As an art of creating and shaping living environment for the community in general and each person in particular, architecture is currently largely influenced by urbanisation, industrialisation and also global climate change.
In order to design a sustainable built environment for people today and in the future, Vietnam Association of Architects would like to invite the community and especially the architects to strive for the future development of green architecture in Vietnam.
As a tool for the implementation process, Vietnam Association of Architects would like to promulgate its own Criteria for Green Architecture in Vietnam”.
I. Aims
1.1. Criteria for Green Architecture in Vietnam specify the contents and requirements for architecture in order to shape and promote sustainable built environment and landscape, to ensure living quality for indoor environment, to use energy and natural resources towards efficiency and to develop social sustainability towards humanities and modern architecture based on identity with a futuristic vision.
1.2. The criteria to be established aim to:
- conduct research and development/design activities in principles of green architecture;
- offer training courses on green architecture for architects and the community;
- promote and introduce green architecture;
- offer consultancy and social critiques in principles of green architecture;
- evaluate green building designs and honour architects who design green buildings.
II.Objects, scope of and requirement for application
2.1. Criteria for green building/architecture shall apply to:
- Buildings and urban areas which can be constructed, renovated, upgraded or redeveloped/rehabilitated.
- Architectural design and urban/rural planning projects that have been approved by competent organisations, already completed or still under construction.
2.2. All organisations and individuals involved in sustainable architectural and urban development can apply criteria for green architecture established by Vietnam Association of Architects. No conditions or commitments are required.
III. Criteria for Green Architecture in Vietnam
1.Criterion One: SUSTAINABLE SITE
Objectives: to shape a harmonious and sustainable landscape, to minimise the negative impacts of a building on the surrounding area and to make full use of all favourable conditions of the nature for the living environment of human beings.
- 1.1. Construction site should be in accordance with the current planning
- 1.1.1 The site should be located within an area where the spatial planning has been approved, and the land area for building purpose needs to be appropriate to the existing building(s) in terms of function and also in consideration of the future development.
- 1.1.2 The site should be convenient for transport and access, power and water supply, as well as communication.
- 1.1.3 The site should comply with the regulations in planning management, protection and buffer zones applicable to buildings as required in Vietnam Building Standards and relevant planning management policies
- 1.1.1 The site should be located within an area where the spatial planning has been approved, and the land area for building purpose needs to be appropriate to the existing building(s) in terms of function and also in consideration of the future development.
- 1.2 Protection of environment and natural landscape
- 1.2.1 Protection and conservation of eco-systems and natural landscape:
(a) The building(s) will not cause pollution to the environment and neighbouring buildings.
(b) The building(s) will not change so much the typology of the site, the terrain, eco-systems and natural landscape.
- 1.2.2 During the construction of the building(s), the monitoring and control of pollution or contamination caused by the construction work to the surrounding area are strongly recommended.
- 1.2.1 Protection and conservation of eco-systems and natural landscape:
- 1.3 Prevention and mitigation of natural disasters and adaptation to climate change
Solutions in planning, architecture and technology should be developed in response to climate change and help minimise the devastation/damage of natural disasters (such as flood, land slide, storm and whirlwind).
- 1.4 Harmony with natural landscape
Solutions in spatial planning and architectural design should not only be in harmony with natural landscape, but also enhance the quality of such natural landscape
- 1.5 Restoration and improvement of environment and landscape
Landscape design solutions applicable to green areas, water bodies, architecture and building technology will help restore and improve micro-climatic conditions and enhance the beauty of the local natural landscape.
2. Criterion Two: EFFICIENT CONSUMPTION OF ENERGY AND USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Objectives: To enhance the efficiency and help save both energy and natural resources; to reduce negative impacts on the natural environment and minimise the greenhouse effect in using natural resources, such as land, water, energy, materials, etc. for architecture.
- 2.1 Land saving in building
- 2.1.1 Building density and land use ratio should be in accordance with the properties and purposes of use of building(s), as well as the landscape requirements for the area.
- 2.1.2 Use uncultivated or uninhabited land, not agricultural land, for building purpose and try to conserve eco-systems.
- 2.1.3 Develop solutions to create green areas and underground spaces, and economise land use for building purpose.
