Hue aims for Net Zero: [1] Initial steps from green transportation

In 2023, the former Thua Thien Hue Provincial People's Committee (now Hue City) issued a Plan to implement Decision No. 876/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister, which approved the Action Program on green energy transition, reduction of carbon and methane emissions in the transportation sector in the area, aiming to develop a green transportation system towards the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Specifically, Hue City will convert vehicles to use electricity and green energy, develop green transport infrastructure, and strive to gradually transition to using electric-powered road motor vehicles during the 2023 - 2030 period, as well as expand blending and use 100% E5 gasoline for road motor vehicles. It will develop charging infrastructure to meet the needs of citizens and businesses... Since then, Hue City has achieved many important results, gradually moving towards the Net Zero goal.

Sustainable transportation for emission reduction

In recent years, in an effort to reduce emissions, Hue City has been developing a public bicycle sharing service, allowing residents and tourists to rent bicycles at various points throughout the city, similar to models in many developed cities around the world. As a result, Hue has established systematic bicycle transport infrastructure, building dedicated cycling routes that connect central areas, schools, hospitals, and major tourist attractions. Currently, in the city center, public bicycle stations and points are spread across the streets and heritage sites.

Sharing her experience on her first visit to Hue, Ms. Tran Thi Tien (Da Nang City) said that what impressed her was not only the beautiful, peaceful scenery of the ancient capital but also the way residents and tourists prioritize traveling by bicycle or electric vehicle.

“Besides taking a cyclo for the experience, I did not hesitate to use a bicycle to move around the streets. Traveling by green vehicle is both convenient and helps me experience Hue in a slower, fresher way. Hue is truly different - a heritage city that is living green, living slow, and definitely worth returning to,” Ms. Tien shared.

In July 2024, Hue City painted dedicated bicycle lanes on the sidewalks of some main routes with a total length of nearly 8 km, making Hue the first city in Vietnam to dedicate a part of the sidewalk for bicycle lanes. Since then, residents have actively owned more bicycles, and the cycling culture has gradually taken shape.

With the advantage of possessing world cultural heritage sites, beautiful landscapes, many craft villages, and special products, using bicycles as a means of experiential travel is an ideal solution for tourists visiting Hue. Furthermore, double-decker buses and electric vehicles are also gradually appearing.

In April 2025, Thai Hoa Palace, a symbolic structure of the Nguyen Dynasty within the Complex of Hue Monuments, was awarded the LOTUS green building certificate by the Vietnam Green Building Council (VGBC). This marks the first time a world cultural heritage site in Vietnam has achieved a green standard, opening a new direction for sustainable restoration and conservation work.

Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, stated that with the orientation to develop a public transportation system towards green transportation, the Center will continue to develop plans to upgrade and complete the infrastructure, and operate a bicycle route around the Thuong Thanh (Upper Citadel), Ho Thanh Hao (Royal Moat), and other historical sites. This aims to connect historical sites with ecotourism and community tourism destinations.

In addition to vehicles for tourism use, with the cooperation and support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Hue City has achieved positive results in the field of green energy transition, and the reduction of carbon and methane emissions from the transportation sector.

Specifically, in 2023, Hue City received 6 dedicated 4-wheel electric garbage trucks sponsored by the UNDP. This serves as a basis for replication, moving towards gradually replacing manual waste collection methods and replacing internal combustion engine trucks to reduce heavy and hazardous labor in the environmental sector.

Furthermore, implementing the UNDP's Project to promote electric transportation for green transport development in Hue City, the City Women's Union was selected as the unit to implement a package providing preferential loans to support individuals in purchasing electric bicycles or electric motorcycles. The program was rolled out in 2023, with a loan amount of 385 USD per household, 0% interest rate, and a loan term of 18 months. Not only were they granted loans, but the borrowing households were also organized to plan production and business strategies, and trained in management skills, focusing on using the capital in a way that saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

According to the Hue City Department of Construction, the city currently has 17 public shared bicycle stations (Hue Smart Bike) with 147 bicycles, 31 public electric-assist bicycle stations (GCOO) with 283 vehicles (the Hue Imperial Citadel has an additional 40 bicycles), over 600 operating electric taxis, and more than 200 charging stations...

