For many years, the narrative of “greening” buildings has often been associated with the high-end commercial segment, where developers have the financial capacity to invest in sustainable solutions. However, Ecohome Sông Thương – a social housing project in Bắc Giang developed by Capital House – has proven the opposite: social housing can indeed become green buildings that save costs, enhance quality of life, and still ensure economic viability.
The Developer’s Vision
Contrary to the common perception that social housing only needs to be “livable” at a low cost, Capital House believes such projects must also deliver a high quality of life for the community. The decision to pursue the EDGE green certification for this project is driven by three key objectives:
- To provide comfortable living spaces with low operating costs for middle- and low-income households.
- To promote the green development trend within a highly social-oriented segment, helping to shift the perception that “green is a luxury.”
- To affirm Capital House’s pioneering role in the mission of shaping green urban areas, integrating business growth with social responsibility.
Green Solutions Tailored for Social Housing
To achieve the preliminary EDGE certification, the Bắc Giang Social Housing project has adopted a range of practical, cost-effective solutions:
- Energy efficiency: smart façade design, high-performance LED lighting, and thermal insulation materials.
- Water conservation: installation of water-saving sanitary fixtures and an optimized supply and drainage system.
- Reduced material emissions: prioritization of bricks, cement, and finishing materials with low carbon footprints.
As a result, the project has recorded 25% energy savings, reducing operating costs of building systems; nearly 35% water savings; and more than 40% savings in embodied energy of construction materials compared to conventional buildings.
Meaning for Residents and the Community
For residents, this project represents a commitment to a more comfortable life at a lower cost, with significantly reduced monthly utility bills, a healthier living environment, and improved well-being. For society, it serves as clear evidence that green buildings are entirely feasible for social housing—helping to ease the pressure on natural resources, cut greenhouse gas emissions, improve urban environments, and provide a replicable model of green social housing for other localities.
Green Social Housing – Balancing Costs and Benefits
The investment cost of green solutions has always been a major concern. With this project, Capital House has demonstrated that the additional cost required to meet EDGE standards is entirely reasonable and can be offset by long-term benefits:
- Residents benefit directly through lower operating expenses.
- The building achieves greater durability and operational efficiency.
- The developer reinforces its pioneering brand image, enhancing credibility within both the community and the market.
Vilandco is proud to accompany Capital House on the journey of bringing green buildings into the social housing segment. This is not merely a preliminary EDGE certification, but a significant milestone—affirming that “going green” is not reserved for luxury projects, but is truly a sustainable and human-centered solution for the community.