Feature image: The LEED Gold Midtown Jalisco Oficinas in Guadalajara, Mexico. Photo credit: Alberto Venegas.
The construction sector in Mexico is a fundamental pillar of the national economy. It accounts for approximately 7% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and employs around 4.5 million people. The construction market in Mexico is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% between 2025 and 2034, according to expert reports.
Not only is the construction sector crucial to urban development, but it also faces a significant challenge: the need to adopt sustainable practices. With growing urban development and demand for infrastructure, the opportunity arises to transform construction with a more responsible and energy-efficient model.
In this context, GBCI Mexico, PEEB Cool, SUMe and THREE Environmental Consulting collaborated in the development of the Green Financing Guide for Sustainable Buildings. This resource seeks to connect the financial and construction sectors, promoting the use of financial instruments that facilitate the development of sustainable buildings. The guide is presented as an essential tool for builders, developers and other stakeholders, providing access to clear information on green financing options and compiling case studies and success stories that demonstrate the economic benefits of such practices.
Main objectives
The guide has two main objectives: to boost the development of sustainable buildings through the promotion of green financial instruments and to encourage the creation of financial models that accelerate the sustainable building market in Mexico. This effort is crucial, considering that the construction sector is one of the largest consumers of natural resources, energy and generators of waste.
In addition, the guide details the current situation in Mexico regarding the applicable legislation and sustainable taxonomy, as well as how sustainable building certifications complement the available financial instruments. It includes a compendium of financing tools, an overview of the process for obtaining green financing and relevant contacts for evaluating projects.
Participants
The guide was developed with the participation of eight commercial entities, Banorte, BBVA Mexico, Banco Inmobiliario Mexicano (BIM), HSBC, Mifel, Sabadell, Santander and Scotiabank, and three development banks, Bancomext, International Finance Corportation (IFC) and NAD Bank, as well as important Mexican organizations that have benefited from green finance instruments such as Fibra Uno, Fibra Macquarie and Vinte and other confidential participants.
The guide will be updated annually, with the aim of reflecting market developments and increasing the participation of financial institutions. This initiative represents a significant step toward the integration of sustainable practices in the urban development of Mexico, contributing to the creation of more resilient and responsible communities.