HCM City (VNS/VNA) - Dutch businesses are committedto supporting Vietnam in achieving its net zero emissions target by 2050,confirmed the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam.

At the Signify Innovation Day 2023 themed "GreenSwitch’’, which was organised in Ho Chi Minh City on September 13, Guidovan Rooy, Executive Director of the Dutch Business Association in Vietnam, saidDutch companies will actively facilitate this effort by providing a platformfor knowledge exchange, collaborative initiatives, and strategic partnerships.

“By leveraging these resources, Dutch businesses operating in Vietnamcan jointly adapt their strategies and actions to the Vietnamese market. Thisconcerted effort demonstrates our dedication to environmental responsibilityand fosters a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between the twocountries,” he said.

Participants discussed Vietnam’s sustainable development and howDutch businesses in the country can help pave the way for a greener future.

Speakers and participants strongly agreed that the commitment to“zero net emissions” needs to be realised by balancing economic development andresource protection. 

The discussion also touched on potential solutions from largeenterprises, including a focus on lighting technologies, which allowstakeholders and industry leaders to see how green lighting solutions can leadto more sustainable development. 

Sharing at the event, Phung Hoai Duong, General Director ofSignify Vietnam, said that switching from traditional lighting systems to LEDlighting systems presents a substantial opportunity for cost savings. 

“The transition is estimated to result in an 80% reduction inelectricity, equivalent to cutting hundreds of tons of CO2 and saving 6.3million VND (260 USD) for each tonne of CO2 cut. Residential areas, inparticular, stand to benefit from a potential reduction of 276 tonnes of CO2emissions, saving over 1.7 trillion VND (70 million USD),” he said. 

The savings are in line with the Government’s call forreduced electricity use of 2% annually and power losses in transmissionlines to less than 6% by 2025. By 2030, at least 50% of all office andresidential buildings should use rooftop solar power and only LED bulbs shouldbe used in street lights by 2025.

“By converting from traditional lighting systems to smart lightingsystems, not only large businesses but also domestic and foreign individualsand organisations can contribute to the goal of green growth. 

In addition, partnering with companies that have achieved carbonneutrality will create a greater competitive advantage to helpbusinesses meet emissions targets, including all indirectemissions throughout the entire supply chain, while promoting customertrust and loyalty. This, in turn, attracts high-level talent, therebyincreasing competitiveness in many fields from business to export, Duongtold the event. 

During the event, participants were introduced six lightinnovations which promote the pioneering journey of green transformation.

One of the six is smart office lighting with connected LEDlights, integrated sensors and interact office software, which enhancesworkspaces by providing detailed data on occupancy, space optimisation andsavings. 

Technology that simulates natural sunlight was also introduced.The innovation helps improve health and development by supporting the body'scircadian rhythm, keeping a person active during the day and well-restedat night.

Another solution is artistic lighting and enhancing publicbeauty with the Interact Landmark system that helps control light remotely,suitable for day and night needs, saving up to 30% energy at night when theroad is empty or as needed. 

By controlling street lighting with remote managementcapabilities, the system allows users to easily maintain and monitor the entiresystem. In particular, with accurate data from the system, users can alsoadjust lighting to suit each area. In addition, solar street lights help reducecarbon emissions by taking advantage of solar energy and can turn lights on andoff automatically based on the actual light source.

The other solutions are industrial lighting and smartlighting for homes./.