Mexico Uses 47 Million Liters of Water per Day in Office Buildings —More Than 32,000 Households

Does that consumption matter? Yes —more than it seems. Water used in offices equals 13.7% of the daily water consumption of an average person at home, according to SiiLA estimates based on data from UN-Habitat and other official sources. However, while water at home is essential, it goes to processes tied to comfort, operations, and image —impacts that are rarely scrutinized in many corporate environments. And yet, this happens in a country where, according to CONAGUA, 42.8% of the territory is experiencing drought, and over 59% faces some water shortage.

But not everything is being ignored. Some buildings are already operating under efficiency criteria —the numbers prove it. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings certified under sustainable standards like LEED achieve, on average, up to 11% water savings compared to traditional buildings. In Mexico, one in five office buildings in major commercial markets already holds this type of certification, according to SiiLA Market Analytics. And while they’re still in the minority, these buildings account for 35% of the country’s corporate gross leasable area.

The savings potential is far from negligible. If that 11% were applied across the total certified space currently in use, Mexico could avoid using more than 1.8 million liters of water per day —the equivalent of the daily household consumption of over 1,200 average Mexican homes.

That potential is already visible in existing certified buildings, many of which have incorporated rainwater harvesting systems, graywater treatment, low-flow toilets, and smart faucets. However, adoption remains limited. Most office buildings still operate under traditional systems —with no efficient water metering or clear regulatory incentives to reduce their water footprint.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council, Mexico City buildings like Torre Mayor or Von Haucke’s showroom in Torre Magenta have cut potable water use by up to 30%, thanks to strategies combining innovative design, technology, and water reuse systems.

Saving water is not just a technical issue —it’s a matter of justice. In a country where millions face service interruptions, low pressure, or contaminated water sources, every unnecessary liter spent in a corporate space does not reach those who need it most. The water comfort of some often comes at the cost of others’ uncertainty. That’s why efficiency can’t be treated as a stylistic or economic option —it must become a structural obligation.

And in that sense, regulation is catching up. In Mexico City, all new office buildings must now follow guidelines that reduce their water footprint starting at the design stage.

The Technical Complementary Standard for Architectural Projects requires that all constructions with more than 200 square meters of rooftop include rainwater harvesting systems, and that non-residential buildings over 1,000 square meters integrate systems for treating and reusing wastewater. It also mandates the installation of efficient plumbing fixtures —such as low-consumption toilets and sinks— and separating potable and treated water systems, with clear signage to avoid confusion. None of this is optional. It’s part of a new urban standard in which water efficiency is no longer an ideal —it’s an obligation. Because water isn’t just consumed —it’s decided. And deciding well —while it’s still possible— is the only way to avoid doing it when it’s already too late.

To learn more about the trends shaping Mexico’s office market development, visit SiiLA REsource or email us at contacto@siila.com.mx.