Green transformation of industry - Greenhouse gas inventory: Foundation for an emissions reduction roadmap

The industry is one of the driving forces for Vietnam's economic development, but it is also one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, affecting the environment and climate change. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in 2020, the industry accounted for approximately 67.7% of Vietnam's total greenhouse gas emissions, and it is expected to increase to 79.7% by 2050. To minimize the negative impact of the industry on the environment and climate change, Vietnam has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 9% compared to the baseline scenario by 2030, and an additional 27% with international community support.

Delegates exchanging views at the Conference (Photo: Construction Newspaper)

In this context, the seminar "Green Transformation of the Industry - Greenhouse Gas Inventory: A Foundation for Emission Reduction Pathway" was held in Hanoi on December 22, organized by Construction Newspaper in coordination with the Vietnam Industry Support Alliance Visa, with the approval of the leadership of the Ministry of Construction. The seminar was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Construction, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as organizations, and businesses in the industrial, construction, and environmental sectors.

The highlights of the seminar include:

1. Regulations on greenhouse gas inventory will be implemented from 2023.
2. Support mechanisms, such as carbon trading platforms and carbon credit offset mechanisms, will be tested from 2025 to assist businesses in achieving emission reduction goals and green transformation.
3. Green transformation involves not only the application of environmental technologies but also changes in production and business processes to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and move towards a green economy.
4. The article emphasizes the crucial role of the business community in reducing emissions and promoting green transformation.
5. Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 requires collective efforts from the entire economy.
6. The seminar also focuses on the construction and building industry, highlighting the significant role of reducing emissions from the production of building materials and energy use.
7. The Vietnam Industry Support Alliance Visa plays a crucial role in supporting industrial businesses in Vietnam and creating opportunities for connection and increasing localization rates.

Speaking about the environment and climate change, the seminar refers to Decision No. 896/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister, approving the National Strategy on Climate Change by 2050 with the goal of achieving net-zero emissions. Vietnam has joined global efforts in the fight against climate change, and businesses need to undergo green transformation to meet commitments and requirements.

Mr. Hoang Van Tam - Department of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development, Ministry of Industry and Trade. (Photo: Construction Newspaper)

The seminar highlights the crucial role of greenhouse gas inventory in the business's green transformation journey. Mr. Hoang Van Tam from the Ministry of Industry and Trade shares insights into the advantages and challenges of inventory, along with outlining some goals of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in responding to climate change and promoting green growth.

Solutions include improving legal policies, raising awareness, enhancing training and international cooperation, as well as implementing inventory activities and building greenhouse gas databases. The seminar concludes by emphasizing that businesses need to identify new visions and adapt to the challenges of climate change.

The Importance of Developing Green Buildings and Using Green Materials in Construction

Mr. Luong Quang Huy - Head of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Ozone Layer Protection Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. (Photo: Construction Newspaper)

Mr. Luong Quang Huy, Head of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction and Ozone Layer Protection Department of the Climate Change Office (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), shared perspectives on the importance of developing green buildings and using green materials in construction. Here are some key points:

1. Green buildings and their environmental impact: Mr. Huy emphasizes that green buildings are becoming a global trend, with many countries and regions investing in the construction and management of green buildings. Construction worldwide contributes significantly to carbon emissions, and optimizing energy efficiency as well as using recycled materials are becoming top priorities.
2. Challenges in the construction industry in Vietnam: Mr. Huy mentions that the construction industry in Vietnam consumes a significant amount of energy and emits carbon dioxide. This poses a significant challenge, especially with increasing construction demand. Developing green projects, energy efficiency, and using green materials are essential.
3. Use of recycled materials and green technology: Mr. Huy suggests using recycled and recyclable materials in the construction process. In addition, designing structures to reduce waste and optimize energy efficiency is a crucial part of developing green projects.
4. Policies and standardization: Having supportive policies and standardization in developing green projects is essential. Regulations and guidelines on green project design, the use of green materials need to be reviewed and updated to meet increasing sustainability and environmental impact reduction requirements.
5. Challenges and opportunities: Developing green projects presents many challenges but also brings opportunities. With increased awareness and professional capacity, along with legal and policy support, the construction industry can contribute positively to emission reduction goals and environmental protection.

Developing green projects is not only a global trend but also a mandatory requirement to address the challenges of climate change and maintain healthy and sustainable economic development.

Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Emission Reduction in the Construction Industry in Vietnam

Ms. Luu Linh Huong - Science and Technology and Environment Department (Ministry of Construction). (Photo: Construction Newspaper)

Information from Master Luu Linh Huong of the Science and Technology and Environment Department (Ministry of Construction) provided an in-depth view of the greenhouse gas inventory and emission reduction process in the construction industry in Vietnam. Here are some key points from the shared information:

1. Greenhouse gas emission reduction target: Ms. Luu Linh Huong emphasizes the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions for the construction industry by 74.3 million tons of CO2eq by 2030. This will focus on areas such as the production of building materials and building operation.
2. Inventory and emission reduction areas: Specific areas include the production of building materials such as cement, lime, glass, and building glass. Also, building areas with factors such as refrigerant use and energy consumption in building operation.
3. Scope and detailed regulations: The Ministry of Construction has provided detailed regulations on annual emissions and total annual energy consumption to determine the scope of greenhouse gas inventory and emission reduction. Facilities need to conduct inventory if emissions and energy consumption exceed the regulations.
4. Greenhouse gas inventory process: This process includes evaluating data on waste, energy consumption, and environmental factors from facilities producing building materials. For energy consumption areas, criteria such as CO2, CH4, N2O are determined.
5. Greenhouse gas inventory roadmap: Currently, the Ministry of Construction continues to conduct greenhouse gas inventory for sectoral and facility levels, but from 2025, facilities need to conduct self-inventory. This roadmap will help monitor and evaluate construction facilities.
6. Emission reduction solutions: In addition to discussing the inventory process, there are specific solutions to reduce emissions, such as optimizing clinker burning cycles, reducing heat losses from furnaces, recovering waste heat from cement production, using vertical mills, and using mineral additives as clinker substitutes.

Conclusion:

Climate change is an undeniable reality that deeply impacts all aspects of society. Each country needs timely adaptive solutions to minimize negative impacts while responsibly reducing greenhouse gas emissions according to international commitments in the Paris Agreement on climate change. The industry plays a crucial role in the green transformation process but is also one of the high-emission sectors. Therefore, greenhouse gas inventory is a prerequisite step to build a specific and effective emission reduction pathway for the industry.

Reference: Construction Newspaper