LEED for Residential – The New “Green Real Estate” Development Trend in Vietnam

In the context of Vietnam’s strong commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as guided by the Vietnam Association of Realtors (VARS), the real estate sector – which accounts for up to 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions (including both construction and operation phases, according to the United Nations Environment Programme) – is facing an urgent need for transformation.

In Vietnam, the development of “green real estate” projects associated with LEED and EDGE certifications is no longer a choice but an inevitable path to meet sustainable development requirements and create long-term competitive advantages for investors.

Exceptional growth of Vietnam’s green building market

According to the Vietnam Green Building Market Overview Report 2024 published by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the EDGE certification system, Vietnam currently has 559 green buildings, equivalent to 13.6 million square meters of floor area, including 31,384 apartments and 3,234 individual houses meeting green standards.

Notably, 2024 marks a major leap, with 163 buildings certified – double the number in 2023, triple that of 2022, and more than 27 times higher than in 2014. This figure not only reflects the market’s maturity but also demonstrates the growing awareness among developers of integrating sustainability values into real estate products.

At the same time, international investors, particularly from Europe and Singapore, are increasingly focusing on ESG (Environmental – Social – Governance) criteria when selecting projects. This creates both pressure and opportunity for Vietnamese developers, compelling them to restructure their growth strategies toward “greening their portfolios” if they wish to access sustainable capital sources and enhance their credibility in the global market.

Diamond Crown Hai Phong – Vietnam’s first residential project to achieve LEED Residential certification

A notable information for the market is the emergence of Diamond Crown Hai Phong – a project developed by DOJI LAND and green building–consulted by ISD Engineering under the LEED standard for residential buildings. The project officially achieved LEED Residential Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC/GBCI), becoming the first condominium project in Vietnam to be recognized under this standard.

LEED Residential is one of the world’s leading green building rating systems, with strict requirements on energy efficiency, water conservation, environmentally friendly materials, indoor air quality, and sustainable design. Achieving this certification demonstrates that Diamond Crown Hai Phong goes beyond aesthetics and amenities, representing a comprehensive commitment to sustainability – a value increasingly emphasized in the modern real estate landscape.

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Learn more from the Diamond Crown Hai Phong article: [Link]

According to DOJI LAND, investing in green buildings may incur an initial cost 2–10% higher than traditional projects. However, the company remains steadfast in pursuing a sustainable development strategy to create long-term value – offering residents not only a visually stunning home but also the highest quality of life.

With the support of ISD Engineering – Vietnam’s leading green building consulting firm – the Diamond Crown Hai Phong project has proven that sustainability can fully align with economic efficiency. The LEED Residential Silver achievement is not only international recognition but also a pioneering step contributing to shaping a greener future for Vietnam’s real estate industry.

If your business is seeking sustainable real estate development solutions that meet international certifications such as LEED or EDGE, partner with ISD Engineering – Vietnam’s leading green building consultancy with extensive experience successfully implementing hundreds of exemplary projects nationwide.

Contact ISD Engineering today.