The Challenge for Mexico’s Construction Sector
Mexico’s construction sector faces a significant challenge: balancing economic development with environmental protection. According to the Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction 2023 by the United Nations Environment Programme, construction accounts for approximately 37% of global CO₂ emissions when considering the full life cycle of buildings and civil infrastructure. This makes sustainability a pressing priority for the industry.
José Luis Miranda Miranda’s Perspective
José Luis Miranda Miranda, the Executive Director of Operations at Hermes Infraestructura, highlights that the main challenges lie in modernizing processes that have changed little over recent years. “We need cleaner technologies, responsible supply chains, and reducing our environmental footprint without compromising project viability,” he explains. The transformation is not just environmental, but also social: communities and investors expect projects that generate tangible and lasting benefits.
Navigating Regulatory Frameworks
Companies must navigate complex regulatory frameworks, such as the NOM-163 for energy efficiency in heavy vehicles, stricter waste management rules, and clear requirements in Environmental Impact Statements (EIS). Simultaneously, tools like digital construction, circular economy models, and energy efficiency systems become essential to meet these expectations and reduce environmental impact.
Future Trends by 2026
Miranda anticipates that by 2026, the trends will be clear: climate-resilient infrastructure, materials with lower environmental impact, circular economy, and increased investment in cleaner industrial plants—such as water treatment, desalination, and potabilization facilities. Construction processes that minimize environmental disturbance will also grow.
Stakeholder Expectations
Clients, investors, and communities not only want projects that “do no harm” but also expect real value. They seek improvements in roadways, school and public space rehabilitation, local job creation, and gender inclusivity in construction teams.
Hermes Infraestructura’s Sustainable Approach
Hermes Infraestructura has integrated these principles into its DNA. The company applies stringent environmental standards, manages natural resources, promotes energy efficiency, and develops social programs in nearby communities. Examples of real impact include the León Dam project, which rescued over 3,900 local flora and fauna specimens, and the Centro de Bus Chanco in Mexico City, which protected historical heritage sites and managed waste, ensuring worker safety.
Technological Innovation
Technological innovation is another key driver. Virtual construction models, prefabrication, and digitalization optimize processes and reduce environmental impact. With over 750 km of roadways, 4,300 million cubic meters in dams, and more than 330 million square meters in buildings, Hermes demonstrates that sustainable construction is not only viable but also profitable and transformative.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main challenge for Mexico’s construction sector? Balancing economic development with environmental protection.
- What does José Luis Miranda Miranda emphasize about sustainability in construction? He stresses the need for cleaner technologies, responsible supply chains, and minimizing environmental footprint while ensuring project viability.
- What regulatory frameworks must companies navigate? Complex frameworks include NOM-163 for energy efficiency, stricter waste management rules, and clear EIS requirements.
- What trends are expected by 2026 in sustainable construction? Climate-resilient infrastructure, materials with lower environmental impact, circular economy, and increased investment in cleaner industrial plants.
- What do stakeholders expect from construction projects? They seek real value, including improvements in roadways, school and public space rehabilitation, local job creation, and gender inclusivity in construction teams.
