In recent years, green finance has often been cited as the key that enables Vietnamese enterprises to access international markets. However, the broader picture of the construction industry reveals a far deeper transformation: the world is not merely changing how capital is allocated, but is fundamentally restructuring the entire industry toward low emissions, advanced technology, and data transparency.

This shift places significant pressure on markets that still rely heavily on traditional materials, outdated construction technologies, and labor-intensive operating models. For Vietnam, this is no longer a future scenario—it is an immediate and tangible challenge.

When “Trends” Become Mandatory Requirements

In leading markets such as Singapore, the EU, Australia, Japan, and South Korea, emission reduction requirements have been directly embedded into construction standards. Materials that cannot demonstrate a low carbon lifecycle are gradually being excluded from projects. Contractors that fail to implement BIM or lack material data face increasing difficulty in accessing large-scale tenders. Supply chains without transparent emissions data risk being downgraded or removed entirely.

This reality makes one thing clear: emissions standards, technological capability, and carbon data are becoming the new “passports” of the global construction industry for the coming decade.

The Materials Race: From Cost Advantage to Low-Carbon Advantage

In developed economies, green materials are no longer a niche segment; they are rapidly becoming the default standard. Low-clinker cement, geopolymer concrete, green steel, recycled materials, and bio-based materials are being commercialized at an accelerating pace. What these products share in common is the requirement to be verified by data, through LCA, EPD, and independent certification mechanisms.

Meanwhile, much of Vietnam’s construction material sector still lacks emissions data and has yet to make sufficient investments in energy-efficient production lines. As markets increasingly prioritize “low emissions” over “low cost,” the traditional price advantage is steadily eroding.

Construction Technology: New Capabilities Define Corporate Positioning

Alongside materials, construction technology is becoming a decisive factor in emissions reduction and productivity enhancement. Globally, BIM 4D–5D, AI-driven material consumption forecasting, IoT-based energy monitoring on construction sites, modular construction, construction robotics, and 3D printing are being widely adopted.

These technologies not only optimize schedules and costs but also reduce material waste, construction debris, and CO₂ emissions throughout the building lifecycle. In reality, the advantage of low-cost labor is diminishing, giving way to advantages driven by technology and data.

Transparent Supply Chains: The New Benchmark of Competitiveness

In construction projects, supply chains can account for 70–80% of total emissions. As a result, supply chain transparency is becoming a key criterion for evaluating corporate competitiveness in major markets. International investors and developers increasingly require material traceability, real-time emissions measurement, and ESG-compliant supplier management.

Singapore mandates carbon data from the design phase. Australia requires LCA for infrastructure projects. Japan and South Korea are commercializing low-carbon materials. The UAE is developing Net Zero urban districts. Compared with regional peers, Vietnam is accelerating infrastructure development but still lacks the core elements needed to deeply integrate into international supply chains: green standards, carbon data, and transparent technology platforms.

Without timely transformation, Vietnam risks being confined to low-value, easily replaceable segments of the market.

The Need for a Comprehensive “Green Pivot”

To keep pace with global transformation, Vietnam requires a comprehensive restructuring strategy—one that goes beyond incremental improvements.

Materials must be transformed at the source through investments in energy-efficient production lines, the development of low-carbon materials, and transparent disclosure of emissions data. Construction technology must be elevated to a new level, with BIM integrated with lifecycle data, digitalized construction sites, and prefabrication and modular models becoming strategic directions. Supply chains must be interconnected through data to meet international market requirements.

This is not merely a challenge for individual enterprises; it is a challenge for the entire industry and the broader economy.

Long-Term Opportunities for Early Movers

The next three decades will witness massive global investment flows into Net Zero infrastructure. Countries and enterprises that enter green supply chains early will secure long-term competitive advantages. If leveraged effectively, Vietnam can develop a globally competitive green materials industry, elevate domestic contractors, and attract green capital more efficiently.

Conversely, delayed action will leave the country trapped in the lowest-value segments.

The future of Vietnam’s construction industry depends on the speed of transformation starting today. Construction technology and green materials are no longer optional strategic directions—they are becoming the inevitable path for Vietnam to enter the Net Zero era with a stronger position, greater resilience, and increased confidence on the regional stage.