Vientiane's Vision: Transforming into a Low-Carbon, Climate-Resilient City by 2030
IFC and Lao PDR government collaborate on a $3.3 billion Green City Action Plan
Vientiane is on a transformative journey towards becoming a greener, more sustainable city, with a comprehensive Green City Action Plan unveiled today. The plan, a collaboration between the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Lao PDR government, aims to address the capital’s infrastructure needs amid rapid urbanization while enhancing its climate resilience.
Presented to local authorities and infrastructure experts, the plan outlines 30 strategic measures designed to significantly reduce the city's environmental footprint by 2030. These include reducing fossil fuel energy usage in buildings by 16%, cutting personal vehicle travel by 24%, decreasing landfill waste by 37%, and improving water security by 9%. Collectively, these initiatives are expected to lower Vientiane’s greenhouse gas emissions by 22%.
Viengnam Douangphachanh, Director General at the Department of Housing and Urban Planning, emphasized the importance of urban planning and robust infrastructure in combatting climate change. The action plan aligns with global commitments under the Paris Agreement, where Laos aims to slash emissions by 60% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Financing the $3.3 billion plan will require innovative funding solutions, including potential public-private partnerships and private sector incentives. The plan also introduces APEX—Advanced Practices for Environmental Excellence in Cities, a new IFC-developed platform to help cities integrate cost-effective environmental measures into their policies and investment strategies.
Presented to local authorities and infrastructure experts, the plan outlines 30 strategic measures designed to significantly reduce the city's environmental footprint by 2030. These include reducing fossil fuel energy usage in buildings by 16%, cutting personal vehicle travel by 24%, decreasing landfill waste by 37%, and improving water security by 9%. Collectively, these initiatives are expected to lower Vientiane’s greenhouse gas emissions by 22%.
Viengnam Douangphachanh, Director General at the Department of Housing and Urban Planning, emphasized the importance of urban planning and robust infrastructure in combatting climate change. The action plan aligns with global commitments under the Paris Agreement, where Laos aims to slash emissions by 60% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Financing the $3.3 billion plan will require innovative funding solutions, including potential public-private partnerships and private sector incentives. The plan also introduces APEX—Advanced Practices for Environmental Excellence in Cities, a new IFC-developed platform to help cities integrate cost-effective environmental measures into their policies and investment strategies.
