The wholesaler has installed the country's first solar lighting system, which helps it save VND300 million (US$14,000) per year and cut down 220 tonnes of CO2 emissions.— Photo baocamau.vn

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Metro Cash and Carry Vietnam's Hiep Phu outlet has won the second prize in the ASEAN awards for best energy management practices by buildings and industries in the small- and medium-building category.

The wholesaler has installed the country's first solar lighting system, which helps it save VND300 million (US$14,000) per year and cut down 220 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

It also uses other technologies like food preservation and air-conditioning systems that are environmentally friendly.

"The technology helps us save energy, creating value for customers and reducing the negative impacts on the environment," Philippe Bacac, the company's Viet Nam managing director, said.

"Our business aims at sustainable development."

This was the only prize for the country this year and it will be awarded in September in Vientiane, Laos.

Last year Hiep Phu, along with the Thang Long outlet in Ha Noi, won two national awards given by the Ministry of Industry and Trade under the National Energy Efficiency Programme. —VNS