For many years, real estate developers put out products in a market that moved quickly, fulfilling demand. This, in turn, created a conflict in creating developments to sell, rather than high-quality products that cared for the environment. Today, however, ecology and green technologies for real estate development are trending. Many large and small cities are catching on the trend. Place such as the beach town of Tulum in Mexico’s Riviera Maya are paying more and more attention to building eco-friendly and sustainable projects. Architects, designers and builders are being careful in choosing how they will develop, and how much of their land they will keep untouched. Today’s trend of focusing on green technologies means that the impact of harmful effects from development on the environment is minimized. They are achieving this through eco-friendly construction practices that include the use of locally-sourced and ecological materials.
The Importance of Locally-Sourced Materials for Low Maintenance Cost
One of Tulum’s most important trends today is the use of locally-sourced materials. Using them not only helps local economies, but it also means that the material is already made to withstand the heat, humidity and weather of the Caribbean. This is especially true with woods such as tzalam, which also help keep the home cool and does not get infested with any type of bug. The main attractive for investors or homeowners, of course, is that these materials create low maintenance costs, as many of them are self-maintaining.
Besides wood, some projects are betting on natural rocks for the façade of the buildings. These are also much affordable to maintain and give an extravagant and elegant look to the development. These regional rocks are often used to keep the inside cooler, which, in turn, reduces the cost of energy expenses in each unit from air conditioners.
The Future of Green Architecture in Tulum
The main difference, however, is the overly-used idea of eco-friendly, eco-luxurious or eco-chic. In retrospective, these are terms that hardly truly reflect the essence of a development. Today’s bet is more on building green in Tulum. This means, starting from scratch – adding solar panels, water-recycling systems, garbage disposals, green walls, and others.
You will be able to find condos that have intelligent architecture today. This doesn’t necessarily mean that they are using green technologies, but that the design itself is what helps in the reduction of energy usage. For example, crossed ventilation and natural lighting means less usage of air conditioners, artificial lights and ceiling fans. Multi-unit developments are betting on open façades to justify these new approaches against the use of traditional construction.
Today, developers are thinking outside the box when it comes to construction needs. Some are even adding hydro-energy systems. You might hear many arguing that this is mostly needed in large, developed cities (which is true). But by implementing these green architectural trends into developing areas such as Tulum or the Riviera Maya, we are keeping one step ahead of the game. While ambitious, the idea of creating zero energy real estate projects is necessary to fight climate change.
You can Do Your Part Inside Your Home
Developers are the first ones to have to think of building green. However, you can also adapt your home to become eco-friendly and green. In order to make your home efficient, you can add things like:
- Eco-friendly wall paint;
- Efficient ventilation systems;
- Energy-efficient lighting fixtures;
- Water-saving plumbing;
- Energy-saving appliances.
Remember: Green comes First
Many developers have the tendency to build and then throw in a “green package†for buyers to purchase. They almost use it as an add-on. Of course, you can add water-recycling systems and solar panels after the home is built; but the most efficient way to truly make a home sustainable is to think green from the start. It needs to become a process from the moment a developer – or you – starts building. Challenges will always be present, of course. Things like cement – which is the strongest base for building – are large contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. In an industry that is rushing to meet demand, there is no time to sit down and think about how to change these things. But the more it is talked and thought about, the easier change will become. Luckily, Tulum and Playa del Carmen already have architects thinking of carbon-neutral developments, communities and homes. Now it’s up to you to choose those over the traditional ones.
There are no Limitations to Green Developing
The main thing needed for sustainable architecture is commitment. There are thousands of green technologies out there that, while expensive, are available to make a change in the building industry. These trends are happening now; and they are very present in Mexico’s Riviera Maya – especially eco-friendly Tulum.
So, when you’re searching for your dream home, take a moment to do some research about the community, the materials used, and more. And of course, contact your professional Buyer’s Representative to ask all the green questions you may have.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!