Operational solutions for green certified buildings

According to the Ministry of Construction, as of Q3/2024, Viet Nam boasts over 500 green buildings, far surpassing the original target of 80 projects by 2025. This remarkable achievement highlights the relentless efforts of the real estate industry to align with global sustainability trends. The increasing number of green buildings reflects a positive shift among developers toward creating eco-friendly workspaces while meeting the rising expectations of tenants. 

The green real estate transformation also plays a key role in maintaining a project's competitive edge in the market. According to Savills experts, green offices deliver long-term value - not only in the economic factor by optimising operational costs but also in the social factor by contributing to a sustainable workplace that enhances living and working quality. 

The benefits of green-certified offices

Green buildings help reduce emissions and save energy, contributing to minimise the development’s environmental impact. Designing, developing, or upgrading a green office demonstrates the developer's commitment to supporting governmental and community goals for sustainable development. 

Green buildings prioritise creating healthier workspaces, enhancing tenants' physical and mental well-being. This improves living quality and working productivity, delivering long-term value to occupants. Green offices often achieve higher occupancy rates and rental values due to their superior working environments. Tenants tend to commit long-term, reducing vacancies and enhancing overall building stability. 

Transitioning to green office models requires close collaboration between developers and Property Management Teams to implement standardised maintenance and upgrade plans while optimising operational systems. As a trusted consultancy and management company, Savills has effectively assisted many developers in enhancing operational strategies to meet green building certification criteria, including LEED, EDGE, and Green Mark. 

Read more: What are the Types of Green Building Certifications in Viet Nam? 

Operational solutions to achieve green building certification 

1. Gelex Tower 

• Location: 52 Le Dai Hanh, Hai Ba Trung, Ha Noi 
• Developer: Gelex Group 
• Grade: A 
• Certification: LEED Platinum 

Gelex Tower is one of the few office buildings in Ha Noi that has achieved LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of certification offered by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. This certification recognises the building’s exceptional performance across key criteria, including location and transport, sustainable site development, water efficiency, energy and emissions performance, materials and resources, indoor air and living quality, and innovative design. 

Since 2021, Savills has partnered with Gelex Group to integrate ESG principles into daily operations, ensuring Gelex Tower meets the stringent LEED certification requirements. 

Savills sustainable operational solutions: 

• Lighting system: Use 100% LED bulbs instead of fluorescent tube lights. 
• Air-conditioning system: Upgrade and cool down the VRV system, adjusting temperatures for each season.
• Energy management: Use soft starters and inverters for the fan motors and install an inverter for the fresh air supply fan.
• Water management: Implement water reuse solutions and install flow-reducing corner valves at faucet heads to control water usage. 

2. Grand Terra  

• Location: 36 Cat Linh, Dong Da, Ha Noi 
• Developer: Thanh Hoa Construction 
• Grade: A 
• Certification: LEED Gold 

Grand Terra is a standout Grade A retail – office complex in Dong Da District. From the design stage, Thanh Hoa Construction aimed to meet LEED Gold standards. With a focus on sustainable real estate development, the developer entrusted Savills to manage the building operations, supporting its commitment to reducing average energy consumption by 20% and water usage by 40%. The project provides a healthy working environment, making it an ideal choice for businesses with the same sustainable development goals.

Savills sustainable operational solutions: 

• Ventilation and air filtration system: Fully equipped to supply fresh air while minimising coarse dust, ensuring clean indoor air quality. 
• Energy management: Use energy-labelled equipment for ventilation, air conditioning, and lighting systems to reduce electricity consumption. 
• Water management: Implement water reuse systems, rainwater drainage, and water-saving devices, focusing on regulating and optimising water usage. 

3. Leadvisors Tower  

• Location: 643 Pham Van Dong, Bac Tu Liem, Ha Noi 
• Developer: Phuong Bac 
• Grade: A 
• Certification: EDGE 

Leadvisors Tower combines distinctive Japanese architecture with a carefully crafted design that is built to meet the international EDGE standards for green buildings. Constructed with eco-friendly materials, the building features modern energy and water-saving technologies. Low-E glazing, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and LED lighting reduce energy consumption while water-saving fixtures help to minimise usage. To meet the building’s sustainable commitment, the Savills Management Team regularly monitors and assesses performance for energy optimisation. 

Leadvisors Tower is one of the first office buildings in Ha Noi to achieve the EDGE certification (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), the international standards that promote sustainable building design and construction. 

Savills sustainable operational solutions: 

• Lighting system: Use LED lights with an intensity of no more than 20 watts/m². 
• Air-conditioning system: Adjust the thermostat by 1°C to reduce energy consumption for cooling and heating by up to 10%. 
• Water management: Optimise water flow to reduce water usage. 
• Green community campaign: Host the annual Plastic Detox campaign with the key activity "Exchange plastic waste for green plants” to raise tenant awareness about creating a sustainable shared space. 

4. BRG Tower  

• Location: 198 Tran Quang Khai, Hoan Kiem, Ha Noi 
• Developer: BRG Group 
• Grade: A 
• Certification: EDGE 

BRG Tower is the headquarters of BRG Group, offering premium Grade A office space and amenities in Ha Noi’s centre. In 2024, the project was officially awarded the EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) green certification by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. 

Savills sustainable operational solutions: 

• Air-conditioning system: Adjust seasonal temperature settings and operations through BMS. 
• Lighting system: Manage basement lighting based on actual usage demands. 
• Water management: Track and adjust water discharge settings. 

As nations worldwide strive for carbon neutrality, the green building transition offers a significant competitive advantage while showcasing the developer’s commitment, effort, and responsibility toward the government and society. 

Savills Property Management Department supports developers throughout the operational process, from consulting on energy optimisation solutions to implementing practical initiatives ensuring projects meet green standards and achieve green certification. Our focus goes beyond technical solutions, we also support the development of sustainable operation plans and roadmaps, delivering long-term value for the project. 

Learn more about our Consultancy and Management services. 

Read more:  

• What do Developers Need to Consider in Managing Green Buildings? - Part 1 
• What do Developers Need to Consider in Managing Green Buildings? - Part 2 
• ESG Program - Pioneering Sustainability Initiative by Savills Property Management