Vietnam’s building sector has expanded rapidly in recent years due to urban population growth, international investment, and increasing demand for modern residential and commercial developments. Along with this expansion, the construction industry is gradually adopting resource-efficient design strategies to reduce energy consumption, manage water resources effectively, and minimize environmental impacts.

One certification framework that supports these goals is EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies). Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), EDGE is designed to make green building more accessible in emerging markets. The system focuses on three measurable performance areas: energy efficiency, water efficiency, and embodied energy in construction materials. To qualify for EDGE certification, a project must achieve at least 20% savings in each of these categories compared with conventional building practices.

Because EDGE requires performance modeling, documentation, and verification, project teams typically collaborate with sustainability consultants who are familiar with the certification process and building efficiency strategies. These consultants assist developers, architects, and engineers in integrating sustainable solutions during the planning and design stages.

The following consultancies are among the organizations providing sustainability and environmental advisory services that can support projects pursuing EDGE certification in Vietnam and similar markets.

1. ERKE Consultancy

ERKE Consultancy is an international sustainability consultancy established in 2007, with offices located in Istanbul, Dubai, and London. The firm provides consulting services related to green building certifications, life-cycle assessment (LCA), sustainability strategy development, and environmental product declarations (EPDs).

ERKE has completed more than 200 LEED-certified projects in 15 countries, working with developers, architects, and manufacturers across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Its multidisciplinary team includes LEED Fellows, LEED APs, BREEAM Assessors, EDGE Experts, WELL APs, and product sustainability specialists, allowing the firm to support a wide range of sustainability initiatives.

EDGE Certification Consulting Services

For projects pursuing EDGE certification, ERKE provides technical guidance and performance analysis throughout the certification process. Key services include:

• Building performance modeling using EDGE software
• Energy efficiency strategy development
• Water consumption optimization planning
• Assessment of building materials to reduce embodied energy
• Preparation and management of certification documentation

Through these services, ERKE assists project teams in identifying design strategies that meet the minimum efficiency requirements defined by the EDGE standard.

International Green Building Experience

ERKE has worked on several large-scale developments across multiple sectors. Some examples include:

• Bahrain International Airport – 200,000 sqm – LEED Gold
• Istanbul Çam Sakura Hospital – 1,000,000 sqm – LEED Gold
• King Abdulaziz Transportation Center – 20,000 sqm – LEED Gold
• Allianz Istanbul Headquarters – 45,000 sqm – LEED Platinum

In addition to building certification consulting, ERKE has completed EPD certifications for global manufacturers, collaborating with companies such as Nippon Paint, Polisan, Çimsa, Betek, USG Boral, and Durat Tiles. These projects demonstrate ERKE’s expertise in both building sustainability and product environmental performance.

2. ARUP

ARUP is a global engineering and consulting organization founded in 1946. The firm operates in over 30 countries and provides multidisciplinary services covering engineering, architecture, planning, and sustainability advisory.

ARUP frequently participates in complex infrastructure and building developments where environmental performance is integrated into the design process.

Sustainable Design and Environmental Analysis

ARUP supports projects with services such as:

• Building energy modeling and performance analysis
• Environmental impact assessments
• Sustainable design strategies
• Climate-responsive architectural planning
• Support for green building certifications

Through its engineering and sustainability teams, ARUP works with project stakeholders to develop building solutions that aim to improve efficiency and environmental performance.

3. WSP Global

WSP Global is a multinational engineering and professional services firm headquartered in Canada. With operations in more than 50 countries, the company provides consulting services across infrastructure, real estate, energy, transportation, and environmental sectors.

Environmental and Sustainability Services

WSP supports development projects through various environmental and sustainability services, including:

• Energy efficiency and building performance studies
• Environmental planning and permitting
• Climate and carbon advisory services
• Sustainable infrastructure consulting

These services allow developers and public institutions to incorporate environmental considerations into planning, engineering, and construction phases.

4. Khatib & Alami

Khatib & Alami is a multidisciplinary engineering and planning consultancy founded in 1959 and headquartered in Lebanon. The company operates across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, delivering services in architecture, engineering design, urban planning, and project management.

Integrated Planning and Engineering

Khatib & Alami has experience in a variety of project types, including:

• Urban master planning projects
• Transportation infrastructure developments
• Commercial and residential buildings
• Government and institutional facilities

Environmental considerations are often integrated into the firm’s design and planning work, supporting development strategies that focus on efficiency and responsible resource use.

5. Ramboll

Ramboll is an engineering and consultancy firm based in Denmark, founded in 1945. The company operates globally in sectors including buildings, transport, environment, energy, and water.

Environmental Engineering and Sustainable Development

Ramboll offers consulting services that focus on environmental performance and sustainability in construction and infrastructure projects. These services include:

• Energy-efficient building design strategies
• Environmental impact analysis
• Climate adaptation planning
• Sustainable urban development consulting

Through its engineering expertise, Ramboll contributes to projects that aim to integrate environmental performance considerations into design and development processes.

6. Linesight

Linesight is a global construction consultancy established in Ireland in 1976. The company specializes in construction cost management, project management, and program advisory services, supporting projects across multiple regions.

Construction Project Advisory

Linesight primarily focuses on supporting developers and investors during the construction phase of projects. Its services include:

• Cost management and financial planning
• Procurement advisory and contract management
• Project scheduling and delivery oversight
• Risk management and reporting

Although the company’s core services relate to construction management, Linesight often collaborates with engineering and sustainability consultants on projects that incorporate environmental performance goals.

7. AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis, formerly known as SNC-Lavalin Group, is a global engineering and project management consultancy headquartered in Canada. The firm provides engineering, design, and advisory services across sectors including infrastructure, transportation, and energy.

Engineering and Environmental Advisory

AtkinsRéalis supports development projects through a range of multidisciplinary services such as:

• Engineering design and technical consulting
• Environmental impact analysis
• Sustainability and infrastructure advisory
• Program and project management

The company has participated in major international projects where environmental considerations and resource efficiency form part of broader infrastructure and building development strategies.

Summary

EDGE certification provides a practical framework for improving energy efficiency, water use, and material selection in building developments. As Vietnam’s construction industry continues to grow, developers are increasingly exploring certification systems that support resource efficiency and environmental performance. Sustainability consultants help project teams conduct performance analysis, implement efficiency strategies, and manage certification documentation.

The organizations discussed in this article include 1. ERKE Consultancy 2. ARUP 3. WSP Global 4. Khatib & Alami 5. Ramboll 6. Linesight 7. AtkinsRéalis. These firms provide services across sustainability consulting, engineering design, and construction advisory, supporting projects that incorporate environmental performance objectives.

The appropriate consultancy generally depends on project experience, certification requirements, project scale, and sustainability expertise, as well as the consultancy needs, team structure, and available project resources.