The US Embassy in Vietnam together with the Ministry of Construction organized a workshop on green projects on April 16 in Hanoi.
Minister of Construction Trinh Dinh Dung said that green projects are among proactive solutions for energy efficiency and coping with climate change in Vietnam and the world. Vietnam is rapidly urbanizing its 765 cities and towns, and about one million people become city dwellers per year. It is predicted that the urban population will increase to 52 million by 2015 accounting for 52 percent of the national population. For this reason, the demand for construction will increase rapidly, and it is vital to build green projects, treat waste and environmental pollution and ensure a fresh, nature-close living environment.
US Ambassador to Vietnam David Shear said that green projects were ideal for developing countries as they would save energy and money and reduce green-house gas emission.
The US has built a large number of international-standard green projects which use light sensors and renewable energy. With its experiences in building green projects the government of the US has provided Vietnam with solutions for green project development such as working with the Vietnamese Ministry of Construction on examination of construction technical standards and launching two courses on techniques to reduce construction costs.
In the near future the US will continue its support for Vietnam in strengthening energy management requirements and enhancing technological cooperation to reduce the need for energy, particularly for construction projects.
By Le My