As industrial production continues to expand, pressure on the natural environment is also increasing. Compliance with environmental protection regulations in the design construction of factories is not only a legal requirement but also a key factor for sustainable business development. A well-planned factory minimizes air, water, and noise pollution while creating a safe working environment for employees and surrounding communities.
In Vietnam, the legal framework for environmental protection has been comprehensively developed through various decrees, circulars, and technical standards, requiring investors to comply from the project planning and design stages to construction and operation. For enterprises engaged in factory design construction, understanding and properly applying these regulations ensures faster project approval, reduces legal risks, and reinforces the company’s reputation in the field of green industrial construction.
In the following article, BIC outlines the legal framework, technical standards, and design solutions for eco-friendly factories to help investors and engineers fully grasp the essential environmental protection requirements of today.
Environmental compliance is an integral part of factory design, construction, and operation. A properly designed facility minimizes pollution, enhances energy efficiency, and reduces long-term operational costs. When waste, wastewater, and exhaust gas treatment systems are properly engineered, enterprises can control risks and prevent incidents that might affect production activities and corporate reputation.
Environmental protection also holds strategic value in promoting a modern, socially responsible corporate image. It is a critical criterion for international certifications such as ISO 14001, LEED, LOTUS, or EDGE. Compliance with these standards strengthens competitiveness and builds trust with partners, customers, and the community.
Adhering to environmental regulations is no longer a mere obligation, it has become an inevitable trend in modern industry. The earlier a business invests in green infrastructure, clean technologies, and safe production processes, the greater its brand value and long-term development potential in the market.
Vietnam’s environmental protection framework is now relatively comprehensive, covering every stage of a project’s life cycle from planning and design to operation. The legal system is structured at three main levels: Laws, Decrees and Circulars, and Technical Standards (QCVN/TCVN). Each level plays a specific role in guiding, supervising, and ensuring corporate accountability for environmental protection.
The Law on Environmental Protection 2020 serves as the fundamental legal foundation, marking a major shift from consequence-based management to life-cycle management. It clearly defines the investor’s responsibility to prepare an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) or Environmental Protection Plan, depending on the project’s scale and environmental impact.
Decree 08/2022/NĐ-CP provides detailed implementation guidelines, including the appraisal, approval, and monitoring process of the EIA, as well as requirements for environmental monitoring, waste management, hazardous waste handling, and post-project restoration.
Circular 02/2022/TT-BTNMT regulates sampling methods, monitoring frequency, and environmental data reporting formats establishing the foundation for an automated, transparent, and online-monitorable environmental monitoring system.
QCVN (Vietnam Technical Regulations) and TCVN (Vietnam Standards) serve as the measurable benchmarks for various environmental aspects in industrial operations.
- QCVN stipulates mandatory limit values for industrial emissions, domestic wastewater, noise, vibration, solid waste, and toxic chemical releases.
- TCVN, meanwhile, provides technical guidance, helping businesses choose appropriate design and operational solutions to meet QCVN requirements.
This combination allows enterprises to proactively establish effective environmental management systems from site layout and material selection to the installation of air and wastewater treatment equipment.
In addition to national standards, many advanced manufacturers in Vietnam also adopt international certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System), LEED, LOTUS, or EDGE, moving toward green factory models that save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Implementing these standards not only strengthens corporate reputation but also enhances access to global markets that demand strict environmental and sustainability credentials.
Environmental management is clearly decentralized. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) is responsible for policy-making, issuing national standards, and inspecting large-scale projects. At the local level, Departments of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE) directly oversee environmental compliance, conduct periodic monitoring, and handle violations.
Strict compliance helps enterprises avoid legal risks such as suspension, license revocation, or administrative fines while building trust with authorities, partners, and nearby communities.
Every factory must have its own wastewater treatment system or be connected to the industrial park’s centralized treatment system. Wastewater must meet QCVN standards before discharge. Factories with a capacity of 200–1,000 m³/day typically use AAO or MBR technology for compact and stable operation. Industrial solid waste must be segregated at the source and stored in dedicated areas with impermeable floors and roofing to prevent leakage into the surrounding environment.
Factories in sectors such as mechanics, dyeing, or chemicals must install electrostatic dust collectors, gas absorption towers, or activated carbon filters to meet emission standards. Noise can be mitigated by soundproofing machines, using insulated panel walls, and planting green buffers around the perimeter. In areas near residential zones, noise levels must not exceed 70 dBA during the day and 55 dBA at night.
Green areas must occupy at least 20% of the total land area, as required in many industrial zones. Trees should be planted around production areas, along internal roads, and near living spaces to absorb dust, reduce heat, and improve the microclimate. Many businesses also integrate eco-landscaping elements such as ponds, lawns, or green walls to enhance aesthetics and environmental friendliness.
Green factory design is an inevitable trend in modern industry, aimed at emission reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable growth. A green factory is planned to optimize production flow, utilize natural light and ventilation, and minimize energy consumption. The use of eco-friendly materials such as insulated roofing sheets, lightweight concrete, and VOC-free paints is becoming increasingly common.
Many enterprises are adopting rooftop solar power systems to supply part or all of their energy needs, significantly reducing operational costs and CO₂ emissions. In addition, rainwater collection and wastewater recycling systems are being implemented to irrigate plants or cool equipment.
Modern factories also integrate smart management systems using IoT and environmental sensors to monitor air quality, humidity, and energy consumption in real time automatically adjusting lighting or ventilation to optimize efficiency.
The growing emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles and Net-Zero 2050 commitments is driving industrial enterprises to invest heavily in green design. Factories certified under LEED or LOTUS can save up to 30% in energy consumption while increasing asset value and attracting international investment.
Violations of environmental protection regulations are subject to strict penalties under Decree 45/2022/NĐ-CP. Fines can reach hundreds of millions of VND, depending on the severity, and violators are required to remedy damages and cover environmental restoration costs. Additionally, non-compliance directly affects production timelines, brand reputation, and eligibility for future investment projects.
Strict adherence to regulations not only helps businesses avoid legal risks but also contributes to resource conservation and ecological balance.
Environmental protection in factory construction and operation is a fundamental requirement of modern industrial development. Enterprises must proactively stay updated on regulations, invest in clean technologies and green infrastructure, and operate sustainably over the long term. Combining sound technical design, efficient operation, and social responsibility is a strategic pathway toward environmentally friendly industrial growth contributing to national goals of green growth and emission reduction.
Investors are encouraged to work closely with design consultants, supervisors, and regulatory authorities to ensure that all environmental requirements are fully met. This is not only a prerequisite for project approval but also the foundation for achieving safe, efficient, and sustainable production.
BIC proudly stands as a contractor with years of experience in multi-sector industrial factory design and construction, offering end-to-end services from legal consulting to project execution.
