BUV set for prestigous global EDGE green building certification

EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) certification is a three-tier system, with the advanced level requiring a minimum of 40 per cent energy savings—double the benchmark for most EDGE-certified buildings in Vietnam. BUV surpassed these requirements, achieving a 41 per cent reduction in energy consumption, along with 22 per cent water savings and a 37 per cent reduction in embodied carbon in materials.

BUV achievies prestigious global EDGE green building certification. Photo: BUV

To meet these rigorous standards, BUV implemented numerous energy management solutions from design to construction. The campus layout integrates building structures with green spaces and a regulating pond, enabling the efficient use of natural energy. The honeycomb-style exterior maximises natural light while maintaining natural airflow, reducing electricity use in common areas by approximately 20 per cent. Ceiling fans are used in place of air conditioning, further conserving energy.

The design also features shading for west- and east-facing facades to provide effective insulation. In addition, LED lighting throughout the campus saves 75 per cent of energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. As a result, BUV cuts approximately 196.27 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to nearly a 53 per cent reduction in total emissions. Plans to install solar panels in 2026 aim to further enhance energy sustainability over the next 25 years

Every corner of BUV is filled with natural light, fostering a culture of wellness for students while reducing dependence on mechanical systems. Photo: BUV

Water conservation is another key focus. BUV’s system circulates water efficiently, minimising waste while meeting diverse needs such as drinking, sanitation, and irrigation. Wastewater and waste management systems, provided by Ecopark’s sustainable solutions, minimise environmental impact and chemical discharge.

BUV is also a leader in accessibility, creating a campus designed for inclusivity. Accessible features include wheelchair-friendly pathways, elevators with accessible control panels, and classrooms equipped with movable desks for students with disabilities.

Sustainability is a cornerstone of BUV’s Green Strategy, which integrates environmentally friendly principles into its infrastructure, educational curricula, and extracurricular activities. Initiatives such as Value Week and the Personal and Social Growth programme promote responsibility and sustainability among students. BUV also ensures a sustainability mindset is one of the seven core attributes instilled in its graduates.

The honeycomb holes and smart shading design help harness natural light while reducing the temperature in the area. Photo: BUV

Professor Rick Bennett, deputy vice-chancellor and vice president of BUV, said: “A university is not only a place for transmitting knowledge but also an environment that shapes awareness and responsibility of the youth. With a vision for a sustainable future for education in Vietnam, BUV aims to inspire generations of students to lead future environmental protection efforts. This certification represents a significant step towards our goal of becoming a carbon-neutral university and spreading the sustainability message to the wider community.”

Thomas James Jacobs, IFC country manager for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, congratulated BUV on this milestone. He said: “With the EDGE Advanced Certification for its Ecopark Campus Phase 1, BUV has joined other climate leaders promoting green buildings in Vietnam. This achievement saves millions of kWh of energy and cubic meters of water annually, while reducing 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. We look forward to continuing our green and sustainability work with BUV in the upcoming phases.”

For the past decade, IFC’s EDGE programme has worked with public and private sectors in Vietnam to advance green building standards. BUV’s achievement reinforces its commitment to sustainability and positions it as a leader in environmentally conscious education in Vietnam.

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