Vietnam’s journey towards a greener economy is taking a significant step forward with the pilot launch of its domestic carbon market. As businesses strive for net-zero emissions by 2050, understanding this new regulatory landscape is not just about compliance but also about identifying strategic opportunities for growth and innovation.
At TERAO, we are committed to assisting companies in Asia in navigating complex sustainability challenges. This article breaks down what the emerging carbon market means for your business.
Why the Vietnam Carbon Market Matters to You
The new carbon market is a key policy tool designed to incentivize greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. It will create a system where companies can trade carbon allowances, putting a price on carbon and encouraging cleaner operations.
- Compliance is Coming: Initially, the pilot ETS will focus on high-emitting sectors such as thermal power, iron and steel production, and cement. However, the plan is to expand coverage to other sectors, including commercial buildings, by 2029. Even if you’re not directly covered yet, understanding the framework is important for future planning.
- Driving Decarbonization: This market will push businesses to actively measure, report, and reduce their emissions. Those who act proactively can gain a competitive advantage.
- New Financial Mechanisms: The market introduces new avenues for both compliance and revenue, including the potential for trading carbon credits from approved reduction projects.
What Businesses Should Do Right Now
The pilot phase, expected to run until the end of 2028, is an important learning period for all stakeholders. Here are immediate steps your business should consider:
- Understand Your Carbon Footprint: If you haven’t already, conduct a comprehensive carbon audit (Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions) to accurately identify your emission hotspots. This data is the foundation for any effective decarbonization strategy.

2. Assess Your Exposure: Determine if your operations fall within the initial scope of the pilot ETS. If so, understand your upcoming emission allowance allocations and reporting requirements.
3. Develop an Actionable Reduction Plan: Don’t wait for mandatory compliance. Proactively identify and implement energy efficiency upgrades, integrate renewable energy solutions, and optimize your operations to reduce emissions. This proactive approach can lead to significant cost savings and better positioning within the market.
4. Explore Carbon Credit Opportunities: Understand how certified carbon credits can be generated from your own emission reduction projects or sourced from the market for compliance.

5. Build Internal Capacity: Train your teams on GHG accounting, reporting, and carbon market mechanisms.
TERAO’s Role in Your Carbon Market Journey
Many businesses often reach a roadblock after identifying their emissions. At TERAO, we bridge that gap by providing practical, expert-driven solutions to support your decarbonization roadmap.
We begin by conducting a comprehensive ASHRAE-standard energy audit, helping your business identify actionable energy-saving opportunities and define a clear implementation plan for the coming years. From this foundation, we can estimate your minimum achievable carbon emissions, forming the basis for a long-term carbon reduction strategy.
Depending on your targets and industry context, we then help you build a tailored roadmap that combines renewable energy integration and/or carbon credit purchasing, ensuring both compliance and long-term cost optimization.
Our services include:
- In-depth Carbon Audits: Delivering accurate, actionable data on your current emissions.
- Decarbonization Roadmaps: Designing clear, step-by-step strategies tailored to your operations and sector.
- Implementation Support: Assisting with energy efficiency upgrades, renewable energy integration, and supply chain optimization.
- Compliance and Strategic Consulting: Guiding you through complex carbon market regulations and uncovering strategic opportunities.
The launch of Vietnam’s carbon market signals a new era for sustainable business. Are you ready to turn these changes into a competitive advantage?
Don’t let new regulations catch you off guard. Contact TERAO today to discuss how we can help your business navigate Vietnam’s emerging carbon market and turn your sustainability goals into tangible results.
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