Green warehouses are gradually becoming an integral part of ESG strategies and long-term cost optimization for logistics and manufacturing enterprises.
The following article shares experience in leasing green warehouses in Vietnam from KTG Industrial, helping businesses both meet environmental requirements and improve operational performance.
Why Is Green Logistics Important?
Addressing the limitations of traditional warehouses
Warehouses operating under traditional models are often inefficient in terms of energy use, consuming large amounts of electricity and water and relying heavily on non-renewable resources.
Manufacturing and storage activities generate significant emissions, placing pressure on the natural environment and increasing the impacts of climate change.
In the context of rising input costs, warehouse tenants also face the risk of bearing higher operating expenses and future environmental regulatory constraints.
Green logistics reduces costs and environmental risks
Practical benefits for tenant businesses
Green warehouses are designed with energy efficiency in mind, helping businesses reduce electricity and water costs throughout the entire operating period.
Working conditions are improved through effective temperature control, proper ventilation, and better air quality, contributing to higher employee health and productivity.
In addition, meeting ESG criteria helps businesses strengthen credibility, expand partnership opportunities, and attract investment capital.
Government incentives
In Vietnam, green logistics projects are being encouraged by the Government through various tax incentives, financial support mechanisms, and flexible planning adjustments.
This enables tenants to shorten the time required to complete legal procedures and reduce the risk of penalties for failing to meet environmental protection requirements.
Key technical features to look for
Energy efficiency
Green warehouses should be equipped with LED lighting systems combined with motion sensors to reduce unnecessary electricity consumption.
The integration of solar panels helps secure an on-site power source and reduce dependence on the national grid.
In addition, well-insulated walls and roofs limit heat loss, reducing cooling demand.
A smart Building Management System BMS allows real-time monitoring, analysis, and automatic adjustment of operational parameters.
Water conservation
- An environmentally friendly warehouse should incorporate rainwater harvesting solutions and greywater reuse for purposes that do not require potable water.
- Sanitary fixtures with low-flow faucets help reduce daily water consumption.
- Surrounding landscaping prioritizes drought-tolerant plants, saving water while lowering maintenance costs.
Sustainable construction materials
Materials used in green warehouses typically have high recycled content, such as recycled steel, non-toxic paints, and environmentally friendly materials.
These materials not only reduce environmental impact but also offer high durability, helping minimize maintenance and repair needs throughout the building life cycle.
Waste management infrastructure
Green warehouses should allocate clearly defined areas for waste segregation, including recyclable waste, compostable organic waste, and hazardous waste.
This is supported by structured collection and treatment processes, enabling tenant businesses to effectively implement waste reduction goals and enhance sustainable operational efficiency.
Waste segregation infrastructure helps warehouses operate more efficiently
Key certifications and standards
In the development and operation of green logistics facilities, certification systems and management standards are considered the basis for assessing the environmental performance of a project.
- LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is widely recognized internationally, focusing on energy performance as well as sustainable design and operational solutions.
- EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) targets efficient use of energy, water, and materials at reasonable cost, making it suitable for developing economies such as Vietnam.
- ISO 14001 supports businesses in establishing and maintaining an effective environmental management system throughout the entire operating life cycle.
Compliance with domestic legal regulations and construction standards is also a key factor, ensuring warehouses meet legal requirements and maintain long-term sustainability.
Location and transportation factors
Electric vehicle support (EV charging)
Modern green warehouses should integrate charging stations for electric trucks and personal vehicles, aligning with the transition toward low-emission transportation.
This infrastructure enables tenant businesses to proactively reduce Scope 3 emissions within the logistics chain, while strengthening their ability to meet sustainability commitments with partners and customers.
Located within an eco-industrial park
Placing warehouses within an eco-industrial park provides advantages from centralized waste treatment systems and shared access to renewable energy sources.
Being part of a green logistics cluster allows businesses to more easily comply with environmental requirements, standardize data, and implement ESG reporting in a transparent and consistent manner.
Lease contract provisions supporting sustainability
Shared investment
Green warehouse lease agreements should include provisions for cost-sharing related to sustainable upgrades, such as installing solar panels or energy-saving systems.
This approach reduces the initial financial burden on tenants while encouraging landlords to commit to long-term investment.
Leased warehouses operate more sustainably with shared investment provisions
Maintenance responsibilities
Contract terms should clearly define responsibilities for maintenance, operation, and replacement of green systems such as high-efficiency HVAC or solar panels.
Clear allocation of responsibilities helps ensure stable system performance and prevents disputes during the lease term.
Flexible retrofitting
Lease agreements should allow tenants to proactively install interior layouts, equipment, and environmentally friendly solutions suited to their operational needs.
This flexibility enables businesses to optimize warehouse space while maintaining a sustainable development orientation..
Energy reporting
Landlords can support periodic energy audits or provide tenants with data on electricity and water consumption.
This forms an important basis for businesses to monitor resource efficiency and support ESG management and reporting objectives.
KTG Industrial – Ready-built warehouse solutions in Vietnam
In the northern region, KTG Industrial focuses on developing ready-built warehouse projects in Bac Ninh, particularly within the Yen Phong Industrial Park.
This area offers strong advantages in integrated infrastructure connectivity, with convenient access to major transport corridors, Noi Bai Airport, and the seaport system, effectively meeting storage and distribution demands.
Representative projects such as KTG Industrial Yen Phong IIC (Phase 1 and Phase 2) not only meet modern operational standards (floor loading capacity of 2–3 tons/m², floor height of 1.2–1.3 m, warehouse clear height of 9–10 m) but also integrate green standards into their design.
With flexible leasable areas ranging from approximately 800 m² to more than 50,000 m², KTG Industrial delivers smart, environmentally friendly storage spaces for businesses of all sizes.
KTG Industrial develops ready-built warehouses to modern standards
Conclusion
Leasing green warehouses is no longer a short-term trend but has become a strategic decision as businesses face increasing pressure related to costs, environmental impact, and ESG standards.
By selecting the right warehouse model, location, technical standards, and appropriate lease terms, businesses can optimize operational efficiency and reduce long-term risks.
