Green logistics is becoming a global strategic trend.

Green logistics is becoming a mandatory trend, especially in Vietnam's cold chain logistics sector, which is at a crucial turning point. Therefore, many businesses have begun a green transformation race to meet international standards and maintain their market position.

According to experts, the cold storage industry has one of the highest electricity consumption rates in the service sector, creating a major obstacle to the Vietnamese government 's goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Green logistics is becoming a global strategic trend.

International investment funds and major financial institutions are increasingly tightening ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, prioritizing investment in projects that can demonstrate clear environmental performance. Green logistics is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement to access global green capital.

It is in this context that New Era Cold Storage Joint Stock Company (NECS), one of the leading modern cold logistics centers, has just announced its green and high-tech operational strategy in accordance with international standards.

This transformation not only helps NECS optimize operating costs but also creates a major turning point, opening up opportunities to strongly attract green capital flows from sustainable development funds and international financial institutions as a pioneering model.

Overview of New Era Cold Storage (NECS).

Towards "green logistics": reducing emissions at the source, optimizing operations.

Designed as a next-generation cold storage model, NECS operates on three pillars: Energy efficiency – High technology – Sustainable development.

The entire building utilizes thick PIR insulation panels with a tongue-and-groove design for absolute airtightness, minimizing heat loss and optimizing cooling capacity. Combined with European refrigeration systems (GEA Grasso, Thermofin), a 24/7 dual backup system, and hot gas defrosting, this significantly reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods.

Energy at NECS is also renewable, sourced directly from the warehouse roof. A 2MWp rooftop solar power system provides enough electricity to operate the air conditioning unit, the ASRS automated system, and auxiliary equipment during peak hours, reducing grid electricity consumption by 25–28% each month, equivalent to thousands of tons of CO₂ being saved annually.

Solar power systems help save electricity.

All outdoor areas, water systems, and wastewater treatment are designed according to green building standards. Specifically, outdoor lights use 100% solar energy, consuming no grid electricity; water dispensers operate at 3.4 liters/minute, automatically shutting off after 6 seconds to reduce waste; and the wastewater treatment system has a capacity of 40 m³/day, meeting Class A standards, exceeding the industrial park's regulations.

The lighting system uses solar energy.

Automation and data: the foundation of a sustainable cold supply chain.

NECS applies advanced technology to reduce indirect emissions from operations. The ASRS system, with its small inlet, double-layer dehumidification chamber, and automatic conveyor belt, reduces the amount of hot, humid air entering the cold room, thereby reducing frost buildup, decreasing cooling load, and saving electricity.

The automated product retrieval system (ASRS) with a small loading door reduces heat loss.

The WMS+ system automatically monitors temperature and humidity, recording data in real time, ensuring products are always stored under optimal conditions. By precisely controlling storage time and temperature, NECS helps customers ensure product quality, extend product lifecycles, and reduce product waste – a crucial element in a chain-wide emissions reduction strategy.

With over 110,000 pallets, multiple temperature zones, and a seamless operating model, NECS is becoming a crucial link in Vietnam's cold chain supply – where demands for data transparency, energy optimization, and product quality are increasingly stringent.

Necs has achieved EDGE Advanced certification , leading the cold storage industry in energy efficiency.

Not only is NECS a pioneer in green technology and operations, but it is also one of the few cold storage logistics centers in Vietnam to achieve EDGE Advanced certification – a green building certification developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) (World Bank Group).

NECS representatives receive the Edge certification at Vietnam Green Building Week 2023.

In Phase 1, NECS was certified by SGS to achieve 67% energy savings, 46% water savings, 37% reduction in less embodied energy in materials, and a reduction of 2,329.75 tons of CO₂/year in emissions compared to standard operating levels.

These figures demonstrate the superior effectiveness of NECS's insulation design, 2MWp solar power system, energy-saving lighting and water systems, and efficient building materials.

For phases 2–3, NECS continued to achieve EDGE Advanced Preliminary certification with impressive indicators such as: 56% energy savings, 29% water savings, 27% reduction in embodied carbon in materials, and 2,440.44 tons of CO₂/year reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to standard operating levels.

Achieving EDGE certification for both phases demonstrates that NECS is not only building high-performance cold storage but also pursuing a sustainable logistics development strategy, meeting the increasing demands from green investment funds, financial institutions, and global businesses in the food supply chain.

These certifications play a crucial role in helping NECS become a standard candidate for green financing, where evidence of environmental performance is a decisive factor in accessing concessional loans, long-term capital flows, and emission reduction support programs.

A destination for international green capital.

Thanks to its focus on developing sustainable energy solutions and logistics models, NECS is becoming a strategic partner of many green investment funds and international financial institutions, including GCPF – Global Climate Partnership Fund.

These funds are particularly interested in models that: reduce CO₂ emissions directly and indirectly; apply renewable energy; automated operating systems to reduce waste; waste, water, and energy management processes that meet international standards; and sustainable value chains that ensure product quality.

Robots operate automated goods retrieval systems in a -20°C cold storage facility.

NECS not only reduces operating costs but also generates a green return on investment (Green ROI) – an increasingly important indicator when businesses want to access long-term, preferential interest rate financing from global financial institutions.

By simultaneously meeting three major requirements of the modern supply chain – food safety, energy efficiency, and smart operations – NECS is contributing to shaping the green logistics trend in Vietnam.

A representative from NECS stated: “ We believe that sustainable development is not just a trend, but a mandatory standard for future logistics. NECS is committed to continuing to invest in technology, clean energy, and green operations to support our customers and investment funds in reducing emissions and enhancing sustainable value across the entire supply chain .”

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/logistics-xanh-tro-thanh-xu-huong-chien-luoc-toan-cau-10400040.html