Arup signs MOU with Vietnam Green Building Council to advance sustainable construction in Vietnam.
Global investor Arup and the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC), in collaboration with Dr Cary Chan, former executive director of the Hong Kong Green Building Council, have signed a landmark MOU to advance sustainable construction in Vietnam. The strategic alliance aims to propel the country towards its 2050 carbon neutrality goal through innovative and sustainable practices.
The landmark agreement, which was signed at Arup’s office in Ho Chi Minh City, establishes a collaborative framework for collaboration among the three parties, focusing on the development of the Vietnam Zero Carbon Ready Framework. This initiative is designed to reduce the operational carbon of the existing building sector by integrating low-carbon operation, energy-efficient designs and innovative technologies.
Dr Jingfeng Xu, Arup’s Ho Chi Minh City office leader, said: “Our partnership with VGBC and the expertise brought by Dr Cary Chan marks a cornerstone in our commitment to transforming Vietnam’s construction landscape. By leveraging Arup’s global resources and VGBC’s local insights, we aim to set new benchmarks for sustainability that can serve as a model for other regions.”
Phan Thu Hang, chair of the VGBC, said, “We are thrilled to announce the signing of the MOU on the Climate Change Framework. Together, we are setting a powerful roadmap for sustainability that challenges us to think creatively and act decisively.” Douglas Lee Snyder, executive director of the VGBC, added: “Through this collaboration, we will enhance our capacity to educate, certify and innovate within the industry, driving towards a sustainable future that benefits not only our economy but also the global environment.”
Dr Cary Chan, independent advisor and the former executive director of the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC), said: “The integration of comprehensive sustainability frameworks such as the one we are developing is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts. This agreement represents a proactive step towards impactful environmental stewardship.”
Following the MOU signing, the parties convened for an in-depth workshop to discuss the detailed action plan for the Vietnam Climate Change Framework. Key outcomes included the formation of dedicated teams, assignment of roles and deliverables and the establishment of a timeline that spans short, mid and long-term objectives.
The session also drew on insights from the Climate Change Framework by HKGBC, together with the technical support from Arup’s Hong Kong team to provide a robust model for Vietnam’s own zero-carbon ready certification ambitions and green finance structures. This collaborative effort is set to drive significant advancements in making Vietnam’s built environment sustainable and resilient to climate challenges.
Upcoming initiatives include:
- Benchmarking and improving energy use in buildings across Vietnam.
- Developing a robust zero-carbon ready certification system to foster advancements towards net-zero carbon readiness.
- Engaging with governmental, private sector, academia, NGOs and financial sector to support sustainable development policies.
The ceremony not only highlighted the shared commitment to sustainability and innovation, but also outlined a plan for joint research, capacity building and the dissemination of best practices in green building across Vietnam.
