In the context of Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as declared at COP26, the realization of this ambitious target requires the concerted efforts of all economic sectors—with industrial parks (IPs) playing a pivotal role.
Beyond being the driving force in attracting investment and fostering manufacturing growth, industrial parks are also the main concentration of greenhouse gas emissions, industrial wastewater, and solid waste. Therefore, emission reduction within IPs is not just a part of the solution but a prerequisite for realizing the country's Net Zero commitment.
Many IPs Are Emitting at High Levels
Surveys show that many IPs in Vietnam were developed between 1990 and 2010, a time when climate change had not yet become a global priority. As a result, many enterprises within these IPs continue to operate with outdated production technologies and energy-intensive equipment, such as coal-fired boilers, once-through cooling systems, and low-efficiency mechanical motors. Sectors such as textiles and dyeing, food processing, and metallurgy still employ old-standard technologies, discharging large volumes of CO₂, NOx, SO₂, and inadequately treated wastewater.
Environmental treatment systems mainly rely on outdated, non-synchronized technologies. It is estimated that only about 30% of IPs have centralized wastewater treatment systems that meet QCVN standards and are equipped with automated monitoring. The rest either lack such systems or operate them at inconsistent quality levels. Solid waste—especially hazardous waste—is still mostly treated in a dispersed manner, with poor oversight and a very low recycling rate.
Most IPs have yet to implement real-time environmental monitoring systems or quantify carbon emissions, resulting in a lack of data to effectively control and mitigate environmental impacts.
These conditions position industrial parks as the “bottleneck" in the emission reduction journey. However, with the right transformation, they can become the “springboard" that enables Vietnam to achieve its Net Zero goals in a substantive and feasible manner. The issue is no longer whether it is possible—but who will take the lead, and how far they will go.
What Are the Solutions for Emission Reduction?
Achieving Net Zero by 2050 is not only a governmental responsibility—it is also an opportunity and a duty for IP developers and the businesses operating within them. With strategic investments in the right direction, they can initiate systemic changes and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20–40% within 5–10 years. Several proven solutions are already in place.
For example, a textile and dyeing enterprise in Nam Dinh proactively replaced its coal-fired boiler system with a biomass boiler and integrated a waste heat recovery system. As a result, CO₂ emissions were reduced by over 30%, while energy costs decreased by up to 25% annually.
In Hung Yen, 21 businesses operating within IPs across the province have been approved to install rooftop solar power systems with a total capacity of over 25 MW. Upon completion, these systems will enable the businesses to obtain I-REC (International Renewable Energy Certificate) credits, prompting many to transition to clean energy sources.
For IP developers, there are proactive options such as emission reduction initiatives, wastewater reuse, and enhancing resource circularity through industrial symbiosis among tenants (a key criterion for recognition as an eco-industrial park). At Tra Noc 1 & 2 IPs, initial implementation has resulted in annual savings of nearly VND 47 billion for enterprises and significant reductions in electricity use (13,255,095 kWh), water consumption (365,326 m³/year), chemicals and waste (666 tons/year), and 12,000 tons of CO₂ emissions per year.
IMC's Smart IP Operations Center
“The proactive transition by IP developers and tenants toward green, low-emission production not only brings Vietnam closer to its Net Zero goal but also enhances competitiveness and attracts high-quality investment flows from global partners increasingly prioritizing ESG factors," stated Mr. Le Hong Quan, Director of Dong Van II IP Complex, Industrial Management and Operation Services JSC – IMC.
To realize the transition goals, in addition to the strategic direction set by developers and proactive efforts from businesses, IP operation management plays a critical role.
The IP operator serves as the “bridge" between policy, infrastructure, and on-the-ground action. They are instrumental in realizing sustainability goals by effectively overseeing and operating centralized wastewater treatment systems; deploying Smart Industrial Park systems using IoT technology to collect, measure, and analyze environmental indicators of the IP, thereby enabling timely solutions and ensuring data transparency for environmental reporting.
The operational management unit's capabilities in continuously upgrading technology and digitally transforming operational processes also significantly support IP businesses in adopting new technologies and integrating digital solutions for smart environmental and security management.
Moreover, IP operators play an essential role in fostering “symbiosis" among businesses within the park to optimize production costs and reduce emissions.
Industrial parks are a crucial driver in achieving Net Zero. Transforming entire parks toward sustainable development to meaningfully contribute to Net Zero targets requires the commitment and cooperation of all IP infrastructure developers, tenant enterprises, and operational management units.