The World Council on City Data (WCCD) has officially awarded Vinhomes Green Paradise - Can Gio the Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification, a milestone that underscores the project's progress toward becoming Vietnam's first mega urban development to achieve an internationally recognized smart city certification. This recognition highlights the project's commitment to sustainable urban development and sets a new precedent for greenfield developments worldwide.
The certification follows a comprehensive assessment by WCCD, based on a customized indicators framework specifically developed for greenfield projects, incorporating the core principles of ISO 37122, an international standard for measuring smart city performance. According to Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of WCCD, this interim certification recognizes Vinhomes' long-term vision and provides a powerful baseline of data to propel success, ensuring full ISO 37122 certification once operations commence. She noted that this is a global first for greenfield developments.
Vinhomes Green Paradise, located in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, benefits from a unique geographical setting overlooking the Can Gio Sea and adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. The development spans 2,870 hectares with a construction density of only 16%. Under its enhanced ESG++ model, structured around five pillars—Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Climate Adaptation—the project aims to utilize 100% clean electricity from renewable sources and achieve 100% net-zero emission transportation upon full operation. The project also emphasizes biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration, aligned with Ho Chi Minh City's climate adaptation strategy.
To support these efforts, a Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund will be established to finance research, restoration, and long-term resilience initiatives, with a key focus on regenerating the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem. This fund will help create a protective green belt for the entire development, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
The certification process, launched in March 2026 in partnership with WCCD, Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM), and Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC), represents the first major milestone in assessing and refining criteria for a comprehensive smart city model. Mr. Chulse Oh, Head of AX Group at KMAC, emphasized that this milestone is crucial in realizing the vision of a world-class smart city in Vietnam, and KMAC will continue to support the project in developing smart city solutions and implementation strategies.
This achievement also reinforces Vinhomes Green Paradise's pioneering vision, having become the first Official Participant in the "7 Wonders of the Future Cities" campaign initiated by New7Wonders. The award of the WCCD Interim Custom ISO 37122 certification not only validates the project's progress but also positions it as a benchmark for future cities in the region and globally.
The significance of this certification extends beyond Vinhomes, as it sets a new standard for smart city development in Vietnam and the world. By adhering to international standards and focusing on data-driven decision-making, Vinhomes Green Paradise is paving the way for sustainable urban development that can be replicated in other emerging economies. The project's commitment to renewable energy, net-zero emissions, and ecosystem regeneration addresses critical global challenges such as climate change and urbanization, offering a model that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.
As the project moves toward full certification upon commencement of operations, it will continue to be monitored through year-over-year data, ensuring that its smart city goals are met and maintained. This approach aligns with the broader mission of WCCD and SUM to help cities and communities embrace ISO standardized, globally comparable city data to become more sustainable, resilient, and smart.
For more information about the World Council on City Data, visit WCCD. For details on Standardized Urban Metrics, visit SUM.
