Sustainable evolution: Green buildings in Latin America

From Mexico City to São Paulo and Buenos Aires, Latin American cities are embracing a transformative green wave. The region consistently shows that it is serious about climate with 68% of citizens confirming climate change as a very serious threat to their country over the next 20 years, more than other regions. But how are LATAM cities progressing in the built environment?

Green certification is an important marker of sustainability in buildings and LATAM cities are showing increasing rates of adoption, especially across their prime, Class A office stock. This research examines the evolution of green certification adoption across 11 major cities in the region: Bogotá, Buenos Aires, Guadalajara, Lima, Medellín, Mexico City, Monterrey, Montevideo, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, and São Paulo. The adoption of green building practices has been driven by several factors, including government regulations, increased awareness about sustainability, and the financial benefits associated with energy efficiency. Among the cities studied, some have witnessed a remarkable surge in green certification adoption, such as São Paulo, Buenos Aires and Lima.

However, while the growing adoption of green certifications is important to the sector, it still brings certain challenges - especially as the world prioritizes decarbonization. Building owners must be sure that they do not stop at certifications in their ambitions to deliver sustainable spaces, but also prioritize initiatives that lead to lower emissions for their buildings.