Experts, business representatives and authorities gathered in Hanoi on December 2 at a workshop jointly organised by the Ministry of Construction and the Danish Embassy to Vietnam to seek ways to promote energy-efficient construction.
According to the Ministry’s Department of Science, Technology and Environment, in 2003, civil energy consumption accounted for 22.4% of the country’s total energy consumption. The figure increased to 38% in 2014.
Participants highlighted shortcomings in energy using in buildings and attributed it to incomprehensive legal framework and low awareness about energy saving among consumers.
According to a representative from DEM Construction Group said energy-efficient solutions have helped save up to 40%, or between VND2.6 billion and VND9.7 billion (US$114,400 – 426,800) per year at buildings, such as Sao Thai Duong or Royal Tower.
Vietnam needs to develop standards on carbon and national energy, while implementing strictly regulations on energy saving.
Training should be conducted to raise the awareness of energy saving while developing green building models.
Poul E-Kristensen, a senior consultant on green building for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) an arm of the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Vietnam, said it is more cost-effective to construct an energy-efficient building than a power plant.
Power efficient using helps save money for consumers as well as reduce carbon dioxide emission into the environment, he added.
Over the past years, the Ministry has worked with international partners, such as Denmark, WB or USAID on numerous green construction projects, including the UNDP-funded project “Energy efficiency improvement in commercial and high-rise residential buildings in Vietnam” from 2016-2019.
Nguyen Cong Thinh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, said amendments will be made to regulations on energy saving, efficient use and green works.
Communication work will be promoted to raise public awareness of the need for energy saving, efficient use and green works, while developing regulations on assessment, certification, labels and certificates for green construction materials, equipment and works.
Source: VNA