VETS | EnE Green Building Consulting Services

In the context of increasing climate change and the global trend of net zero emissions commitments, green building is no longer just an option to enhance one’s image but is gradually becoming a mandatory standard for businesses, real estate developers, and industrial parks. With a pioneering approach in the energy and environment sector, VETS | EnE is committed to providing comprehensive green building consulting services , contributing to creating a sustainable future for the community.

What is a green building?

According to Decree 15/2021/ND-CP detailing some contents on the management of construction investment projects, a green building is defined as a construction project designed, built, and operated to meet criteria and standards for efficient energy use and resource conservation; while ensuring comfort and quality of living environment inside the building and protecting the external environment

Green buildings must meet standards for efficient and economical energy use (Illustrative image)

These buildings are typically evaluated according to prestigious international standards such as LEED, LOTUS, or EDGE, revolving around core criteria: energy efficiency, CO2 emission reduction, sustainable material use, and improved indoor air quality. As a result, green buildings not only reduce long-term operating costs but also create a healthy living and working environment, contributing to improved health and productivity for users.

LEED – a green building certification according to international standards

LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ) is the most widely used green building certification system in the world, developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). It is considered a comprehensive scoring system that evaluates buildings based on multiple aspects: energy and water efficiency, quality of building materials, indoor air quality, and the level of design innovation. Thanks to its wide range of applications, from residential and office buildings to shopping malls and factories, LEED has become a “common language” used by international investors to assess the sustainability of a real estate property.

Among these, LEED OM (Operations and Maintenance) Gold is one of the most popular certification levels, awarded to buildings that have been put into operation but continue to demonstrate superior environmental and energy efficiency during maintenance and operation.

As a professional partner in LEED OM certification consulting projects, VETS | EnE has implemented numerous practical projects for businesses. Notably, in the period of 2024-2025, VETS | EnE collaborated with MBbank on a LEED OM consulting project for the building at 18 Le Van Luong Street, contributing to the building achieving LEED OM – Gold certification and the “5-Star Green Building” title awarded by the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade. This demonstrates VETS | EnE’s capabilities in the field of energy saving and efficiency, meeting international green building standards.

MBbank achieves LEED OM – Gold certification with the consulting support of VETS | EnE

LEED certification levels

To be awarded LEED certification, a building must meet all prerequisites and accumulate sufficient credit points for each evaluation criterion. The higher the credit score, the more the building demonstrates superior sustainability and environmental friendliness compared to conventional projects. The current LEED certification levels are categorized according to the following scale:

LEED certification levels

Benefits of LEED Green Building Certification for Businesses

Investing in LEED certification offers businesses benefits in many ways:

• Long-term operating cost savings: thanks to energy and water-optimized design, LEED buildings significantly reduce electricity, water, and maintenance costs throughout their lifespan.
• Increased property value: LEED-certified buildings typically have higher market value and occupancy rates compared to conventional buildings, and are more likely to attract international tenants and investors who prioritize sustainable development.
• Enhancing brand reputation: possessing LEED certification is clear evidence of a company’s commitment to sustainable development, actively supporting its ESG strategy and green marketing.
• Improving the working environment: enhanced air quality, lighting, and indoor amenities contribute to protecting the health and increasing the productivity of workers.
• Minimize legal risks: anticipate increasingly stringent environmental and emissions regulations in Vietnam and around the world.

Although the initial investment cost for green buildings is often higher than for conventional buildings, this difference is largely quickly offset by operating savings and associated commercial benefits in the medium and long term.

Benefits of LEED certification for businesses

The evaluation criteria for LEED certification

• Sustainable site design: This relates to how a project is placed in a location that can optimize integration with its surroundings and support the community.
• Efficient water resource utilization: This criterion focuses on how the project manages and uses water intelligently, from conservation to reuse.
• Energy and the environment: This is about optimizing energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
• Materials and Resources: This standard ensures that the project uses sustainable and recyclable materials, while reducing waste and impact on natural resources.
• Indoor environmental quality: This relates to providing a healthy, comfortable indoor environment with good air quality for users.
• Innovative design: This final standard focuses on the project’s adaptability and future upgradeability by creating a flexible and easily adaptable architecture.

Green building development policies in Vietnam

These policies demonstrate that green building is becoming one of the key sustainable development directions of Vietnam’s construction industry, while also creating many opportunities and urgent requirements for businesses in green transformation.

VETS | EnE – a professional green building consulting firm

VETS | EnE provides comprehensive green building consulting and LEED certification services, partnering with businesses from current situation assessment and strategy development to technical solution consulting and certification documentation completion, aiming to optimize investment and operational efficiency.

Notably, VETS | EnE has become a Silver member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). This is a significant step that affirms VETS | EnE’s capabilities and specialized focus, while also expanding opportunities to access new LEED trends and connect with a network of international experts and partners.

VETS | EnE becomes a silver member of USGBC

With a pioneering vision in the energy and environment sector, VETS is committed to providing comprehensive green building solutions, contributing to creating a sustainable future for the community.