Construction is being transformed to respond to the new needs of the human being and the planet. For decades, urban growth was associated with the loss of ecosystems, excessive consumption of resources and a strong environmental impact. Today, the nature-based solutions they emerge as a key alternative for rethinking the way we design buildings, houses and infrastructures in harmony with the environment.
These solutions not only reduce the carbon footprint, but they provide social benefits, improve quality of life and help to face climate change.
The nature-based solutions (SBn) are an approach to the architecture and sustainable construction who seeks to be inspired by ecosystems to solve urban and environmental problems. Instead of generating negative impacts, these solutions take advantage of natural processes to provide services such as:
An example is green roofs: in addition to beautifying spaces, they regulate temperature, absorb CO₂ and provide habitat for different species.
SBn rely on criteria of conservation, resilience and harmony with the environment. Some of its most important elements are:
The climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing society. Traditional construction contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, the loss of biodiversity and excessive energy consumption.
By applying nature-based solutions, it is possible to:
A sustainable construction it does not mean stopping development, but rather rethinking the way we use resources. Today the architects and experts in urban planning incorporate nature-based solutions into housing, office and entire city projects.
Examples of sustainable construction strategies:
Implementing nature-based solutions offers direct benefits to people, companies and institutions:
One of the main objectives of these solutions is to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. This is achieved through the mitigation of emissions, the responsible use of raw materials and the implementation of efficient systems at every stage of a project's life cycle.
La carbon footprint of a building can be reduced by up to 40% by integrating green roofs, natural materials and renewable energy systems.
The renewables are a fundamental part of the transition to sustainable construction. Solar panels, wind turbines and biomass systems are increasingly being incorporated into urban and rural projects.
The combination of clean energy with energy efficiency strategies creates buildings capable of operating with lower consumption, at the same time that they adapt to the environment and extend their life cycle.
The impact of construction goes beyond the technical: it also transforms the way in which people interact with the environment. SBNs promote more humane cities, where society is reconciled with nature.
This approach represents a commitment to the future: a model of sustainable development which combines innovation, design and respect for natural resources.
The application of nature-based solutions requires analyzing the entire lifecycle of a building, from the extraction of materials to their demolition or reuse.
Las sustainable certifications —such as LEED or EDGE— make it possible to verify that projects meet environmental, social and economic criteria, guaranteeing trust and transparency in the sector.
Finally, the energy efficiency becomes a central principle. A well-designed green building reduces electricity and heating consumption, takes advantage of natural light and maintains its operation in harmony with the environment.
The key is that each structure is conceived as part of a larger ecosystem, contributing to the balance between human beings, nature and city.
The nature-based solutions represent a profound change in the way we think about architecture and sustainable construction. It's not about adding decorative elements, but about rethinking how buildings, houses and infrastructures are related to the environment.
Integrating these solutions means betting on a future where innovation, quality of life and conservation work hand in hand. A future where construction ceases to be a problem and becomes part of the solution for the planet.
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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