Undoubtedly, more and more companies are taking care of their goods and services to ensure they do not harm the environment. Becoming a "green" or environmentally friendly organization has become a key strategy for competitiveness today. Obtaining sustainable certifications and labels has significant benefits for any industry globally, not only due to the prestige associated with the certification but also because of the actions that accompany the implementation of these projects.

At SiiLA, we monitor commercial properties in the country's major cities and closely follow each property's initiatives to obtain certifications and labels.

Real estate certifications are standardized programs that are being adopted worldwide. In Mexico, the Certification of Buildings program was established in 2008. Its purpose is to demonstrate the importance of sustainability, which encompasses environmental, economic, and social aspects in the development of buildings, offices, schools, and other real estate complexes.

The Ciudad Juárez International Business Center in Chihuahua was the first LEED-certified building in Mexico. This commercial office building received LEED certification in 2005, specifically the LEED BD+C (Building Design and Construction) rating system, using LEED version 2.1.

Here, we present the most well-known certifications in the field and some that have recently gained prominence in the market.

1. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): This certification is considered one of the most important for sustainable buildings worldwide. It was established in the United States in 1998. LEED covers aspects such as the efficient use of renewable energy, indoor environmental quality, sustainable water usage, and material selection.

LEED is the most widely used green building certification program in the world. Currently, it has 96,275 registered and certified projects in over 167 countries and territories. It was created by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in the design, construction, and operation of buildings in the United States.

Each project is evaluated on a scale of 110 points, and LEED provides certifications based on the score achieved, including Platinum, Gold, Silver, and "Certified." According to the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), there are 531 certified projects in Mexico, equivalent to 11 million square meters of gross leasable area. Notable LEED-certified projects in Mexico include the Torre BBVA in Mexico City with Platinum Certification, the Torre Reforma Latino with Gold Certification in Mexico City, the Edificio A of Centrum Park with Silver Certification in the State of Mexico, and the IOS Offices Miyana complex with LEED Certified status in Mexico City.

2. WELL Building Standard: This system focuses on measuring, monitoring, and certifying the performance of the built environment, emphasizing its impact on human health and well-being through seven fundamental concepts: water, air, nutrition, lighting, physical well-being, comfort, and mind.

The maximum score is 110 points, consisting of a composite score of 100 points for optimizations and 10 points for innovation. The certification levels are Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This organization is accredited to conduct Performance Verification in partnership with the Galician Institute of Technology (ITG).

In Mexico, the first building to achieve WELL Building Standard Silver certification was "BEA347," the office of Bioconstrucción y Energía Alternativa, located in Nuevo León. It was also the first property in Latin America to obtain LEED Construction and LEED Platinum certifications for operations.

3. Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE): This evaluation is designed for new constructions and is available in over 125 developing economies, including Mexico.

The EDGE certification offers a solution to capitalize on the value of green buildings by promoting benefits for clients while protecting the environment. The KAANA apartments in Cancun Roo have been EDGE certified since May 5, 2017.

4. Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB): This certification is part of the Living Building Challenge created by the International Living Future Institute. It can also be achieved independently. Buildings that undergo this certification strive for exceptional energy conservation and meet 100% of their electricity, heating, and cooling needs through on-site renewable energy production.

It includes categories such as LEED Zero Carbon, exemplified by Torre Reforma in Mexico City; LEED Zero Energy, represented by the Beijing Hanergy Clean Energy Exhibition Center in China; LEED Zero Water, demonstrated by Torre KOI in Nuevo León; and LEED Zero Waste, showcased by Edificio Dos Patios in Mexico City.

Among other globally recognized certifications, we can find:

5. EarthCheck: A leading worldwide organization providing sustainable consulting and certification for the tourism and hospitality industry. It offers five levels of certification: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Master.

6. Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM): An environmental assessment and rating method for building construction that focuses on the life cycle of materials.

7. Parksmart: A globally recognized certification system designed to advance sustainable mobility through intelligent design and operation of parking structures. It is certified by the USGBC. Points are awarded to parking structures based on sustainable and future-oriented practices in three categories: management, programs, and technological structure design. Parksmart serves as an international recognition for those who invest in sustainable mobility.

8. Passiv Haus: Originating from Germany, it is based on guidelines for construction that integrate high thermal insulation, rigorous control of infiltrations, excellent indoor air quality, and utilization of solar energy for improved climate control. It reduces energy consumption by up to 70% compared to conventional constructions. It includes categories such as EnerPHit and PHI Low Energy Building Standard for buildings that do not fully meet the criteria.

9. Green Star: Developed in 2003 and primarily located in Australia, this certification aims to transform building design to maintain better performance in the face of climate change. The Melbourne School of Design was the first project to achieve the highest Green Star rating with 6 stars, becoming a global example of sustainable and committed architecture.

By obtaining these certifications and labels, companies and buildings demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, environmental responsibility, and the well-being of occupants. These initiatives not only enhance their reputation but also contribute to a greener future for our planet. To learn more, visit SiiLA or write to us at contacto@siila.com.mx.