Real estate businesses with a sustainable strategy to cope with the “whirlwind” of climate change

Creating a balanced living space and a sustainable living environment based on green buildings could be a more costly but feasible solution chosen by numerous real estate businesses in the complex context of climate change.

The great challenge of the real estate industry

In recent days, Southern European countries are facing the hottest heat wave ever when the temperature in many places reached the peak of 40 degrees, which is unthinkable for a continent with a moderate climate. This unusual phenomenon continues to raise many concerns about the unpredictable consequences of climate change. The West region of The U.S. is also experiencing its worst super-drought in 1,200 years, and anthropogenic climate change has exacerbated the problem.

According to the Global Climate Risk Index of the NGO German Watch, Vietnam is among the 10 Asian countries most affected by climate change. In particular, the urban system is under the most obvious pressure.

Besides the topographic conditions as Vietnam generally locates in low-lying areas, experts believe that the main reason for the adverse climate change impacts in Vietnam comes mainly from human impacts. It is the accumulated consequences of the rapid urbanisation process, the pressure of population oversize, and the mushrooming of new urban areas and construction works.

All are placing new challenges to many provinces and cities’ urban planning and management.
For example, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi are known by having high population density and equally high concentrations of high-rise buildings. These are where the negative impacts of climate change are more and more affecting the health of humans and the quality of air and water sources, etc.

Real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield’s report on the environmental impacts on real estate states that construction and real estate are responsible for 39% of total global carbon emissions, with active emissions accounting for 28%; the remaining 11% comes from carbon emissions or other factors.

Therefore, reducing carbon emissions and environmental protection are now considered the most vital task in the project development process. Instead of doing it hastily and massively, many real estate businesses are increasingly focusing on ways to respond to climate change by building green buildings holistically and sustainably, right from the planning stage to construction, design and operation.

Sustainable and green building construction

Van Phu – Invest is one of the pioneers of the trend of sustainable green building development in Vietnam in recent years. The real estate enterprise consistently researches the sustainability of buildings, focusing on the burning issue relating to the natural environment and the impacts of climate change on project investment.

“To Van Phu – Invest, the investment and development of projects are not only about building houses with utilities but also creating modern living spaces that closely and sustainably connect to the natural environment.

Society is shifting its focus to green spaces to address concerns about climate risks. Therefore, the strategic goal in the development of sustainable and green projects of Van Phu – Invest is to place people and the environment as the central factor for urban development”, the business representative
shared.

Van Phu – Invest defines a logical investment strategy, concentrating on specific sustainability factors. First, the natural sustainability factor is emphasised right from the pre-investment research stage. The local topography, climate, and hydrology are carefully studied to offer urban planning solutions suitable for the environment and effectively respond to climate change.

Second, the business focuses on the social sustainability factor through smart urban designs, adopting the quintessence of modern architecture while respecting all local cultural values, thereby creating new and sustainable urban areas. The project develops buildings that are in harmony with the regional culture, meeting the needs of the indigenous people while creating a unique highlight and becoming an architectural symbol.

Next is the sustainability factor in terms of technology. Van Phu – Invest pays special attention to applying cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements to construction. These include solid waste treatment technology meeting the EU6 standard (while the EU4 standard was still the highest yardstick in Vietnam). The technology allows to crush large concrete blocks up to 60cm x 80cm in size, automatic classification of iron and steel out of concrete and screen fine sand, making the dismantling and levelling process quicker, easier and more convenient and environmentally friendly.

The enterprise also highy appreciates the use of green materials, which can significantly reduce energy consumption for the entire building and save water and electricity for residents. In addition to applying green materials, Van Phu – Invest also creates green areas their projects horizontally, vertically or diagonally, creating a cool microclimate for all residents, separating the residence from the outside dust and noise.

Thanks to strictly meeting the criteria in design and construction, the two projects – The Terra – An Hung and Oakwood Residence Hanoi, developed by Van Phu – Invest, have achieved the highest green certificate of EDGE – the reputable international green building certification system. This is a testament to the efforts of the business in creating genuine living values for the community.