- 2.1.1 Building density and land use ratio should be in accordance with the properties and purposes of use of building(s), as well as the landscape requirements for the area.
- 2.2 Energy saving and efficient energy use
- 2.2.1 Solutions in planning, architecture, use of building materials, application of technology and installation of equipment should ensure efficient energy use and save as much energy as possible. It is strongly advised to exploit energy sources locally available, particularly renewable energy, in compliance with the relevant standards currently applied.
- 2.2.2 Controlling, monitoring and/or managing systems should be properly used towards the minimisation of energy consumption of building service systems.
- 2.2.1 Solutions in planning, architecture, use of building materials, application of technology and installation of equipment should ensure efficient energy use and save as much energy as possible. It is strongly advised to exploit energy sources locally available, particularly renewable energy, in compliance with the relevant standards currently applied.
- 2.3 Exploitation and efficient use of air circulation and daylight
Solutions in planning, architecture, use of building materials, application of technology and installation of equipment should ensure efficient use of air circulation and daylight which are of course good for building occupants’ health. By doing so it is possible to minimise air-conditioning and artificial lighting.
- 2.4 Efficient use of water
- 2.4.1 Save clean water as a valuable natural resource and comply with relevant standards currently applied.
- 2.4.2 Develop water-saving solutions and minimise water leakage.
- 2.4.3 Rain water and wastewater should be collected, treated and reused.
- 2.4.4 Ensure that water sources are safe and will not have any harmful effects on human health and living environment.
- 2.4.1 Save clean water as a valuable natural resource and comply with relevant standards currently applied.
- 2.5 Use of environment-friendly materials
- 2.5.1 Materials to be used for the building(s) must be free of hazardous substances and emissions (radioactive materials, chemicals, volatile organic compounds, etc.).
- 2.5.2 Use of local materials should be encouraged, so that the natural resources will not become exhausted, and can even be reused or recycled.
- 2.6 Application of green technologies
Application of innovative and intelligent solutions in engineering, technology and equipment for design and construction of buildings and – on a larger scale – a whole urban area will help minimise loss of energy, costs and environmental pollution.
- 2.7 Efficient management in building and use of buildings as well as urban areas
- 2.7.1 Application of waste sorting and treatment without causing pollution for the second time.
- 2.7.2 Application of reuse and recycling solutions to deal with building waste and try to minimise the amount of waste transported to waste disposal sites and recycle the amount of waste arising throughout the life cycle of a building.
- 2.7.3 Management of use of energy, water and materials must meet the requirements towards saving and efficiency according to relevant standards currently applied.
- 2.7.4 Management and operation of building(s) and urban area(s) must ensure that CO2 emissions and waste substances will not exceed the amounts required in standards.
- 2.7.1 Application of waste sorting and treatment without causing pollution for the second time.
3.Criterion Three: INDOOR ENVIRONMENT
Objective: To create safe, hygiene and comfortable to building occupants while the building(s) can still be effectively used.
- 3.1 Room design
- 3.1.1 Rooms should be designed in accordance with specific purposes of use and the needs of building occupants, physio-psychologically considered.
- 3.1.2 Rooms specially reserved for and used by disabled people must be designed as required.
- 3.1.3 Room design must meet the needs of building occupants for social communication.
- 3.1.1 Rooms should be designed in accordance with specific purposes of use and the needs of building occupants, physio-psychologically considered.
- 3.2 Building envelope
- 3.2.1 Building design, including built forms, spatial planning, structural design and selection of building envelope, must meet the requirements for the prevention and mitigation of the negative impacts of both natural and artificial factors, such as solar radiation, light and lighting, wind and rain. Other requirements include: thermal insulation, sun shading, ventilation, reflection, illumination, noise control, elimination of the condensation of humidity as well as the diffusion of toxins.
- 3.2.2 Use of materials for the building envelope must take the advantage of the natural environment towards energy saving and efficiency.
- 3.3 Materials for interior design
Use of materials for interior design, such as paints, gypsum, wood and plastic, must be free of emissions of greenhouse gases or hazardous substances that have negative effects on the health and physio-psychological state of building occupants. - 3.4 Indoor air quality
- 3.4.1 Indoor air must satisfy the hygiene conditions and ensure good health for building occupants and the air quality meet the current standards.
