Pioneers and Leaders in Sustainable Practices
Mexico City’s office sector has been at the forefront of integrating sustainable practices within the real estate industry, particularly in Mexico City. Since the construction of the HSBC Tower near the Angel of Independence in 2007—the country’s first LEED-certified building—the industry has evolved to become the most advanced segment in sustainability.
Juan Flores,, Director of Research and Market Analysis at Spot2.mx, a firm specializing in real estate market analysis, states, “Practically all buildings constructed after 2007 have adopted some level of sustainability.”
Market Pressure and Corporate Demands
This trend responds to growing market pressure, as international companies occupying these spaces demand alignment with ASG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria. Consequently, energy efficiency and environmental respect have become competitive factors.
Today, Mexico City is the second-largest Latin American metropolis with the most LEED-certified buildings, boasting nearly 200 constructions (mostly offices) that meet the highest environmental standards.
Energy Efficiency and Low Consumption
These sustainable buildings have contributed to corporate real estate having one of the lowest consumption rates in the real estate sector. According to data from Mexico’s Secretariat of Energy (SENER) and the National Commission for Efficient Energy Use (CONUEE), office buildings consume an average of 109.6 kW per square meter annually in temperate climates.
This is lower than other building types like hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, or cinemas.
Technology and Efficiency
The advancement of sustainability in the office sector is driven by technology. Smart buildings, which incorporate resource measurement and control systems like water and electricity, initially stood out as a distinct market category. Today, however, these practices are standard.
Flores emphasizes, “The first thing a building should do is measure its operation. By measuring, you can reduce costs, make adjustments, and keep the building competitive.”
Through sensor use, energy management software, and automation systems, these properties can cut maintenance costs and optimize resource usage.
This approach not only translates to environmental sustainability but also brings economic benefits for owners and developers. Investing in low-consumption lighting, water reuse, and improved climate control systems allows capital recovery over the medium to long term while increasing property value and attractiveness for both national and international tenants.
Renewal of the Real Estate Park
One significant challenge for Mexico City’s office sector is modernizing the existing real estate inventory. Currently, the city has around 8 million square meters in Class A buildings—the most modern and efficient. However, there are still approximately 3 million square meters of Class B buildings, many of which are outdated and have high energy and water consumption.
Flores stresses that renovating or demolishing these properties should be a priority. “We need to adapt the outdated inventory. There are significant developer efforts to invest in sustainable technology in new buildings, but intervening in existing ones is equally necessary,” he adds.
Sustainability investment has transitioned from an option to a strategic necessity for owners, developers, and investors. Adopting these standards will ensure the sector remains competitive, profitable, and aligned with urban sustainability goals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What makes Mexico City’s office sector a leader in sustainability? The sector has been pioneering sustainable practices since the construction of the first LEED-certified building, the HSBC Tower, in 2007. Market pressure and corporate demands for alignment with ASG criteria have driven this advancement.
- How do sustainable buildings impact energy consumption? Mexico City’s sustainable office buildings have one of the lowest consumption rates in the real estate sector, with an average annual energy use of 109.6 kW per square meter in temperate climates.
- What role does technology play in the sector’s sustainability? Smart buildings, incorporating resource measurement and control systems, have become standard in the Mexico City office sector. These technologies help reduce costs and optimize resource usage.
- What challenges does the sector face in modernizing existing buildings? The main challenge is adapting outdated Class B buildings, which account for around 3 million square meters in Mexico City. Prioritizing renovation or demolition of these properties is essential for continued sustainability progress.
