Efficient Energy Use in Green Buildings

As of 2024, over 500 green building projects have been recorded in Viet Nam. These buildings support global and national sustainability goals while addressing practical needs of the population. Although green buildings often require higher initial investments, they provide superior performance and cost savings, particularly in energy consumption. 

Towards efficient energy use

Nguyen Thi Lam Giang, Director General of the Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development and Project Director (Ministry of Industry and Trade) emphasised that Viet Nam's energy sector is under significant pressure to ensure a reliable power supply for the country’s socio-economic growth. It is crucial to prioritise the efficient and economical use of energy resources. 

At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), Viet Nam committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. At COP28, the country announced plans to mobilise resources for implementing a political declaration on establishing a just energy transition partnership. 

Energy-saving measures and efficient energy use are central to this plan, as they represent the most cost-effective means to advance the green transition, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote circular economic models, and achieve Viet Nam's 2050 net-zero target. Success depends on mobilising resources and uniting societal efforts. 

Viet Nam’s real estate sector is aligning with the global green transition to address climate change and increasing awareness of environmental and health concerns. Four major green building certifications - LEED, EDGE, WELL Building Standard, and LOTUS - are widely adopted. These certifications provide practical guidelines for green project operations, focusing on energy efficiency, water conservation, air quality, and users’ well-being. Developers and Management teams are actively creating energy-efficient plans that meet the standards of these certifications. 

Solutions for optimising energy usage

Discussing factors influencing energy and resource efficiency in green buildings, Pham Huy Tuan, Head of M&E, Property Management at Savills Ha Noi, highlighted seven key considerations in the design and construction of green projects. The first two factors focus on leveraging natural elements, including optimising natural lighting, and equipping buildings with effective ventilation systems. 

Moreover, developers should prioritise the use of sustainable materials, such as insulation and recycled materials. At the same time, projects should include green spaces in various areas, such as rooftop gardens, living walls, and vegetation in courtyards, to help lower temperatures, improve air quality, and create a more comfortable environment for residents. Additionally, projects should focus on three key elements: integrating renewable energy systems, implementing effective water management practices, and monitoring resource consumption through centralised energy management systems to optimise resources and ensure long-term sustainability.

Tuan suggested using solar energy systems, like rooftop or façade-mounted photovoltaic panels, to reduce reliance on the national grid. These systems are especially effective for powering high-energy equipment and saving energy.

In addition, plants within buildings also contribute to energy savings. Large shade trees can block direct sunlight, while vertical gardens help insulate the building, reducing the load on cooling systems. For offices or corridors, compact plants can minimise heat absorption and regulate indoor temperatures, creating a more energy-efficient environment.

Tran Ngoc Duy, Associate Director, Property Management at Savills Ha Noi, further stated that optimising electricity and water consumption can significantly reduce operating costs and ensure the sustainability of projects. Based on Savills experience in managing and operating green projects, low-efficiency lights are replaced with LED lights, reflective bulbs, and long-lasting halogen lights, keeping energy consumption below 20 watts per square metre (sq m). Additionally, air conditioning systems are optimised, with a temperature adjustment of just 1°C in common areas, saving up to 10% of the energy used for cooling or heating the building. Water management is achieved through measures like reducing faucet flow to 3.5 litres per minute, optimising toilet flush volumes to 4.5 litres, and using systems to recycle rainwater. According to Savills, these solutions have helped office projects cut water consumption by 17% per sq m. The reduction is 3% for residential projects, improving water efficiency in property management.

Beyond electricity and water management, maintaining superior indoor air quality remains a key focus. Additionally, the effective operation of a green project requires a comprehensive approach, including optimising technical systems through thorough evaluations and parameter adjustments, developing strategic maintenance plans, adopting advanced energy management systems and software, and enhancing both thermal and acoustic insulation for improved efficiency and comfort.

Managing and operating green projects requires a holistic approach, focusing on various factors from the design and construction phases to maximising the efficiency of energy, water, and air quality and implementing effective management practices. 

Source: According to an interview between Savills experts and the Construction Newspaper.