#1 Meet Our Team: Tran Thanh Vu – Founder of Edeec

As the founder of Edeec, Mr. Tran Thanh Vu is one of Vietnam’s pioneering experts in energy efficiency and sustainable building design. With over 10 years of experience consulting for organizations such as: UNDP, World Bank, and USAID, and in his current role as Vice Director of the Institute of Research and Application of Technology (IRAT), he has played a key role in establishing energy modeling and sustainable design as new industry standards.

In the conversation below, Mr. Vu shared his professional philosophy, the milestones that have shaped Edeec’s journey, and the enduring “spirit of sustainability” that defines who we are.

1. What is your current role at Edeec? 

People call me the Director of Edeec – though if we’re being playful, I’d say I’m the least efficient person in the whole company.

2. When did you start working at Edeec?

I’ve been with Edeec since its early inception in 2011, all the way until we officially launched operations in 2018.

3. What academic or professional achievements are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of popularizing the use of simulation-based design among engineers and architects, an approach I truly believe adds real value to the construction industry.

4. What inspired you to start the Edeec journey?

At the time, I was involved in many NGO-led programs aimed at improving energy efficiency in Vietnam. Most were short-term, costly, and not very effective. I wanted to create something that could drive long-term, sustainable impact in environmentally responsible building design. So I rolled up my sleeves, and Edeec was born.

5. What makes Edeec different from others in the market?

Edeec has one of the most technically skilled teams in Vietnam when it comes to green design, thermal systems, HVAC, and energy modeling. What truly sets us apart is the ability to bridge technical issues with cost considerations, enabling project owners to make confident decisions, rather than relying on guesswork. 

In fact, Vietnam doesn’t yet fully recognize the concept of thermal and energy design for buildings, let alone integrating those elements with long-term investment returns.

6. A memorable milestone from your journey that stands out?

Discovering the design approach that allowed us to achieve Net Zero Energy in a building project, that  was a turning point and a strong proof of the vision and capabilities we’ve been committed to at Edeec.

7. If you had to describe the future of Edeec in three words, what would they be?

“The best sustainable design firm in Southeast Asia”. That’s also the goal I want to work toward with the whole team. If we’re going to do it, let’s do it right and go all the way.

8. What do you look for in teammates who join Edeec?

We’re looking for people who share our ambition: to become the best sustainable design firm in Southeast Asia. Technical expertise is important, but so is a sense of mission, a drive to create impact and a good sense of humor doesn’t hurt either..

9. Is there a quote or personal philosophy that guides you?

For me, it’s this: “Explain complex technical ideas in a way anyone can understand”. That principle shapes how we communicate with clients, and how we deliver our work at Edeec.

10. A hobby or fun fact about you that not many people know?

I’m really into programming, coding, and gaming. People used to joke that I was addicted to games – which, to be fair, was true in my younger days. These days, it’s more about coding and sustainability, and using both to create long-term impact for the community.

If you want to contact Mr. Tran Thanh Vu for any inquiries related to sustainable architecture, green building certification consulting, energy modeling, or building performance assessment, feel free to reach out to him at vutt@edeec.com .