Vinhomes Green Paradise Secures WCCD Interim Smart City Certification, Setting Global Benchmark

In a significant advancement for sustainable urban development, Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, Vietnam, has been awarded the Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification by the World Council on City Data (WCCD). This recognition, announced on August 5, 2026, positions the mega urban development as a pioneering model for smart cities globally, particularly for greenfield projects. The certification, based on the ISO 37122 standard, underscores the project's substantial progress in aligning its design, planning, and development strategy with international benchmarks for smart city performance.

The WCCD's certification process involved a comprehensive assessment using a customized indicator framework specifically developed for greenfield developments, incorporating core principles of ISO 37122, one of the world's most respected standards for measuring smart city performance. Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of WCCD, highlighted that this interim certification is a global first, setting a new precedent for greenfield developments worldwide. She noted that the project is now equipped with a powerful baseline of data to monitor development goals in smart urban governance, infrastructure, technology adoption, and sustainability, ensuring full certification upon operations commencement.

Vinhomes Green Paradise, which spans 2,870 hectares with a construction density of only 16%, is uniquely positioned adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. The project is developed under Vinhomes' enhanced ESG++ model, structured around five pillars: Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Climate Adaptation. This forward-thinking approach includes ambitious goals such as utilizing 100% clean electricity from renewable sources and achieving 100% net-zero emission transportation. Additionally, a Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund will be established to finance research and restoration efforts, with a key focus on regenerating the Can Gio mangrove ecosystem to create a protective green belt.

The certification, achieved in partnership with WCCD, Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM), and Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC), marks the first major milestone in the project's roadmap toward a comprehensive smart city model. Chulse Oh, Head of AX Group at KMAC, emphasized the importance of this milestone in realizing the vision of a world-class smart city in Vietnam. The collaboration underscores the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in urban development, as outlined by ISO standards.

This achievement not only elevates Vinhomes Green Paradise as a benchmark for future cities but also has significant implications for the broader real estate and urban development industry. By demonstrating that large-scale greenfield projects can meet stringent international standards, Vinhomes is setting a precedent that could influence smart city initiatives globally. The certification also highlights the economic potential of sustainable development, attracting investment and fostering innovation in Vietnam's rapidly evolving urban landscape.

Furthermore, Vinhomes Green Paradise has become the first Official Participant in the "7 Wonders of the Future Cities" campaign initiated by New7Wonders, reinforcing its pioneering vision. As cities worldwide grapple with challenges like climate change and rapid urbanization, this certification serves as a model for integrating sustainability, technology, and community well-being. The recognition by WCCD, which collaborates with over 125 cities across 40 countries, underscores the global significance of this achievement.

For Texas and other regions, this development offers valuable insights into the future of urban planning, where data-driven, sustainable approaches are becoming the norm. The success of Vinhomes Green Paradise could inspire similar initiatives, driving economic growth and environmental stewardship in cities around the world.