On September 28, 2023, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Certification Centre (QUACERT), in collaboration with the Vietnam Association for Supporting Industries (VASI) and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), organized a workshop titled “Supporting Enterprises in Meeting Energy Management and Efficiency Requirements through ISO 50001:2018.” Held at the Directorate for Standards, Metrology and Quality (STAMEQ), the event brought together policymakers, experts, and industry representatives from across the country.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ha Minh Hiep, Acting Director General of STAMEQ, emphasized that energy efficiency is an irreversible trend for sustainable development in Vietnam. He described ISO 50001:2018 as a strategic tool enabling enterprises to approach energy management systematically, improve energy performance, reduce operational costs, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions. According to Dr. Hiep, adopting this international standard is a vital step for Vietnamese businesses to align with national policies and fulfill Vietnam’s international commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as declared at COP26.

Mr. Phan Dang Tuat, President of VASI, shared passionate views on the foundational role of supporting industries in Vietnam’s industrialization. He asserted that Vietnamese suppliers aiming to integrate into global value chains must go beyond technical and cost requirements. They must build long-term trust by delivering three layers of value: core value through product quality, added value through innovation, and perceived value through ethics, environmental responsibility, and efficient energy use. ISO 50001:2018, he said, offers a practical pathway to achieve these goals and elevate Vietnam’s supporting industries.

From a technical standpoint, Mr. Tran Quoc Dung, Director of QUACERT, provided an in-depth explanation of ISO 50001:2018—an international standard for energy management systems issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and revised in 2018. He noted that the standard is applicable to organizations of all sizes and sectors. Its implementation helps companies establish energy policies, analyze consumption patterns, set improvement targets, and implement effective controls across production processes, ultimately reducing energy waste and improving brand reputation.

The workshop also featured case studies, including practical experiences shared by Prime Tien Phong Joint Stock Company in implementing ISO 50001. Several projects focused on energy efficiency in the supporting and food processing industries were presented. Experts emphasized that amid increasing energy scarcity and rising costs, applying internationally recognized energy management systems is a necessary path for enterprises to cut costs, comply with regulations, and remain competitive both domestically and internationally.

A highlight of the event was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between QUACERT, VCCI’s Institute of Business Informatics (VCCI-ITB), and VASI. The partnership aims to provide consultancy, training, and technical support, as well as facilitate certification for energy management systems under ISO 50001:2018. It also seeks to help businesses access preferential financing for energy efficiency projects and connect with national and international experts in the field.

This workshop was not only a professional exchange but also a strategic move, reflecting the strong commitment of certification bodies, associations, and regulators to assist enterprises in building internal capabilities and transitioning toward sustainable and green supply chains.