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

Marking the eve of the second anniversary of the inauguration of the Green One UN House by former Secretary General, Mr. Ban Ki-moon and Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Pham Binh Minh, an award ceremony was held at the GOUNH with the participation of representatives from the UN, VGBC, the Diplomatic Corps Service Department (DIPSERCO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, concerned ministries, international development partners and UN staff in Viet Nam.

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.

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. 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.

Accepting the certificate on behalf of the UN, Mr Kamal Malhotra, UN Viet Nam Resident Coordinator and Chair of the GOUNH Management Board, congratulated and acknowledged the collated efforts of the Government of Viet Nam, Donors, UN Agencies and development partners. Mr Malhotra reiterated the UN’s readiness in reinforcing partnerships, emphasizing the “critical objective to provide a model building that demonstrates viability of innovative sustainable buildings in Viet Nam.” He further went on to state that “flexibility, dynamism and a focus on positive outcomes for people and the environment characterize the everyday operations of the UN and help to ensure that it is truly sustainable.”

While committed to support Viet Nam in its progression towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the GOUNH has helped and continues to advance Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting the transition to “affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy.”

Note for Editors:

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