A green sky parks. Việt Nam must develop standards on carbon and national energy, while implementing strict regulations on energy saving. – Photo zing.vn

HÀ NỘI – Experts, business representatives and authorities gathered in Hà Nội yesterday at a workshop organised by the Ministry of Construction and the Danish Embassy in Việt Nam 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 per cent of the country’s total energy consumption. The figure increased to 38 per cent in 2014. 

Participants highlighted shortcomings in energy usage in buildings and attributed it to incomprehensive legal frameworks and low awareness about energy saving. 

According to a representative from DEM Construction Group, energy-efficient solutions have helped them save between VNĐ2.6 billion and VNĐ9.7 billion (US$114,400–426,800) per year. 

Việt Nam must develop standards on carbon and national energy, while implementing strict regulations on energy saving, the representative said.

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, an arm of the World Bank and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Việt Nam, said it was more cost-effective to construct an energy-efficient building than a power plant. 

Power efficiency helps save money for consumers and reduces carbon dioxide emissions, he added. 

In past years, the ministry has worked with international partners, such as Denmark, the WB or USAID on green construction projects, including the UNDP-funded project “Energy efficiency improvement in commercial and high-rise residential buildings in Việt Nam” from 2016-2019. 

Nguyễn Công Thịnh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, said amendments would 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. — VNS