The World Council on City Data (WCCD) has officially awarded Vinhomes Green Paradise - Can Gio the Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification, signaling a significant milestone in Vietnam's urban development. This certification, announced on August 5, 2026, recognizes the project's progress in aligning with international standards for smart and sustainable cities, and positions it as a benchmark for future greenfield developments worldwide.
The certification follows a comprehensive assessment conducted by WCCD using a customized indicators framework specifically developed for greenfield projects. This framework incorporates the core principles of ISO 37122, a globally respected standard for measuring smart city performance. Dr. Patricia McCarney, President & CEO of WCCD, highlighted that the certification acknowledges Vinhomes' long-term vision and commitment to developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready urban model. She noted that the project now has a powerful baseline of data to monitor year-over-year progress in areas such as smart urban governance, infrastructure, technology adoption, and sustainability, ensuring full ISO 37122 certification once operations commence.
Vinhomes Green Paradise is set to become the first mega urban development in Vietnam to achieve internationally recognized smart city certification. The project, spanning 2,870 hectares with a construction density of only 16%, is strategically located overlooking the Can Gio Sea and adjacent to the UNESCO-recognized Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve. Vinhomes is pioneering an enhanced ESG++ model, structured around five pillars: Environment, Social, Governance, Regeneration, and Climate Adaptation. Upon full operation, the urban management system aims to utilize 100% clean electricity from renewable sources and achieve 100% net-zero emission transportation.
The certification underscores the project's commitment to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration, aligned with Ho Chi Minh City's climate adaptation strategy. 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 to create a protective green belt.
Mr. Chulse Oh, Head of AX Group at Korea Management Association Consultants (KMAC), which is supporting the project, stated that the certification marks an important milestone in realizing the vision of a world-class smart city in Vietnam. He emphasized KMAC's continued support in developing smart city solutions and refining criteria for a comprehensive smart city model during the operational phase.
The certification process, launched in March 2026 in partnership with WCCD, SUM, and KMAC, represents the first major milestone in assessing and refining criteria for a smart city model aligned with international standards. This achievement also reinforces Vinhomes Green Paradise's pioneering vision, which has already made it the first Official Participant in the "7 Wonders of the Future Cities" campaign initiated by New7Wonders.
For business and technology leaders, this certification highlights the importance of data-driven urban development and the adoption of international standards. It demonstrates how cities and developers can leverage ISO standards to enhance sustainability, resilience, and quality of life. The project's focus on renewable energy, net-zero transportation, and ecosystem regeneration offers a model for future urban developments globally. As cities worldwide face challenges related to climate change and rapid urbanization, Vinhomes Green Paradise serves as a case study in integrating smart technology with environmental stewardship.
The WCCD, established in Canada in 2014, has been instrumental in developing ISO standards for city data, including ISO 37120, ISO 37122, and ISO 37123. The organization collaborates with over 125 cities across 40 countries, promoting data-driven decision-making for sustainable and smart cities. Standardized Urban Metrics (SUM) works with city leaders and private developers to customize these ISO certifications for new greenfield developments, providing a framework for measuring and improving urban performance.
This certification is a global first for greenfield developments, setting a new precedent for cities worldwide. It underscores the growing importance of standardized metrics in urban planning and the potential for data to drive innovation and investment. As Vinhomes Green Paradise progresses toward full certification, it will provide valuable insights for other cities and developers seeking to build smart, sustainable communities.
