Hanoi-based UN office gets top green buildings award
The Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC) on May 22 awarded the Green One United Nations House (GOUNH) in Hanoi a Platinum Lotus certification, the highest level in the market-based green building rating system.
The Green One United Nations House on Kim Ma Street, Hanoi (Source: //laodong.com.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC) on May 22 awarded theGreen One United Nations House (GOUNH) in Hanoi a Platinum Lotus certification,the highest level in the market-based green building rating system.
The certificate is in recognition of the GOUNH, a high performancegreen building that enhances the efficient use of resources through smartecological design and management.
The Platinum Lotus certification follows the building’s previousaccreditation by the VGBC as one of the first buildings in Vietnam to beawarded a provisional Gold Lotus Rating.
The GOUNH project is a joint endeavour between the government ofVietnam, donors and the UN bodies.
The Lotus rating system promotes the construction ofenvironmentally sustainable buildings to ultimately bring about theefficient use of all forms of resources. This would help reduce all forms ofenvironmental degradation, and be better for its occupants’ health as well asproductivity.
A key milestone in the UN reform process in Vietnam and theDelivering as One initiative, the GOUNH is a testament of the UN’s commitmentto delivering green. The building has become a role model for sustainable greenbuildings in Vietnam, signifying the importance and urgency of environmentalsustainability.
Advocating climate change mitigation and adaptation, the GOUNHbuilding is constructed of ecologically friendly materials such as lead-freepaint and has furniture that has low harmful, volatile organic compounds.
Theefficiency of its heating, cooling and energy systems is maximised throughphotovoltaic panels harnessing solar energy, which can provide for at least 10percent of the building’s annual electricity consumption.
Kamal Malhotra, UN Vietnam resident coordinator and chair of theGOUNH Management Board, thanked and acknowledged the collated efforts of theVietnamese government, donors, UN agencies and development partners.
He reiterated the UN’s readiness in reinforcing partnerships, andemphasised the “critical objective of providing a model building thatdemonstrates viability of innovative sustainable buildings in Vietnam.”
He further said that “flexibility, dynamism and a focus onpositive outcomes for people and the environment characterise the everydayoperations of the UN and help to ensure that it is truly sustainable.”
Committed to supporting Vietnam in its progress towards the 2030Agenda for Sustainable Development, the GOUNH has helped advance the Goal 7 ofSustainable Development Goals, promoting the transition to “affordable,reliable, sustainable and modern energy,” Malhotra said.-VNA
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The Green One United Nations House on Kim Ma Street, Hanoi (Source: //laodong.com.vn) 
