On 21 March 2025, Arup and the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC), in collaboration with Dr Cary Chan, signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at Arup’s office in Ho Chi Minh City. This strategic alliance aims to propel Vietnam towards its 2050 carbon neutrality goal through innovative and sustainable construction practices.
The MOU establishes a collaborative framework for collaboration among the three parties, focusing on the development of the Vietnam Zero Carbon Ready Framework. This initiative is designed to reduce the operational carbon of the existing building sector by integrating low-carbon operation, energy-efficient designs and innovative technologies.
Dr Jingfeng Xu, Arup's Ho Chi Minh City office leader, said, "Our partnership with VGBC and the expertise brought by Dr Cary Chan marks a cornerstone in our commitment to transforming Vietnam’s construction landscape. By leveraging Arup’s global resources and VGBC’s local insights, we aim to set new benchmarks for sustainability that can serve as a model for other regions."
Ms Phan Thu Hang, Chair of the VGBC, said, "We are thrilled to announce the signing of the MOU on the Climate Change Framework. Together, we are setting a powerful roadmap for sustainability that challenges us to think creatively and act decisively."
Mr Douglas Lee Snyder, Executive Director of the VGBC, added, “Through this collaboration, we will enhance our capacity to educate, certify and innovate within the industry, driving towards a sustainable future that benefits not only our economy but also the global environment."
Dr Cary Chan, Independent advisor and the former Executive Director of the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC), said, "The integration of comprehensive sustainability frameworks such as the one we are developing is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts. This agreement represents a proactive step towards impactful environmental stewardship."