Keeping ESG on Track Amid Global Policy Shifts: SGS

Q: What role is SGS Mexico playing in the energy sector and in other industries where you operate?

A: We play a fundamental role, particularly in supporting the country’s energy transition. We do this through testing, inspection, certification, and verification services. Speaking globally as SGS, and more specifically within the energy space, our aim in Mexico is to ensure the safety, compliance, and efficiency of projects in key sectors of the economy, such as oil and gas and energy, including both wind and, increasingly, solar. Ultimately, we help energy companies meet both local regulations and international standards, contributing to a more reliable and sustainable energy infrastructure for Mexico.

Q: SGS recently expanded its focus on the solar energy sector in Mexico. What motivated this decision and how does it align with your strategy in the Mexican market?

A: About two months ago, SGS began actively expanding its services in solar energy, especially in the area of operations and maintenance, although our scope goes beyond just that. We have ramped up our involvement in "low-end" services to support the sector’s growth. Solar energy is one of the most dynamic segments of Mexico’s renewable energy market, and as wind energy sees a slowdown, solar represents a strong opportunity.

Our strategy is based on targeted investments in equipment and top-tier talent. We are hiring highly skilled professionals, including engineers with extensive experience, to enhance our service offering. The goal is to provide full support to solar developers and investors, from feasibility studies and construction supervision to performance testing and long-term asset management.

Q: How do you see the role of certification, testing, and inspection services in Mexico’s uncertainty context?

A: It is no secret that there is some uncertainty in Mexico’s energy space. That is a fact, not an opinion. In this context, SGS offers a very compelling value proposition. As the world’s leading certifier and a major inspection company, we support our clients across all stages of a renewable energy project, not just during operation, but from early phases, as well.

Our broad service portfolio allows us to accompany clients from feasibility studies to project execution and beyond. This kind of end-to-end support gives clients confidence, particularly in an environment where regulations and policies can shift. Our mission is to help clients feel secure and view SGS as a key player they can trust in their industrial development, whether in renewables or other vital sectors.

Q: How would you assess the level of technological adoption and professionalization among renewable energy players in Mexico?

A: Without a doubt, professionalization is no longer optional but essential. At SGS, we operate under the principle of innovation. The talent entering the sector, especially renewables, is extremely specialized. Long gone are the days of seeing technicians as underqualified; today’s workforce is highly trained and recognized.

Beyond human capital, companies like SGS are investing heavily in advanced equipment and engineering capabilities to offer value-added services. For us, it is simple: either you evolve or you get left behind. We are firm believers in investing in both human talent and the tools needed to strengthen our market offering.

Q: How do you see the role of ESG changing for industrial players in Mexico?  

A: That is the big question. ESG factors are undoubtedly gaining importance. While there is uncertainty, especially given policy reversals in the United States, it is hard to give a definitive answer about what this will mean for Mexico long term.

What I can say is that we closely follow global developments and align our operations in Mexico with existing regulations. We are committed to helping companies meet global ESG standards by offering services such as environmental impact assessments, emissions monitoring, and third-party performance verifications. So, while I cannot predict the future, I can assure you that SGS is focused on helping companies in Mexico stay globally competitive and aligned with international expectations.

Q: How do independent certifications help companies demonstrate that their supply chains meet certain quality standards?

A: For SGS, it is incredibly valuable to support companies through this process. As is widely known, we are operating in a market that demands agility and responsibility. In that sense, we offer essential services, including technical and legal assurance, due diligence in engineering, regulatory compliance verification, among others.

It is a challenging time, but also an exciting one. However, by “exciting,” I do not mean everything we encounter is positive. That said, in such a rapidly changing environment, I am convinced that SGS has a great deal to offer. We are a reliable and capable partner for any company facing these challenges.

Regarding certifications and exporting products to the United States, we are already doing this. We are currently supporting not only companies but entire industries in this process. The feedback from clients has been extremely positive.

Q: How has your client base evolved in terms of their needs? What are the most requested solutions, and how have their demands changed?

A: I can speak from the perspective of the energy division, though I believe these trends are present across other SGS areas as well. We aim to move away from price-based competition and basic service offerings, which do not align with our positioning goals. Our objective is to be a top-tier company and a reference in services involving more advanced technical support. 

Today, clients are increasingly looking for audits, technical assessments, and studies for potential solar and wind developments. This includes noise studies, environmental impact assessments, and similar services. Essentially, they are seeking services with added value.

Q: What are your main goals and priorities for this year and the next in the Mexican market?

A: We want to strengthen our presence in the renewable energy market in Mexico. We aim to become a trusted partner not only for highly specialized clients but also for technologists and maintenance providers who are looking for long-term support in extending the life of their projects.

We also plan to expand our integrated service offering in solar and wind energy, support the growth of energy storage systems, and enhance our ESG and sustainability verification programs. Additionally, we are working to improve our local technical capabilities and explore the development of digital inspection tools.

With a global backbone and headquarters in Switzerland, combined with deep local knowledge, SGS Mexico is well-positioned to contribute meaningfully to the acceleration of the energy transition. Our focus remains on delivering services with confidence, innovation, and above all, precision.

SGS Mexico operates in Mexico as a leading provider of testing, inspection, certification, and verification services, supporting both domestic and international businesses across various industries. With a nationwide presence, including offices and laboratories from Baja California to Tabasco, SGS offers comprehensive services to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with local and international standards.