The landscape of real estate investment in the Asia-Pacific region is increasingly being influenced by sustainability and climate resilience, as evidenced by the findings of JLL’s recent Asia-Pacific Investor Sustainability Survey. The survey revealed that 91% of investors incorporated sustainability into their investment decisions over the past year, with 63% indicating that these considerations impacted their bid offers.
Real estate developers are now prioritizing resilience and regeneration, which are vital for the long-term value of properties. Vinhomes, a leading real estate developer in Vietnam, is at the forefront of this shift. The company is focusing on creating master-planned communities that emphasize sustainable urban environments and resilient communities.
According to Nguyen Thu Hang, CEO of Vinhomes, the planning of large-scale developments needs to consider climate risks and operational costs throughout their lifecycles. As traditional metrics of asset quality evolve, investors are now also evaluating factors such as energy efficiency and access to renewable energy. JLL anticipates that these factors will soon surpass green certifications in importance.
The survey highlights that as investor priorities shift, it creates opportunities for developers to enhance sustainability beyond individual buildings to encompass entire communities, including transportation, public spaces, and the integration of nature. The World Bank advocates for nature-based solutions that utilize ecosystems like forests and wetlands to mitigate climate risks and provide ecological benefits.
Vinhomes’ approach exemplifies this mindset. The company sees natural ecosystems as essential infrastructure to help urban areas adapt to climate changes. Hang stated that their goal is for developments to enhance resilience to natural changes while promoting a thriving urban ecosystem.
Redesigning Urban Environments
One of Vinhomes’ major projects, Vinhomes Green Paradise, is being developed near the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. The project spans approximately 2,870 hectares, with around 16% of the area intended for construction. The remainder is allocated for green spaces and water bodies, including an 800-hectare artificial seawater lagoon.
This development aims to prioritize environmental considerations rather than maximizing buildable land. It features a transportation network that will operate entirely on electric vehicles and incorporates significant renewable energy supplies, including solar and wind power. The project is also pursuing BREEAM Communities certification for sustainable master planning.
In northern Vietnam, the Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long project is in progress over more than 6,200 hectares aimed at creating a vibrant urban ecosystem that connects residential areas with necessary services such as healthcare and education, all while allocating significant space for green areas and mangrove forests.
As urbanization continues across the Asia-Pacific, the need for real estate developments to address climate change impacts is pressing. Resilience and regeneration are essential for delivering sustainable value to investors, communities, and ecosystems alike. Hang emphasizes that sustainable value must be incorporated into the foundational aspects of projects and reflected in their overall operation.
