Green Building in Dong Hoi City: A solution to Reduce Heat and Enhance Human Well-Being
Cracked walls and ceiling, unusable offices in South-East direction of the building, high electric bills and lack of ventilation in the workplace were what employees working in the building of the Public Service Management Unit in Dong Hoi city had to face due to frequent heat waves until a green facade and a rooftop garden were installed two years ago.
Situated in the center of Dong Hoi city, heartland of Quang Binh province, the building of the Public Service Management Unit was constructed in 2011 to facilitate access to public services for the local community. However, the exposure to extreme heat in Dong Hoi city like many places in Central Viet Nam, intensified by climate change, causes damage to buildings and their interior, for example to the furniture and material as well as to the people inside of the buildings. Despite two high-capacity air conditioners equipped in each room of the Public Service Management Unit, heat and humidity remain in the room for a long time, making employees struggle with heat stress and causing breathing difficulties.
As an integral part of a wider Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) approach to address climate change impacts, supported by the IKI funded project “Support to Viet Nam for the implementation of the Paris Agreement”, the so-called Green Wall Green Roof (GWGR) solution entered the implementation phase in the Public Service Management building in April 2022. The project aimed to mitigate heat stress in the summer as well as reduce floodwater during heavy rainfall and typhoon season. After seven months of construction, 22,860 native plants and 31 climbing plants surrounded facade and rooftop, gave the old building a whole new look while providing multiple benefits including heat gain reduction, energy efficiency, biodiversity enhancement, flood management and people’s well-being.
An important benefit was to increase energy efficiency of the building. “The green building practices help to save 30-40% of energy consumption for air conditioning. Before, the thermostat setting was constantly between 19–20 degrees Celsius to keep the room cool enough.” shared Tran Duy Khanh, Director, the Public Service Management Unit of Dong Hoi city. Nowadays, it is sufficient to set temperatures at around 24–25 degrees Celsius thanks to the leafy plants system, covering the entire wall and roof outside the building.
In addition, green buildings have not only environmental impacts but also on human well-being. To date, the GWGR measure has had a remarkably positive effect on the mental and physical health of building occupants. Improving indoor air quality and an eco-friendly working place has reduced heat stress, made the employees feel happier, healthier, and more productive, as stated by Mr. Tran Duy Khanh. Since previously unused offices were put into use again, the number of employees working in the building increased from 25 to 35.
The first half of the year 2024 has seen unprecedent hot weather with temperatures climbing up to 45 degrees in Quang Binh province. The excessive heat hit urban and rural areas alike and contributed to wildfires in many regions of the province. In this context, the green building has been widely acknowledged and appreciated by beneficiaries, stakeholders, local community and authorities as an effective measure to adapt to climate change. Furthermore, the project has been aligned with the strategy to transform Dong Hoi city to “a city within a park” which is expected to combine accessibility and livability with nature in an eco-friendly landscaped neighborhood.
“Nearly three years have passed since the implementation of the GWGR measure began, plants on the wall and the roof are growing strongly, providing beautiful shade during the whole year. The green building raises public awareness about climate change and environmental issues. It is a good example of responding to climate change challenges while creating harmony between nature and the community.” said Tran Duy Khanh, Director, the Public Service Management Unit of Dong Hoi city.