GREEN CERTIFICATES: A STRATEGIC KEY FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT / GREEN BUSINESSES

Trong thời đại biến đổi khí hậu và nhận thức về môi trường của người tiêu dùng ngày càng cao, các doanh nghiệp xanh đang trở thành xu hướng tất yếu. Chứng chỉ xanh đóng vai trò như một “hộ chiếu” quan trọng, giúp doanh nghiệp thể hiện cam kết bảo vệ môi trường và phát triển bền vững.

This article by ON Energy will introduce the benefits of green certificates and the types of green certificates suitable for businesses using solar power systems.

I. “Golden” Benefits of Becoming a Green Business:

• • Optimizing operating costs and improving operational efficiency: Many green certification standards encourage businesses to adopt energy and resource-saving solutions, reducing waste and pollution. This is not only good for the environment but also helps businesses optimize operating costs, improve operational efficiency, and increase profits. For example, the use of renewable energy, smart lighting systems, and environmentally friendly building materials can significantly reduce business expenses on electricity, water, materials, and waste treatment.
  • Expanding access to international markets and green capital sources: In the context of international economic integration, green certificates are becoming an increasingly common requirement for businesses to participate in global supply chains, especially in developed markets such as Europe, North America, and Japan. In addition, financial institutions and international investment funds are increasingly prioritizing investments in green projects and green businesses. Possessing a green certificate will make it easier for businesses to access preferential capital sources and expand development opportunities in the international market.
  • Enhancing competitive position and embracing the green consumption trend: In an increasingly competitive market, green certificates help businesses stand out and differentiate themselves from competitors. Consumers today, especially younger generations, are increasingly concerned about environmental issues and are willing to pay more for green products and services. Owning a green certificate is an invaluable competitive advantage, helping businesses attract and retain customers, and expand market share.
    
  • Improving brand image, enhancing reputation and trust: Green certificates are clear evidence of a business’s commitment to the environment and society. This helps build a positive brand image, enhancing reputation and trust with customers, partners, investors, and the community. A green brand will be more highly valued and can easily build sustainable and long-term relationships.

   

II. Important Green Certificates for Businesses with Solar Power Systems to Thrive in the Future:

When a business installs a solar power system, choosing the right green certificate will help maximize benefits and affirm its pioneering position in the green sector. Below are some particularly suitable and reputable green certificates that businesses that have installed solar power systems can consider and register for:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Certification: This is the world’s leading green building certification system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED evaluates and certifies construction projects and operations based on criteria for energy efficiency, water use, environmentally friendly building materials, and indoor environmental quality. LEED certification is very important for businesses in the construction, real estate, hospitality, office, and manufacturing sectors. There are also other green building certifications such as BREEAM, EDGE, and LOTUS.
• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System) Certification: This is an international standard specifying requirements for an environmental management system (EMS). ISO 14001 is suitable for all types of businesses, especially manufacturing, processing, and service businesses, among other ISO certifications.
• Energy Star: Energy-saving label for products (electronics, appliances, etc.). Products with this label meet high energy efficiency standards. If a business manufactures products in the Energy Star category (e.g., electronic devices), manufacturing with solar power further enhances the green value of the product, attracting customers interested in energy saving.
• Other eco-labels and green product certifications (Green Label, Green Seal, Cradle to Cradle): These labels certify environmentally friendly products based on various criteria (materials, production processes, environmental impact, etc.). Therefore, using solar power in production is a significant advantage, demonstrating a commitment to environmental protection throughout the value chain.

 Example: Green Certificates for Manufacturing and Export Businesses with Installed Solar Power Systems:

Installing a solar power system not only helps businesses save electricity costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also creates opportunities to obtain green certificates and many other benefits. Below are some green certificates related to solar power systems that they can aim for:

• REC (Renewable Energy Certificate): This is a certificate that verifies the origin of renewable energy, confirming that a certain amount of electricity has been generated from renewable energy sources, such as solar power.
  
• Carbon Credits: Installing a solar power system helps businesses reduce carbon emissions. This emission reduction can be converted into carbon credits and sold on the carbon credit market. This is an additional source of revenue for businesses while demonstrating a commitment to emission reduction and environmental protection.

III. Governmental Rights and Support for Businesses with Green Certificates:   

The Vietnamese government is increasingly focused on sustainable development and encourages green businesses through various preferential policies and support measures. Some rights and support that businesses can receive when possessing a green certificate include:

• Tax incentives: Reduction of corporate income tax and import tax for green projects, green products, and green technologies.
  
• Financial support: Access to preferential loan sources, green development support funds, and programs to support small and medium-sized enterprises in green transformation.
  
• Priority in administrative procedures: Shortening the time for appraisal and licensing for green projects and green businesses.
  
• Promotion and trade promotion: Supporting green businesses to participate in trade promotion programs, exhibitions, and fairs domestically and internationally to promote green products and services.
  
• Recognition and rewards: Honoring and awarding prizes and titles to exemplary green businesses.
  

Businesses Should “Boldly” Invest in Green Certificates

Although the initial investment cost for solar power systems and obtaining green certificates may cause some businesses to hesitate, from a long-term perspective, this is truly an investment that yields significant profits and numerous practical benefits. Green certificates not only help businesses enhance their competitive position and build a more reputable brand image but also optimize operating costs, open up new development opportunities, and facilitate access to green capital sources and talent.

In the context of 2025 and beyond, as environmental standards become increasingly stringent and the green consumption trend grows, owning a green certificate is no longer an option but an inevitable requirement for businesses to develop strongly and sustainably. Don’t hesitate to invest in solar power systems and obtain green certificates today to build a solid foundation for your business’s future success!

Contact ON Energy General Contractor – Reputable Solar Power System Provider in Vietnam.

Hotline: 0898 659 689 – Email: info@onenergy.com.vn

Link Leaflet: Leaflet for installing solar power systems for businesses.