- 3.4.2 Natural ventilation:
– Make full use of cool wind in terms of providing fresh air for building occupants;
– Minimise and avoid, if possible, cold/hot wind that may have negative effects on human health - 3.4.3 Mechanical ventilation:
(a) Ensure that air quality, room temperature, humidity, indoor wind speed, etc. are adequate to meet the requirements for comfort and well-being of building occupants;
(b) Minimise the use of energy-intensive equipment and appliances for heating and cooling in residential buildings - 3.4.4 Air pollution must be controlled and should not exceed the maximum level allowed in the current standards.
- 3.5 Noise
Noise must be controlled and should not exceed the maximum level allowed in the current standards.
- 3.6 Lighting
Ensure the following factors/conditions: illuminance, lighting indicator, visual effect and minimisation of energy consumption. Solutions to control and manage lighting/illumination towards energy saving and efficiency should be applied and easy/convenient to use.
4.Criterion 4: INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURE AND ARCHITECTURAL IDENTITY
Objective: To develop innovative architecture on the basis of the continuity of traditional values and an emphasis on vernacular or local architecture.
- 4.1 Planning and architecture
Solutions should be compatible/appropriate to the needs of people living and working in a modern society and help them understand much better as well as respect/appreciate the cultural values of a society in the future. - 4.2 Conservation, continuation and promotion of cultural values and traditional architectural styles (which are highly characteristic for each region and nation/ethnic group.)
- 4.3 Application of advanced science and innovative/climate responsive technology which is expected to bring socio-economic benefits to the community.
5.Criterion 5: SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY AND HUMANITIES
Objective: To connect architectural development with the goals in establishing, protecting and nurturing social environment and humanities towards stability and sustainability.
- 5.1 Ensure the harmony with social environment and humanities
The harmony with humanities, such as cultural tradition, history, religion, lifestyle, etc. should be emphasised and highlighted. - 5.2 Meet the material, cultural and spiritual needs of individuals, communities and nations
It is important to respect the rights and needs of communities in order to avoid conflicts of interest and to ensure the integration of disabled people into the society as well as to help marginalised groups (low-income residents).
- 5.3 Respect, conserve and promote the values of cultural heritage
- 5.3.1. Respect, conserve and promote all the values of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible one.
- 5.3.2. Explore and discover new heritage and propose solutions to conserve the heritage and put it into a closer relationship with the local socio-economic activities.
- 5.3.1. Respect, conserve and promote all the values of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible one.
- 5.4 Ensure a stable socio-economic context
- 5.4.1. Ensure a harmony of interests among different groups of the local community without causing any negative problems, hereby it is possible to establish and secure a stable and sustainable socio-economic development for the local community.
- 5.4.2. Ensure an efficient management concept by respecting and encouraging the public participation in the design process, investment in construction, use and operation of building(s) as well as urban area(s).
IV. Method of evaluation
1.One building to be recognised “green architecture” must be evaluated on the basis of all five criteria of green architecture proposed by Vietnam Association of Architects.
2.The satisfaction of criteria is categorised in different grades:
- Grade A (Good): The performance of a building is well above the criteria of green architecture.
- Grade B (Satisfactory): The performance of a building meets the criteria of green architecture.
- Grade C (Unsatisfactory)
3.A building will be recognised “green architecture” if it scores at least 70% in grade A and has no performance rated C.
V. Clauses of implementation
- The criteria of green architecture in Vietnam is proposed and issued by the Council of Green Architecture (Vietnam Association of Architects). The criteria will be frequently developed and completed in the course of implementation in order to correspond to the socio-economic development and meet the requirements for sustainable development of the country as well as of each city or province.
- The application of the criteria of green architecture in Vietnam will not replace the compliance with all the regulations in current legal documents and relevant norms/standards promulgated by state competent organisations.
- Based on the specific requirements and actual conditions, organisations and individuals can make the aforementioned contents and requirements of criteria of green architecture in Vietnam more concrete in order to apply them to a variety of activities (management, planning, building, etc.). However, the principles, objectives and contents of the criteria of green architecture in Vietnam as stated above shall not be altered.
VIETNAM ASSOCIATION OF ARCHITECTS
