Green transition is rewriting the rules of the market, and only businesses that actively adapt will have the capacity to maintain their position in global value chains.

An inevitable shift under new legal frameworks

In the global momentum where “going green” has become an irreversible standard, Vietnam is implementing its commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 through an increasingly comprehensive legal system. Under Decree 06/2022/ND-CP and Decision 13/2024/QD-TTg, 2,166 enterprises are required to submit their greenhouse gas inventories by March 31, 2025, and their emission reduction plans by December 31, 2025.

In parallel, Circular 25/2020/TT-BCT mandates that businesses in industrial production, agriculture, and transport consuming over 1,000 tons of oil equivalent (TOE) annually, along with commercial buildings such as malls and hotels consuming over 500 TOE, must conduct energy audits every three years.

This is not merely a legal obligation, but a necessity of the times - compelling Vietnamese businesses to transform, adopting low emissions and energy efficiency as baseline standards for survival and competitiveness.

Why are some businesses still hesitant?

According to experts, many companies remain hesitant about this transition. This reluctance may stem from a lack of awareness about the strategic value of going green. Some believe energy costs account for only a small portion of total production costs or trust that their existing systems are already operating efficiently. As a result, initiatives like greenhouse gas inventories or emission reduction planning are still viewed as bureaucratic tasks rather than essential components of a sustainable development strategy.

Another barrier is internal resources. Projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions often require significant upfront investment and extended payback periods, discouraging businesses from taking action. On the technical side, many facilities lack personnel with the necessary expertise to calculate emissions according to ISO 14064-1 standards or to perform energy audits independently. The complexity of regulations also adds to confusion about responsibilities and appropriate inventory methodologies.

Additionally, there is a gap in credible consulting services. While the green consulting market is growing, it still lacks a clear standard and evaluation framework, making it difficult for businesses to select trustworthy partners. This uncertainty keeps many companies cautious and slows down proactive, effective green transformation efforts.

Turning green standards into a competitive advantage through a 3-stage roadmap

To overcome these barriers, businesses must shift from a compliance mindset to one of proactive adaptation, viewing the green transition as a strategic investment rather than a mandatory expense. As green standards become global norms, early adopters will reduce legal risks and gain access to funding and international supply chains.

Hoang Thi Kim Cuong, an expert at Vinacontrol - a leading organization with 68 years of experience in conformity assessment and environmental consulting - states: “The true value of green transition lies not in reports, but in the ability to turn knowledge into action - where businesses take control of their own emission reduction journey.”

This belief defines Vinacontrol’s current approach: a structured three-stage roadmap. The first phase focuses on measuring greenhouse gas emissions and conducting energy audits to build accurate data. The second phase involves developing and executing emission reduction plans tailored to the enterprise’s reality. The final phase is integrating sustainability thinking into the value chain, supported by Effitranz, a digital platform utilizing big data analytics to monitor energy, identify waste, and cut emissions in real time.

Thanks to this comprehensive deployment, many businesses have saved 5 to 30 percent on annual energy costs while steadily advancing toward carbon neutrality in production.

As both domestic and international standards are constantly evolving, businesses need accurate and timely information to guide their actions. To meet this need, Vinacontrol has partnered with regulatory bodies and industry associations to host numerous workshops and specialized training programs. These initiatives not only provide essential knowledge but also serve as forums for sharing practical experiences, helping businesses build a holistic vision for their green transformation strategies.

Vinacontrol