Gradually synchronizing solutions

Green transportation is an important initial step towards the goal of Net Zero Hue, contributing to emission reduction and building a sustainable city. Hue is one of the localities with great potential for developing green transportation. The urban areas in the province have manageable travel distances for users of bicycles, electric vehicles, etc. The air in the ancient capital is fresh, and the environment is green and clean. In the past, Hue City also organized many forums and seminars with the participation of domestic and international experts to discuss issues related to the green growth transition in the transportation sector.

However, realizing this goal is not easy. Hue is facing many challenges such as limited investment capital, unsynchronized traffic infrastructure, residents' habit of using personal vehicles, and insufficient incentive policies. Therefore, along with a strategic vision, synchronization between the government, businesses, and the community is required to create a truly sustainable transportation ecosystem.

Sharing with reporters, Mr. Cung Trong Cuong, Director of the Hue Institute for Development Studies, stated that developing green transportation and public transport systems such as buses, public bicycles, electric bicycles, along with encouraging residents to use environmentally friendly vehicles, will contribute to building a green, sustainable city. This is a suitable solution in the context of the increasing density of personal vehicles in the city center. The smart city model combined with green vehicle movement not only brings practical economic benefits but also helps reduce traffic pressure, save transportation costs, limit CO2​ emissions, and raise environmental protection awareness within the community.

According to Mr. Cuong, to promote the transition to bicycles and environmentally friendly vehicles, the city government is implementing many communication and community education programs about the benefits of cycling for health and the environment. Campaigns such as "Bicycle Day," along with events combining cycling and environmental protection, are frequently organized, attracting the participation of a large number of residents and local businesses. Simultaneously, the city will plan and build a system of parking lots for bicycles and non-motorized vehicles in central areas, near tourist spots and public bus stations, while developing favorable infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and green vehicles, creating a modern, safe, and environmentally friendly transport network. This also aligns with the city government's perspective of building a "city for the people."

Ms. Ramla Khalidi, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, shared that during the implementation of the Hue City Green Growth Urban Development Plan until 2030, many policies and strategies have been promulgated. This is an important foundation for green development, closely linked with Hue's unique cultural and historical values. Specifically, encouraging walking and cycling to reduce traffic congestion, as well as promoting the transition to electric vehicles and the use of green energy, plays a crucial role in reducing emissions and fostering a green lifestyle for residents and tourists.

“Green transportation combined with the circular economy will provide a great opportunity to achieve the goal of low-carbon urban development. For Hue, it is necessary to consider solutions to minimize resource extraction, reduce waste, extend the lifecycle of electric vehicles, and create new jobs. To ensure a sustainable and overall development process, a comprehensive approach is required; Hue City needs to develop master plans and comprehensive plans that integrate the development of environmentally friendly transport infrastructure. Furthermore, implementing policies for the management, operation, and encouragement of sustainable green initiatives is crucial,” emphasized Ms. Ramla Khalidi.

Sharing with reporters, Mr. Hoang Hai Minh - Vice Chairman of the Hue City People's Committee, said that the city is simultaneously implementing all three strategies, which include: perfecting institutions and policies; promoting the development of green transport modes and the conversion to electric vehicles, as well as boosting public transport development; developing green transport infrastructure including building dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, creating green spaces, developing a shared bicycle system, charging stations, converting batteries for delivery electric motorcycles, and gradually completing the multi-modal and emission-reducing public connection system.

“In the coming time, Hue City will continue to strongly implement synchronized green transport solutions, step by step building a solid foundation for the goal of Net Zero Hue, and developing a green, sustainable city,” Mr. Minh affirmed.

With the determination to transition to green transportation, and to concretize the Implementation Plan of Decision No. 876/QD-TTG dated July 22, 2022, of the Prime Minister approving the Action Program on green energy transition, reduction of carbon and methane emissions in the transportation sector in the area, in July 2025, Hue City issued an additional Plan stipulating that from 2025 onwards, all newly invested or replaced buses must use 100% electricity or green energy, applying to both currently operating bus routes and newly invested ones. From 2025 - 2030, the city strives for 60% of business-operating taxis in the area to use electric cars, and 30% of newly invested or replaced contract passenger transport vehicles to use electric cars.

Regarding charging station infrastructure for electric vehicles, it is expected that by the end of 2025, the charging station infrastructure system will be developed to meet the needs of electric cars participating in passenger transport business activities within the city. By the end of 2030, the charging station infrastructure system for electric cars must be completed city-wide (with a charging station for electric cars in every commune/ward) to meet the charging needs of electric cars owned by individuals and organizations participating in traffic in the area.