Optimizing Construction: Sustainable and Efficient Development

The construction industry, contributing 6-7% of GDP each year, is also responsible for around 15% of Vietnam's greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the production and use of building materials. Not only in Vietnam, but the global construction sector is also growing while increasingly focusing on reducing emissions and optimizing processes to save on material production costs, thereby protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.

1. Sustainable 3D Printing Technology

In areas heavily impacted by natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, and storms, the demand for emergency, sustainable shelter becomes critically urgent. These challenges disrupt the lives of millions and strain resources and the environment. Therefore, WASP has introduced Crane WASP, an advanced 3D printing technology, offering a breakthrough solution that quickly builds shelters using locally available materials like clay, sand, or natural waste.

This technology reduces the need for transporting materials from afar, saving time and cost, while also significantly minimizing environmental impact. In emergency situations, 3D-printed shelters can be created within hours, providing safe havens for those who have lost their homes.

This technology not only focuses on construction speed but also on long-term sustainability. The structures are made from natural, renewable, and biodegradable materials, reducing construction waste and promoting a circular economy in construction. The system’s flexibility also allows designs to be optimized for local terrain and climate conditions, maximizing safety and comfort for users.

In Vietnam, a country where around 70% of the land is vulnerable to natural disasters, Crane WASP holds great potential. Using locally available materials, Crane WASP can offer sustainable housing solutions to millions, reducing construction costs and enhancing resilience to climate change. Investment in this technology not only addresses housing issues but also reduces environmental impact, offering economic and social benefits and laying the foundation for a more sustainable and safer construction future.

2. Sustainable Construction with Post-Tensioned Steel and Modular Building

In a world increasingly moving toward sustainable solutions, PT Blink, a startup based in Australia, has emerged as a pioneer in construction by combining post-tensioned steel and modular construction methods. These solutions not only optimize construction processes but also make breakthroughs in reducing resource usage, contributing to environmental protection and promoting a circular economy.

PT Blink uses post-tensioned steel technology to strengthen structures, allowing less concrete and steel to be used compared to traditional methods. Paired with modular construction, which manufactures building components with precision in factories, it reduces material waste and accelerates construction timelines. This process not only saves time but also reduces carbon emissions significantly, bringing the construction industry closer to sustainable development goals.

In Vietnam, where rising material costs and delays in public investment funding affect project timelines, the adoption of post-tensioned steel combined with modular building can significantly cut material and labor costs while speeding up construction. This approach enhances climate resilience, creating a foundation for a sustainable, safer construction industry and improving the quality of life in Vietnam.

3. From Trash to Houses

Lendager, a Swedish startup, is a leader in advancing green transformation and establishing a circular economy in construction. Lendager’s “Upcycle House” project repurposes waste into high-value building materials, minimizing the need for new production and significantly reducing CO2 emissions.

These houses utilize recycled materials such as pre-assembled shipping containers for frames, aluminum cans for roofing and facades, and compressed wood and paper waste treated for walls and floors. Even cork stoppers from champagne bottles are reused for kitchen flooring, offering an effective, eco-friendly construction solution.

Despite using recycled materials, “Upcycle House” ensures durability and a modern aesthetic comparable to traditional materials. This innovative approach optimizes resources and reduces environmental impact. CEO Anders Lendager shared, “We initially aimed for a 65% CO2 reduction, but exceeded expectations with an 86% reduction compared to traditional methods.”

If applied in Vietnam, where the construction industry consumes over 30% of the country’s total energy, Lendager’s model could reduce CO2 emissions, save resources, cut production costs, and promote a circular economy. As construction waste rises, Vietnam can learn from such sustainable solutions to support the green industrial future.

4. AI-Based Sustainable “Architect”

Founded in 2019 in San Jose, USA, TANGObuilder was created by Martin Diz, who applied his aerospace industry knowledge to revolutionize architectural design software. Recognizing the limitations of traditional software and the challenges in communication among architects, engineers, and contractors, Martin developed TANGObuilder to streamline preliminary design, cost estimation, and detailed drafting, saving time and resources in construction.

By transforming sketches into detailed designs in seconds, TANGObuilder optimizes material usage, helping reduce the raw materials required by 20-30%. This reduces construction waste and CO2 emissions throughout the project lifecycle. An average project using this technology can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 10-15% compared to traditional design and construction methods.

In Vietnam, where rapid urbanization demands solutions like Building Information Modeling (BIM) to optimize designs and save costs, TANGObuilder enables architects and contractors to input location and available material information to create designs tailored to local conditions, cutting transport costs and enhancing project quality. With a “pay-as-you-go” model, TANGObuilder helps businesses save on design software costs, accelerate timelines, and ensure project efficiency.