative by Savills Property Management

According to the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) 2019 report, operational buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions, with 28% from operational emissions, which is the energy needed to heat, cool and power them. As the global real estate industry moves toward sustainable growth, integrating ESG criteria into property development strategies is crucial. This involves constructing and designing buildings to meet environmental standards but looks at how operations can foster greener communities and fewer emissions. ESG measures sustainability and how businesses impact communities. In property management, ESG signifies a commitment to sustainable practices throughout the real estate lifecycle.

Read more:

• How is Real Estate going "Green"?
• What is the Significance of ESG in Real Estate?

WHAT IS SAVILLS ESG PROGRAM?

Like the Sustainability Awards in Ho Chi Minh City, the ESG Program is an annual campaign by Savills Property Management Team in Ha Noi. First launched in 2020, the program empowers Savills manged projects to implement innovative initiatives to save water and electricity, and reduce carbon emissions. The program also aims to change stakeholders’ perceptions of the importance of sustainability.

Implementing sustainable strategies like the ESG Program is vital for Savills and signifies how committed developers are to creating sustainable and healthy communities. These commitments are particularly significant in Viet Nam, where the government aims to reduce emissions by 43.5% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The ESG Program creates opportunities to improve property competitiveness and foster positive community relationships for developers. Increasingly, residents and occupiers demand environmental safety and green spaces.

ESG PROGRAM 2023 AND CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION EFFORTS

In 2023, our managed real estate projects continuously implemented energy-saving initiatives. Practical solutions havebeen applied in all aspects of management activities, significantly improving energy efficiency and resource savings.

Below are stable, adaptable solutions for long-term implementation. They can be easily adjusted to suit the characteristics of each project type while delivering significant energy efficiency.

1. Optimise the operations of M&E systems through evaluation and adjustment of operating parameters.

M&E systems typically consume the most energy in buildings. Our technical teams go beyond manufacturer guidelines, regularly collecting energy data and adjusting parameters in response to real-time factors like hours and weather conditions, thus optimising system operation.

2. Develop a suitable maintenance plan

Besides adjusting the operating parameters of technical systems, proper maintenance practices are crucial. They ensure smooth system operation, minimize breakdowns, and significantly improve energy efficiency in the project.

The maintenance plan should follow four main principles, including the legal regulations of the Ministry of Construction, instructions of the manufacturer, the characteristics of the technical systems, and consumption levels. The plan should clearly define technical items, frequency, and method of maintenance, with the responsible team to ensure energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness for developers.

Read more: Creating an Efficient Maintenance Plan

3. Use energy-efficient equipment and sensors in common areas

To ensure cost optimisation and energy efficiency, Savills advises developers on selecting energy-labelled tools and equipment, utilising motion sensors, implementing smart temperature control systems, and switching lighting systems to energy-saving modes. We continuously create energy-saving ideas tailored to the operational status of the project.

According to a 2022 study by the Vietnam Energy Efficiency Network (EEN) 2022, proactively implementing energy-saving solutions during the design phase, including installing efficient lighting, cooling and HVAC systems can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%.

Read more: Savills technical system assessment and solutions consultancy package

4. Enhance insulation and soundproof

Insulation and soundproofing layers on roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors ensure comfort and enhance the living experience for residents and tenants. Savills assists developers in addressing challenges with insulation and soundproofing solutions. These solutions include using insulation and soundproofing materials for ceilings, walls, and floors, as well as designing insulated and soundproof ceilings.

5. Integrate energy management systems (EMS)

Developers can boost overall energy efficiency by implementing an energy management system with computer tools called proptech. This system monitors, controls, and optimises device performance. Using technology in operation enables efficient energy data collection, usage tracking, and accurate reporting, and prolongs the lifespan of technical equipment by enhancing the quality of input energy.

Savills demonstrates its commitment to ESG standards in property management through efficient solutions and effective management. In the future, our ESG Program will expand to drive significant changes. Our team will continue to deliver sustainable energy-saving solutions, aligning with Savills Net Zero goal and supporting Viet Nam's aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Contact Savills Property Management team for advice on energy-saving operations and CO2 emission reduction solutions.