HA NOI (VNS) — Ha Noi's first environmentally friendly building, UN House, also known as Green One, is nearing completion in busy Kim Ma Street.

Yesterday, it became the first building in the country to win a provisional Gold Lotus rating from Viet Nam's Green Building Council.

The gold award was announced at the council's annual green building conference and workshop in HCM City yesterday.

All aspects of the innovative six story building have been designed to limit impact on the environment.

The fully insulated structure will maximise the efficiency of heating and cooling systems by making the most of natural daylight.

Energy consumption is expected to be at least 25 per cent lower than for a normal building. Water consumption could be down by as much as 36 per cent.

"One of the priorities for the UN in Viet Nam is to support environmentally sustainable development. In building the Green One UN House, we are not just talking the talk but walking the walk," said UN Resident Co-ordinator Pratibha Mehta. "By greening our operations, we will significantly reduce our carbon foot print and energy and water consumption."

Construction began early in 2013 and is expected to be completed at the end of October. — VNS