Environmental certifications play a crucial role in the commercial real estate market by promoting the adoption of sustainable and responsible practices in the construction and operation of industrial warehouses. In Mexico, approximately 4% of the industrial sector’s gross leasable area (GLA) has sustainable features, according to data from SiiLA Market Analytics. However, there is a rising number of sustainable industrial properties. A clear example is the nationwide increase in industrial properties with LEED certification granted by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).

Over the past ten years, the number of industrial properties with LEED certification has increased nearly sevenfold in Mexico, according to SiiLA-analyzed USGBC data. Currently, there are at least 184 industrial properties with this international recognition, with an additional 205 in the process of acquiring it. It is important to note that since 2008, 42% of the LEED certification applications related to these 389 properties were submitted between 2021 and 2023, indicating that environmental criteria have gained greater relevance in developing and managing industrial real estate projects over time. Furthermore, during this year, there have already been more LEED certification applications (68) than in any other year since 2008.

Properties such as ProximityParks Coyoacan in Mexico City and Vesta Park Guadalajara - 01 in Jalisco hold LEED Gold and Basic certifications, respectively. Others, like Vesta Park Queretaro VPQ 05, which you can find on SiiLA SPOT, are in the certification process, according to the USGBC.

Environmental certifications contribute to conserving natural resources, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating climate change, but they also generate significant economic and social benefits.

In economic terms, certified buildings can reduce long-term operational costs by being more energy and water efficient. Additionally, these properties tend to have a higher value in the market, resulting in higher rental or sale prices and a more favorable return on investment. In this regard, data from SiiLA Market Analytics indicate that the average market price of LEED-certified warehouses is 22% higher than that of non-certified warehouses.

Regarding social benefits, environmental certifications help improve the quality of life for occupants by providing a healthy and comfortable environment. They also contribute to job creation in sustainability-related sectors and promote environmental awareness among companies and people.

Would you like to learn more about this national real estate market trend? Explore REsource, the leading commercial real estate news and information platform in Mexico, where you can access content and analysis on industry events and trends. For more details, reach out to us at contacto@siila.com.mx.