Project Summary
This project focuses on advancing the integration of low-embodied carbon materials in the Vietnamese construction sector. Recognising the need for practical, context-specific guidance, the project’s initial phase prioritised the development of a comprehensive handbook and technical guideline. These documents serve as foundational tools, providing clear direction on material selection, local performance criteria, regulatory considerations, investment opportunities, and alignment with emerging standards for low-carbon construction in Vietnam.
DBI Partner
Project Overview
Building upon this foundational work, the project will support the development of a national strategy and implementation roadmap for embodied carbon reduction in buildings, integrating international best practices with local knowledge to identify actionable pathways across policy, industry, and research sectors. To support widespread adoption and capacity building, the project also includes a program of stakeholder engagement activities. These comprise technical workshops, short training courses, and an international conference aimed at facilitating knowledge exchange, professional development, and global-local collaboration. A social housing demonstration project will showcase the proposed low-carbon materials and technologies, offering a practical model for replication and scale-up within Vietnam’s construction industry.
Project Progress Highlights:
- Completed a comprehensive literature review to analyse international strategies for embodied carbon reduction.
- Drafted a handbook for low-carbon construction in Vietnam (on-going), which will cover the current challenges, available technologies, investment opportunities, relevant policies, and emerging material standards.
- Delivered a series of short training courses to Vietnamese professionals and officials. These sessions focused on sustainable construction practices, low-carbon material selection, energy transition, and green certification pathways.
- Established strategic collaborations through participation and knowledge sharing at international conferences and workshops held in Vietnam and Melbourne, Australia. These engagements have strengthened regional networks and contributed to the localisation of global knowledge.
Impact
- Enhanced technical knowledge and awareness among Vietnamese policymakers, practitioners, and industry leaders on low-embodied carbon solutions and their implementation.
- Support future policy recommendations and standards development aimed at mainstreaming low-carbon materials in national building codes and public procurement.
- The social housing project will demonstrate the application of novel materials and methods, offering a replicable model for sustainable and affordable housing in Vietnam.
- Contributes directly to national climate commitments and Vietnam’s roadmap toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
Future work:
- Formulate a national strategy for embodied carbon reduction based on the handbook and guidelines for low-carbon materials.
- Conduct remaining work packages for the Handbook on Low-Carbon Building Materials.
- Expand training programs and technical workshops for key stakeholders.
- Foster partnerships and share knowledge at international conferences.
