On August 10, 2015 in Hanoi, IFC, a member of the World Bank Group in collaboration with the Ministry of Construction held a seminar to introduce the Certification system for optimal design to improve efficiency of works (EDGE), which helps reducing energy consumption, reducing emissions of greenhouse gases.

Representatives of the Ministry of Construction reveal that buildings consume more than 30% of total energy consumption in the fast growing economy. Thus improving energy efficiency for the new construction is an urgent requirement.

Currently IFC is working with SGS Vietnam Co., Ltd. to provide EDGE- a program which has proven its economic benefits for green buildings in the newly emerging markets. EDGE provides free software that allows the designer to select "green" technical solutions and the corresponding costs incurred as well as the payback time. The better construction design would help reduce the energy and water consumption, thereby, reducing the monthly cost of electricity, and water for both the building owners and the users.

Mr. Autif Sayed, Green Building Specialist for East Asia-Pacific of IFC, said: "With the EDGE tool kit, IFC brings to market an effective solution to green buildings. We want to contribute to the sustainable growth of Vietnam through the popularization of green building standards in a convenient way and with reasonable and affordable costs."

Trong Tan