Bringing Energy Conservation into Community Life

Community energy-saving activities during the 2011–2015 programme.

Households turning awareness into action

Doan Thi Thu Hang, a pig farmer in Phu Loi, Phu Hoa Dong, Cu Chi, used loan support to install a biogas system. The project saved VND 250,000–300,000 per month and reduced odour. She also encouraged neighbouring households to participate in training and adopt similar measures.

At the An Quang apartment complex in District 10, 70-year-old Nguyen Thi Be helped residents across six blocks understand everyday electricity use. The activities promoted suitable appliances, efficient lighting, sensible refrigerator use, grouping ironing tasks and maintaining air-conditioning equipment.

Programme results reported for the period

Programme results included 585 projects, energy labels for about 10,000 models in 14 product groups, and 100 energy-efficient buildings. An initial programme supporting 3,000 solar water heaters was described as helping stimulate a market that later reached approximately 700,000 installed units.

In 2011–2015, Ho Chi Minh City saved 2.2 billion kWh, an estimated VND 3.7 trillion and approximately 1.2 million tonnes of CO₂. Its 2015 business programme cited 117 benchmarks and 952 measures with projected savings of 43.4 million kWh per year.

Local policy and financial support

Huynh Kim Tuoc emphasized the role of local green-growth policies and commitments. Nguyen Anh Vu highlighted community participation and practical financial support, including preferential loans, energy service company arrangements, energy audits and suitable technology.

A proposal was made for a supportive mechanism for purchasing solar electricity. That proposal reflects the policy context of the report and should not be read as the electricity purchase arrangement available today.

Lessons for new programmes

Community initiatives work best when clear advice is linked to affordable measures, technical support, access to finance and measurement of results. For businesses, an energy review can identify priority areas before investing in equipment.