Mexico is moving towards a sustainable future with sustainable projects that are making a difference in architecture and renewable energy and more.
Sustainable architecture involves the design and construction of buildings that minimize their environmental impact through an efficient use of natural resources. In Mexico, this approach has resulted in buildings that are functional and environmentally friendly.
The following are outstanding examples that illustrate how architecture can be an engine of change towards a more sustainable future:
In the heart of Mexico City, the Torre Reforma (architect Benjamín Romano), stands as an icon of sustainability. This skyscraper has the LEED Platinum certification, the highest distinction in sustainable construction.
Thanks to its high-performance facades, the building saves 20% in energy costs, and 85% of the materials used are of Mexican origin, underlining its commitment to the local environment.
La Vasconcelos Library (architect Alberto Kalach), located in Mexico City, is much more than a conventional library. Its design prioritizes natural lighting and ventilation, which creates a healthy and sustainable environment for its users.
In addition, it houses a botanical garden with an amount of more than 60,000 specimens of plants, integrating harmoniously with its environment and offering a collection of green oases in the middle of the city.
Container City in Puebla (architect Gabriel Esper Caram), is an innovative project that transforms recycled shipping containers into a dynamic commercial and cultural space. In addition to encouraging the reuse of resources and circular construction, this project also houses a variety of restaurants, galleries and stores, promoting a community and cultural environment.
El TuboHotel in Tepoztlán (designed by T3arc), is an innovative sustainable housing project that uses recycled concrete pipes to create compact and functional rooms. This hotel stands out for its low environmental impact, since it uses recycled materials and construction techniques that minimize resource consumption.
In addition, its modular design allows for quick installation and harmonious integration with the natural environment, promoting responsible tourism and respect for the environment.
Located in Mexico City, this office building has a space of 5,000 square meters dedicated to the integral well-being of its employees. There they can work, exercise or participate in yoga classes. As part of its sustainable initiatives, it has a garden where herbs and vegetables are grown and consumed by the staff themselves. In addition, the building incorporates solar panels that heat the water in the showers, promoting energy efficiency and respect for the environment.
Located in Mexico City and designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners in collaboration with Legorreta + Legorreta, this skyscraper incorporates natural lighting systems, cross ventilation and automation technologies that optimize energy use. It is LEED Gold certified, and its workspaces were designed to maximize comfort and productivity with an environmental focus.
Located in Puebla and designed by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito, this museum integrates bioclimatic design with a passive air conditioning system. In addition, it uses rainwater collection and has an architectural envelope that regulates the interior temperature efficiently.
Located in Naucalpan and designed by Javier Senosiain, this experimental home is fully integrated into the natural environment with a biomimetic design that simulates the forms of nature. It uses natural lighting, cross ventilation and low-impact materials, representing a pioneering vision of ecological architecture since the 80s.
Located in Mexico City and designed by the team of Gabriela Carrillo and Loreta Castro Reguera, this urban park transforms a runoff area into a public space that manages rainwater, reduces flooding and improves the microclimate. It is a leader in green infrastructure and sustainable urban planning, winner of international awards for its resilient and social approach.
Located in Valle de Bravo and designed by Oscar Hagerman, in collaboration with the firm Cano Vera Architecture, is an outstanding example of regenerative and sustainable architecture. The campus was designed using bioconstruction techniques, such as the use of compacted soil (tapial), straw bale walls, green roofs and dry bathrooms.
In addition, it implements rainwater collection, wastewater treatment using wetlands and a passive design that optimizes thermal comfort without relying on mechanical systems. It educates by design, serving as a living laboratory for future leaders in sustainability.
Located in Coahuila, the Villanueva Solar Plant is the largest in Latin America and one of the most powerful in the world with a capacity of 1,700 megawatts. This gigantic project can supply hundreds of thousands of homes, contributing significantly to the country's energy supply and reducing CO2 emissions.
The Cutzamala System is a monumental engineering project that supplies around 26% of the drinking water consumed in the Valley of Mexico. With more than 39 years of operation, this system optimizes the distribution of water resources, benefiting millions of people in and around Mexico City, avoiding scarcity.
The Atotonilco Wastewater Treatment Plant is one of the largest in the world, with a treatment capacity of up to 50 m³/s. This project not only processes the wastewater of approximately 12.6 million inhabitants, but also allows it to be reused in agricultural activities, contributing to a more sustainable water cycle.
Urban gardens in Mexico City transform urban spaces into productive agricultural areas, supporting local and sustainable agriculture. These projects not only contribute to food security, but they also beautify public spaces and strengthen a sense of community. In addition, the urban garden is a key tool for encouraging citizen participation.
The 10 sustainable projects in Mexico presented in this blog are a clear reflection of the sustainable development that the country is adopting through architecture, the efficient use of water and renewable energy.
These initiatives, involving experts, governments and communities, demonstrate the importance of implementing concrete measures for the protection of the environment and human health. Through these projects, Mexico is moving towards a reality in which sustainability is a priority issue, integrating spaces with botanic gardens, innovative systems and materials such as glass that optimize natural lighting and ventilation.
Without a doubt, this series of sustainable solutions in Mexico sets a precedent for soil care, biodiversity and natural capital, guaranteeing a healthier and more sustainable future for future generations.
Do you want to design and develop your next sustainable building in Mexico? Contact us to accompany you in the process.
EDGE certification is one of the fastest and most effective ways to create efficient buildings, reduce energy, water, and material consumption, and increase property resale value. Developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, EDGE helps real estate projects lower their environmental impact, reduce operating costs, and support decarbonization efforts. With a streamlined and measurable process, EDGE has become a strategic certification for developers and investors seeking sustainability, profitability, and market differentiation.
Sustainable certifications in Mexico are gaining prominence as a key tool for companies and projects that seek to demonstrate their environmental, social and governance commitment. They are no longer limited to construction alone, but encompass complete processes, operations, products and business models.
Discover how environmental certifications, energy efficiency and sustainable buildings increase the resale value of a property and reduce its environmental impact.
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