On the 5,000 m2 roof of a specialized cold storage warehouse in Hoa Khanh, Da Nang, ITL Logistics has installed a solar power system with a capacity of over 970 kWp. The company reports that this system saves more than 600,000 kWh of electricity annually and reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 497 tons.

According to Daniel Do, National Warehouse Block Director at ITL Logistics, investing in rooftop solar helps the company reduce its reliance on the grid, cut emissions, and enhance its reputation for a green cold chain. "The future cold chain will be increasingly smart, green, and deeply integrated to meet sustainable development trends," Do remarked at a conference held last week as part of the 4th Vietnam International Logistics Exhibition (VILOG 2026).

Following the Da Nang project, ITL Logistics plans to install a 750 kWp solar power system on the roof of a cold storage warehouse at VSIP 1 Industrial Park in Binh Duong. This project is expected to supply one million kWh of electricity each year, helping to reduce about 700 tons of CO2 emissions.

In Ho Nai, Dong Nai, Sotrans Logistics is constructing a 26,400 m2 chemical warehouse with a capacity for 19,500 pallets. David Son, Project Manager for the warehouse block at Sotrans Logistics, stated that the facility incorporates emission reduction solutions and specific safety standards for chemical storage. The company will use 100% electric forklifts and maximize natural light through the roof and side walls to conserve energy. The warehouse also features a chemical spill containment trench system and integrates artificial intelligence, automation, and a warehouse management system to optimize operations and reduce emissions.

The drive for greening in the logistics sector is growing, fueled by both policy directives and market demand. According to real estate consulting and services firm Cushman & Wakefield, the total supply of ready-built warehouses in TP HCM, Dong Nai, and Tay Ninh stands at approximately 6,6 million m2. The firm forecasts that the ready-built warehouse market in these areas will add about 661,000 m2 between 2026 and 2029, primarily high-quality facilities integrating automation and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.

Daniel Do emphasized that reducing the carbon footprint offers a significant competitive advantage, meeting the stringent requirements for sustainability certifications from major global corporations.

Electric forklifts used in ITL Logistics' cold storage warehouse in Da Nang. *Company photo*

The "greening" of warehouses also contributes to "green logistics", one of the pillars of the National Green Growth Strategy for the period up to 2030, with a vision to 2050. This is also a key theme in the national action plan for green growth.

Nguyen Anh Son, Director General of the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), noted that green logistics, alongside digital transformation and smart transportation, are trends shaping the industry's next phase. According to Dao Trong Khoa, Chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), the global supply chain is undergoing extensive restructuring, demanding green development, resilience, digital transformation, and transparency. Therefore, beyond cost and scale, the industry's competitiveness also hinges on technology and sustainable development. "This presents both a challenge and an opportunity," Khoa observed.

Duong Thi Lien Huong, Founder of SCV Global, an organization connecting the supply chain community, recommended that one of the criteria for businesses selecting logistics partners should be: "providers with sustainable solutions." She advised: "Businesses should focus more on solutions like Green Cold Chain or Green Transportation, as current policies heavily emphasize sustainability and ESG."

Dy Tung