Optimizing Energy, Reducing Emissions: Green Cold Storage Sets a New Benchmark for Logistics Operations

Amid increasing pressure from climate change and global emission reduction commitments, the cold chain logistics sector—known for its high energy consumption due to continuous refrigeration—is undergoing a major transformation. The concept of “green cold storage,” closely tied to green buildings and green building certifications, is no longer just an optimal choice but is becoming the new operational standard in logistics.

The Green Race in the Cold Supply Chain

Amid the global energy crisis and mounting pressure to cut emissions, the logistics industry—responsible for up to 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions—is undergoing a profound transformation. Within this wave of “greening,” green cold storage has emerged as an inevitable trend, not only helping businesses optimize operational costs but also serving as a key to moving closer to sustainable development goals.

For decades, the cold chain has been regarded as the “lifeblood” of the modern economy, particularly in sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and e-commerce. However, it is also one of the most energy-intensive industries, with refrigeration, lighting, and 24/7 operations generating high emissions and enormous maintenance costs.

According to McKinsey (2024), global demand for cold storage is expected to increase by more than 50% within the next five years, leading to growing energy pressures. In response, logistics companies are entering a “green race,” where the ability to optimize energy, leverage technology, and commit to sustainability has become a core competitive advantage.

When “Green” Becomes a Strategy, Not a Slogan

No longer limited to isolated efforts like saving electricity or switching to LED lighting, the “greening” of cold storage has evolved into a long-term strategic direction embraced by major corporations.
From designing buildings that meet LEED or EDGE standards, using environmentally friendly insulation materials, to integrating solar energy and IoT-based intelligent control systems, every aspect is calculated to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs.

According to the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), the “green cold storage” trend not only aims to meet ESG and international standards but also helps Vietnamese enterprises seize opportunities to integrate deeper into global supply chains—where multinational corporations increasingly prioritize partners with sustainable operating models.

In Vietnam, along with the Government’s Net Zero 2050 commitment, “green logistics” has become a top priority in infrastructure development strategies. Many pioneering enterprises have invested in green-certified cold storage facilities, integrated renewable energy, automated temperature management, and adopted smart storage systems to reduce losses and increase efficiency.

Experts point out that the green cold storage model can help save 20–30% of annual energy costs while reducing thousands of tons of CO₂ emissions. More importantly, it represents a vital step in enhancing the image and competitiveness of Vietnam’s logistics industry within the global value chain.

Vietnam Catches Up: When Green Cold Storage Is No Longer a Distant Idea

In Vietnam, cold storage facilities have long operated under traditional models, with high energy costs and maintenance expenses. However, rising global ESG standards and a growing emphasis on sustainability across supply chains are prompting local logistics companies to transition toward green cold storage—where operational efficiency aligns with environmental responsibility.

A prime example of this shift is the NECS cold storage project, which has officially achieved the EDGE Advanced green certification, marking a clear step forward in emission reduction and energy optimization within Vietnam’s cold logistics sector. NECS not only delivers high-quality warehousing services but also pioneers the integration of green technology solutions, including:

• Solar energy systems that significantly reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring stable and sustainable operations.
• Water and energy-saving measures implemented throughout all operational processes to optimize resources and minimize waste.

Learn more from the NECS article: [Link]

Achieving green building certification for a cold storage facility is no simple feat. The greatest challenges lie in maintaining refrigeration stability, ensuring electrical safety, minimizing refrigerant leakage, and implementing continuous energy monitoring systems. The NECS project demonstrates that with the right investment and technical solutions, green standards can be fully realized in Vietnam’s logistics industry.

Accompanying the project was ISD Engineering—one of Vietnam’s leading consulting firms in green building certification. Acting as the EDGE consultant, ISD Engineering supported NECS in successfully achieving EDGE Advanced certification. This not only reinforces NECS’s commitment to sustainable growth but also showcases ISD Engineering’s strong technical expertise and deep practical experience in implementing international standards like LEED and EDGE in Vietnam.

The success of NECS proves that green cold storage is no longer an abstract concept—it is an inevitable trend where economic efficiency meets environmental responsibility, paving the way for a more sustainable future for Vietnam’s logistics industry in the era of global green transformation.

Contact ISD Engineering today to learn more about green certification consulting.