Which universities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can support SMEs in designing or verifying carbon projects?

Numerous universities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), both globally and within Vietnam, are actively providing support to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the areas of project design, implementation, and sustainable transitions.

International university programs

Several international universities have developed specialized programs that, while not directly operating in Vietnam, offer valuable models and resources for SME decarbonization:

Aston University (UK)

The "Low Carbon SMEs" program provides consulting, training, and technical support to help businesses reduce emissions, optimize energy usage, and develop green transition roadmaps.112

Nottingham Trent University (UK)

The "Sustainability in Enterprise" initiative supports SMEs in integrating sustainability principles, including emission measurement and management, into their core business strategies.113

NGOs and International organizations in Vietnam

Several international organizations are actively operating in Vietnam and can provide direct support to SMEs in designing and implementing climate projects. While these organizations do not act as official verifiers, they play a crucial role in capacity building, technical assistance, and project preparation.

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)

GIZ is a key development partner in Vietnam, implementing numerous programs that support SMEs in their green and digital transitions. Initiatives include training on data governance, promoting energy efficiency, and building low-carbon value chains.114 115 116

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP

The UNDP collaborates with various domestic partners to run incubation and acceleration programs for social impact businesses and SMEs. These programs often include support for developing sustainable business strategies and implementing green solutions.117

Collaborating with these entities provides businesses with access to specialized knowledge, technical resources, and established networks. This support can significantly enhance the credibility and quality of a carbon project, increasing its likelihood of meeting the rigorous requirements of international standards during the formal verification phase.

References

112. Aston University. (2024). Low-Carbon SMEs. Carbon Copy. https://carboncopy.eco/initiatives/low-carbon-smes
113. Nottingham Trent University. (2022). Sustainability in Enterprise project hits milestone of supporting over 200 locals SMEs. Nottingham Trent University. https://www.ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2022/10/SiE-project-hits-milestone-of-supporting-over-200-locals-SMEs
114. GIZ Vietnam. (2025). Twin Transition Hub Officially Launched - A Milestone for Viet Nam’s Green and Digital Future!. Linkedin. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/gizvietnam_twintransitionhub-greentech-digitaltransformation-activity-7340979857041870849-LRH2/
115. GIZ Vietnam. (2024). Assessing capacity needs for provincial agencies in integrating Nature-based Solutions Adaptation (NbSA) and gender approaches into provincial development planning, as well as in conducting GHG inventories and GHG emission mitigation. KLINOVA. https://klinova.vn/vi/du-an-da-thuc-hien/danh-gia-nhu-cau-nang-luc-cho-cac-co-quan-cap-tinh-trong-viec-long-ghep-cac-giai-phap-thich-ung-dua-vao-thien-nhien-nbsa-va-phuong-phap-tiep-can-ve-gioi-vao-quy-hoach-phat-trien-tinh-cung-nhu-trong-viec-thuc-hien-kiem-ke-knk-va-giam-nhe-phat-thai-knk.html
116. GIZ Vietnam. (2022). Developing a Green Taxonomy for Vietnam with screening criteria for green projects and green transition projects to meet the requirements for green bonds and green credit in Vietnam. KLINOVA. https://klinova.vn/vi/du-an-da-thuc-hien/xay-dung-danh-muc-phan-loai-xanh-cho-viet-nam-voi-cac-tieu-chi-sang-loc-cho-du-an-xanh-va-du-an-chuyen-doi-xanh-nham-dap-ung-yeu-cau-ve-trai-phieu-xanh-tin-dung-xanh-tai-viet-nam.html
117. UNDP. (2025). UNDP Vietnam collaborates with BSSC & IBP to implement the Incubation & Acceleration Program under the UNDP Plastic Innovation Program 2025. BSSC. https://bssc.vn/undp-vietnam-hop-tac-cung-bssc-ibp/