Advancing Sustainable Practices in the Construction Sector

Specialists underscored the importance of boosting sustainable architecture to mitigate the environmental impact of the construction sector. They emphasized the need to integrate circular economy practices into the construction industry to conserve water and energy.

The UN Environment Program (UNEP) reported that in 2021, construction activities were accountable for over 34% of the energy demand and approximately 37% of GHG emissions emitted worldwide. In this regard, during the Sustainable Construction Forum 2023, held in Mexico City on Sept. 27, Marcela Heredia, President, Mexican Chamber of the Construction Industry (CMIC), highlighted the urgent need to address atmospheric pollution. “According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 7 million people die annually from this issue and the construction sector is considered one of the primary sources of environmental pollution”, emphasized Heredia.

Leopoldo Hirschhorn, President, National Chamber of the Housing Development and Promotion Industry (CANADEVI), noted that as of 2020, only 4% of buildings in Mexico had an EDGE or LEED certification. However, according to the Mexican Association of Intelligent and Sustainable Buildings AC (IMEI-BOMA), more investors are seeking to have their buildings certified to ensure the efficiency of their operations, as reported by MBN. By 2060, certified building inventory is expected to reach 8%. 

The EDGE certification, which stands for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies, is a green building certification system developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) that focuses on the design and construction of new buildings. Meanwhile, LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is managed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and covers a broader range of building types and stages, including existing buildings, interiors and neighborhoods.

Tania Nanette Larios, President, Environment, Climate Change and Ecological Protection Committee of the Mexico City Congress, stressed the importance of implementing the Waste Law and Circular Economy Law within the construction sector to harmonize and regulate waste management. In line with this, the Azcapotzalco recycling plant in Mexico City has recovered nearly 17,000t of construction debris. Moreover, the city has promoted the use of recycled materials for the construction of 300,000m2 of sidewalks. 

Bernardo Gómez-Pimienta, a renowned Mexican architect, highlighted that sustainable architecture will continue to grow, especially in large cities, as significant quantities of materials and water are required for the construction of houses and apartments. Gómez-Pimienta, known for his sustainable projects involving renewable energy, recyclable materials and rainwater harvesting, stated that “Mexico City is already facing water and energy shortages, underscoring the urgency for more environmentally friendly architectural solutions."