Construction Industry in Viet Nam has been growing quickly in recent years, with growth rate of 12 – 16% per year.  This quick growth, however, means an uncontrollably increasing use of energy and natural resources in construction. Statistics show that there are about 1,000 buildings consuming more than 1 million kWh per year. Such enormous energy waste could be greatly reduced (20% to 30%) under an energy efficiency plan in construction design.

Dr. Tran Huu Ha - Vice Manager of Technology and Environment Department, Ministry of Construction, believes that energy potential in construction buildings is not fully exposed yet. Recently a standard for building’s shells has been established under Vietnam Standards and Regulations in Construction, in which building shells must ensure natural ventilation, temperature fluctuating reduction and enough natural lighting.

Meeting all these standards, energy saving glass (ESG) is highly appreciated by construction experts and could be the future’s building material. ESG is gaining popularity in many countries, especially in Germany, the leading country of this trend, where ESG has been used for energy efficiency purpose in construction sites since the 1970s. Suitable for hot and humid climatic conditions in Viet Nam, yet ESG hasn’t been familiar to the majority of Vietnamese.

Low-E coating insulated glass at Vincom Center in Ho Chi Minh City

Mr. Nguyen Huy Thang, Head of Viet Nam Glass Association’s Office, confirms the glass’ high energy-saving capacity.

This capacity comes from its special coating which can prevent the two-way heat exchange. There are 3 types of energy saving glass commonly used in construction: white glass, Low-E coating glass and double glazed glass. Among these, white glass provides lower level of energy efficiency.

Low-E coating refers to a special compound coated on the glass pane. Its job is significantly to reduce radioactive heat loss into the room and then to the outside air while maintaining room’s brightness and aesthetic design. Meanwhile, double-glazed glass with reflective surface can be extremely versatile, offering both heat and sound proof capacity.

The glass’ ability to save energy saving does not stop at preventing heat exchange. The type used in some developed countries is capable of actively transforming heat into power for daily use in the building.

Barriers

Viet Nam has only experimented with the idea of energy-saving glass at a limited number of sites, e.g.: Low-E coating insulated glass at Vincom Center in Ho Chi Minh City and Ministry of Public Security headquarter. Mr. Nguyen Huu Thang said that although apartment buildings and commercial centers have large energy consumption, their owners have not paid enough attention to energy saving solutions like the ESG, partly due to its high cost.

The recently published regulations about safety and energy efficiency level of glass, according to Mr. Tran Huu Ha, still lack specific standards for categories, specifications, installation and experimentation. Managing the use of energy in building is not very effective because of the lack in related policies and managerial tools.

Technological ability is another obstacle to the application of ESG as people haven’t gained confidence in energy efficient products. The number of categories available on the market and the quality of products as well as distributional service still need to be improved.

To overcome these barriers, state agencies need to specify the direction for the enterprises as well as provide support during the implementation process of ESG. Enterprises should also take initiative in investing for sustainable development.

Nguyen An