Vietnamese officials and international donors on Monday held a roundtable meeting on growth in green construction in the capital. — Photo baoxaydung

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Vietnamese officials and international donors on Monday held a roundtable meeting on growth in green construction in the capital.

Participants heard that the sector reportedly consumes 36 per cent of the nation's total electricity usage.

The implementation of green initiatives could conserve up to 30-40 per cent of its current demands.

Jesper Dilefsen, an advisor from the Danish Energy Agency, told online newspaper Vietnamplus that Viet Nam should employ sustainable methods in existing and future buildings as soon as possible.

Other sponsors voiced opinions on the prioritisation of energy-saving programmes such as building capacity for the technical system, designing eco-friendly products and enacting relevant measures and regulations.

They advised the construction ministry to take part in long-term and multi-sector projects rather than limiting itself to activities within its field.

According to Phan Thi My Linh, Deputy Minister of Construction, the roundtable meeting provides a practical discussion platform between her agency and foreign partners, which contributes to improving green development policies.

The sea level is expected to rise by 98 centimetres by the end of the 21st century, flooding 20 per cent of HCM City 's surface area and directly affecting 10 per cent of the Vietnamese population. These impacts are predicted to reduce the national GDP by 10 per cent. — VNS