Urban Growth and Climate Change Demand Sustainable Construction Standards
With rapid urbanization and the intensification of natural phenomena due to climate change, sustainable construction standards and building certifications are crucial for habitable cities. According to Benoit Bazin, President and CEO of Saint-Gobain, by 2050, 70% of the global population will live in urban areas, and 50% of the buildings that do not yet exist will need to be constructed. Meanwhile, 80% of current buildings will continue in use.
Balancing Cost and Benefits
Despite global momentum and technological advancements, barriers still hinder widespread adoption of sustainable construction. The Saint-Gobain Barometer of Sustainable Construction 2025 indicates that nearly five out of ten people identify the perceived cost of construction materials as the main obstacle.
- Question: Why do people consider sustainable construction expensive?
Answer: The perception of high costs stems from an inadequate assessment of long-term impacts. Sustainability is not merely an investment but part of a continuous cycle that benefits the environment and society over time.
Mexico’s Capacity for Green Buildings
Célida Isabel Gómez Gámez, Coordinator of the Urban Development Master’s Program at the Universidad Iberoamericana, explains that the issue lies in short-term cost evaluations without considering long-term benefits. Verónica Ibarra Ruelas, General Director of SUMe – Sustentabilidad para México, highlights that the Mexican construction industry has proven capable of creating green buildings. Currently, Mexico ranks sixth globally in LEED-certified buildings, according to the US Green Building Council.
- Question: How many LEED-certified buildings were there in Mexico in 2024?
Answer: In 2024, 104 inmuebles obtained the LEED distinction, equivalent to 2.2 million square meters, primarily in office and commercial sectors. However, residential developments remain lagging.
Democratizing Sustainable Construction Certification
Experts emphasize the need to democratize certification, making it accessible beyond large corporations. Mechanisms must be established through authorities to promote sustainable construction in both social housing and corporate skyscrapers.
Impact of International Policies
Luis Alberto Vega, Director of Communication and Institutional Relations at Saint-Gobain Latam Norte, notes that sustainable construction progress depends not only on the private sector but also on regulatory frameworks. International decisions, like the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, can demotivate global efforts. However, Vega asserts that countries are becoming increasingly independent from decisions made by nations led by Donald Trump.
- Question: How do changing political agendas affect sustainability commitments?
Answer: Sustainability commitments should not rely on fluctuating political agendas but rather on collective conviction. Innovative efforts are ongoing in Latin American communities, though often unnoticed. Time is running out for tangible changes to protect the planet.
