Green One UN House recognized with highest-level award for Green Buildings in Viet Nam

PSNews-Ha Noi, 22 May, the Viet Nam Green Building Council (VGBC) awards the Green One United Nations House (GOUNH) with the Platinum LOTUS Certification, the highest level in the market-based green building rating system. 

Receiving the Platinum LOTUS Certification
Receiving the Platinum LOTUS Certification

The certificate is recognition of the GOUNH as a high performance green building enhancing efficient use of resources through smart ecological design and management.

The Platinum LOTUS certification follows the building’s previous accreditation as one of the first buildings in Viet Nam to be awarded a provision Gold LOTUS Rating from the VGBC. 

Participants of the event
Participants of the event

VCBG’s Platinum Certification is currently the highest level of the LOTUS rating system for designing and constructing Viet Nam’s greenest, most energy efficient and high performing buildings. 

The LOTUS rating system promotes the construction of environmentally sustainable buildings with an aim to ultimately bring about efficient use of all forms of resources; protection of occupants’ health and productivity; and reducing all forms of environmental degradation.

As a key milestone in the UN Reform process in Viet Nam and the Delivering as One initiative, the GOUNH is a testament of the UN’s commitment to ‘Deliver Green‘. 

Being a success, the building has become a role model for sustainable green buildings in Viet Nam, signifying the importance and urgency of environmental sustainability and climate change.

Advocating climate change mitigation and adaptation, the GOUNH is constructed of ecologically friendly materials such as lead-free paint and furniture low in harmful Volatile Organic Compounds. 

Every corner is decorated with "green"
Every corner is decorated with "green"

Efficiency of heating, cooling and energy systems is maximized through photovoltaic panels harnessing solar energy and generating at least 10 per cent of the building's annual electricity consumption. 

Additionally, through application of an innovative Green Office Guide, UN staff have adopted green behaviors such as the reduction of paper, plastic and energy use as well as carbon-free transportation.

Conference and meeting room
Conference and meeting room
Mini-library
Mini-library
Working space
Working space

While committed to support Viet Nam in its progression towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the GOUNH has helped and continues to advance W Sustainable Develo-ment Goals (SDGs), promoting the transition to “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.”

The Green One UN House project is a joint endeavour between the Government of Viet Nam, donors and the UN Country Team. 

Cafe'
Cafe' 

The Government is contributing a high value site, the existing United Nations Apartment Building at 304 Kim Ma Street in Ha Noi, and supporting through other material sources. 

Alongside participating UN participating agency and UNEP contributions, donors including Australia, Finland, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom have also provided generous contributions to the renovation of the building. 

Some Key Green Features:

28.8% of Energy use reduction

42% reduction of water use through fixtures

94% of existing structure reused

35% of total roof is green roof

77% of the roof and paved area limits heat island effect

408 solar panels, generate at least an average of 110,000 kWh/year

Use of an intelligent and centralized system (software) to control the building’s electrical, thermal comfort and mechanical equipment
By Duy Tien

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