Unlocking sustainable growth: Green finance opportunities for Mexico’s construction sector

Mexico’s construction industry is a key driver of the national economy, contributing around 7% to the country’s GDP and employing nearly 4.5 million people. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2025 to 2034, it is increasingly important to ensure that this growth is aligned with principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

To accelerate the sector’s green transition, THREE Consultoría Medioambiental, in collaboration with GBCI and PEEB, has launched the 2025 Green Finance Guide for Sustainable Buildings in Mexico. This document acts as both a catalog and a call to action—aimed at closing the knowledge and access gap between the construction industry and financial institutions.

The construction industry is responsible for over 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions and 37% of total energy demand. In Mexico, the construction ecosystem—including materials manufacturing and building operations—accounts for approximately 20% of the country’s total emissions.

This guide was created to support a national shift toward energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings. Its two main objectives are:

1. Encourage the adoption of green financial tools to drive sustainable construction
2. Promote the development of green finance models that scale up sustainable building across

Mexico and maximize national impact.

The guide provides an extensive overview of financial tools currently available in Mexico for sustainable construction, including:

• Green bonds and sustainability-linked bonds
• Green mortgages
• Bridge loans
• Capital investment credits for developers
• Renewable energy credits for SMEs

Each tool is explained in terms of access, eligibility, and environmental impact, supported by case studies and contact details for financial institutions. The guide also outlines how certifications like LEED and EDGE can enhance project value and open doors to better financing.

A key strength of the guide is its alignment with Mexico’s evolving sustainability policy landscape:

• The Sustainable Taxonomy of Mexico, published in 2023, identifies the building sector as a priority due to its direct connection to five of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for climate action emphasize the role of green buildings in emission reductions.
• There are over 50 laws and public programs related to sustainability and construction, including energy efficiency standards and tax incentives.

These frameworks are reinforced by the increasing integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in both public and private investments.

For decision-makers in real estate and construction, sustainable buildings are no longer just an ethical choice—they’re a strategic investment. The guide compiles compelling data that demonstrate how green projects:

• Achieve 20% lower operating and maintenance costs
• Increase rental premiums by up to 11.6%
• Boost property value by at least 10%
• Attract institutional investors seeking ESG-aligned assets
• Qualify for financial incentives, including lower mortgage rates and tax benefits

In fact, Mexico’s green mortgage offerings now come with reduced interest rates compared to traditional mortgages, making them attractive to both developers and homebuyers.

The guide emphasizes how third-party certifications play a vital role in unlocking financing. They serve as a benchmark for sustainability and provide quantifiable metrics to reduce risk for lenders and investors.

Certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) are increasingly used by developers to:

• Validate sustainability claims
• Meet criteria for green financial products
• Report ESG performance
• Access new markets and gain a competitive edge

These certifications also support compliance with Mexico’s Sustainable Taxonomy, which includes precise benchmarks for energy use, water consumption, circularity, and climate resilience.

The financial ecosystem is rapidly evolving. Institutions such as Banorte, BBVA, HSBC, and BIM are leading the charge with dedicated products for green construction.

Moreover, organizations like the Consejo Mexicano de Finanzas Sostenibles and the Asociación de Bancos de México are fostering collaboration across public and private sectors to ensure financial innovation keeps pace with environmental targets.

While significant progress has been made, the guide also identifies opportunities for further growth:

• Enhance awareness among developers and financial professionals
• Streamline access to financing for SMEs
• Encourage local governments to offer non-monetary incentives, such as expedited permits or density bonuses
• Strengthen the connection between certifications and public policy instruments

The 2025 edition sets the foundation, but future versions will continue to expand the range of products and include more institutions, ultimately striving to make sustainable building the norm rather than the exception.

The Green Finance Guide for Sustainable Buildings in Mexico is more than a catalog—it’s a strategic roadmap for decision-makers in one of the country’s most critical sectors. Whether you are a developer, investor, policymaker, or financial institution, this guide provides the tools and insights needed to align economic growth with environmental responsibility.

By leveraging green finance, we can ensure that the next decade of construction in Mexico is not only prosperous but also resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

Download the full guide (available in Spanish only) to explore tools, case studies, and actionable steps for your next project.

This article was written by Lourdes Salinas, CEO & Founder at THREE Consultoría Medioambiental. Learn more about THREE Consultoría Medioambiental here.