Twelve Eco Homes Delivered to Tzotzil Families in Chiapas

Twelve certified sustainable homes have been delivered to Tzotzil families in Monte Sion, Chiapas, through a collaboration between CRDC Materials, Habitat for Humanity Mexico (HFHM), Wesco International, and Dow Mexico. The project, called Lekil’Na—which means “sustainable home” in Tzotzil—was built using construction blocks made from RESIN8, a material derived from non-recyclable plastic waste.

Each home incorporated approximately 232 kilograms of RESIN8, amounting to a total reuse of two metric tons of plastic. The RESIN8 used in this project was made from repurposed silicone cartridges collected by Dow, and the blocks were produced by Adoblocks in Chiapas. A total of 42 people, including 23 children, benefited from the housing.

The homes were built in close collaboration with the community, with residents involved in both design and construction. They include solar panels, energy-efficient wood stoves, and legal property titles.

The project received EDGE certification (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), a green building certification developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group. This marks the second Habitat for Humanity project using RESIN8 to achieve EDGE certification, following a 2021 initiative in Costa Rica.

“Achieving EDGE certification for a social housing project is a significant milestone for climate adaptation and housing equity,” said David Domínguez, director, 3Lotus Consulting, which donated services to facilitate certification.

Rebeca Ortiz of GBCI México, which supported the certification process, said the project demonstrates the viability of transforming the housing sector through sustainable models. Vania Monterrubio of HFHM added that housing is a human right that unlocks access to other basic needs, such as water and sanitation.