What Is a Green Building? Key Criteria for Evaluating Green Buildings

In the context of increasing climate change and energy crises, the concept of “green building” has become an inevitable trend in modern construction. It is not only an architectural model that saves resources but also a sustainable development solution that helps improve living quality and protect the environment for future generations.

1. What is a Green Building?

A Green Building is a structure that is designed, constructed, and operated to minimize negative environmental impacts while optimizing the use of energy, water, and materials.

The key feature of a green building lies in its sustainable life cycle — from planning, design, and construction to operation and reuse. The ultimate goal is to create a healthy, efficient, and cost-effective environment for living and working while maximizing resource efficiency.

2. Why Should We Build Green Buildings?

Developing green buildings brings not only environmental benefits but also significant economic and social advantages:

• Energy and water savings: Reduces operational costs by 20–40% compared to conventional buildings.
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Contributes to global sustainable development and climate change mitigation goals.
• Improved health and productivity: Natural light, green spaces, and proper ventilation enhance overall well-being and comfort.
• Increased property value: Green projects are highly valued for their brand reputation and attractiveness to investors.
• Compliance with national policies: Aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

3. Key Criteria for Green Building Evaluation

Globally, several rating systems are used to assess green buildings, such as LEED (USGBC), EDGE (IFC/World Bank), and LOTUS (VGBC). Although each system uses a different scoring approach, they generally revolve around six main evaluation categories:

3.1. Energy Efficiency

• Optimize lighting, ventilation, and cooling design.
• Integrate renewable energy systems such as solar panels and heat pumps.
• Install energy-saving equipment and smart monitoring systems.

3.2. Water Efficiency

• Reduce water consumption and wastage during operation.
• Reuse rainwater and greywater where possible.
• Implement water-efficient fixtures and monitoring devices.

3.3. Sustainable Materials

• Prioritize recycled, eco-friendly, and locally sourced materials.
• Limit high carbon-emission materials such as cement and steel.
• Manage and classify construction waste effectively.

3.4. Indoor Environmental Quality

• Maximize natural lighting and ventilation.
• Control noise, humidity, and indoor air quality.
• Use low-VOC paints, finishes, and furniture to improve occupant health.

3.5. Sustainable Site Planning and Location

• Choose accessible sites close to public transport, housing, and infrastructure.
• Minimize ecological disruption and preserve natural ecosystems.
• Encourage green mobility such as cycling, walking, and public transit.

3.6. Building Management and Operation

• Establish monitoring systems for energy, water, and waste usage.
• Provide regular maintenance and staff training.
• Continuously update data and improve building performance over time.

4. Common Green Building Certifications in Vietnam

Certification	Origin	Application Scope	Key Features
LEED	United States	Global	Internationally recognized rating system with comprehensive criteria; suitable for large commercial projects.
EDGE	World Bank Group (IFC)	Global	Simple and practical; ideal for housing, hotels, and factories; focuses on energy, water, and materials.
LOTUS	Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC)	Vietnam	Adapted to local climate conditions and national building standards.

5. Green Building Development Trends in Vietnam

In recent years, Vietnam has witnessed a rapid increase in green building projects. Many urban developments, office towers, shopping centers, and manufacturing plants have adopted LEED or EDGE standards to:

• Enhance brand image and property value.
• Access international financial incentives and green loans.
• Meet emission reduction and climate adaptation requirements.

6. Conclusion

Green buildings are not just a trend — they represent the future direction of the construction industry. Understanding the concept and evaluation criteria of green buildings helps investors, architects, and contractors plan effectively from the start, ensuring long-term value and sustainable investment outcomes.

If you are looking for a trusted green building consulting firm, ISD Engineering is your reliable partner, offering LEED and EDGE consulting, design, and certification services in Vietnam.
We are committed to accompanying businesses in creating sustainable, efficient, and environmentally friendly buildings.

🔗 Explore more about our green building certification expertise at ISD Engineering.