Tulum, in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, has the fastest growth rate in the state of Quintana Roo. Nestled amongst the jungle and stretching along some of the Riviera Maya’s most beautiful beaches make it an ecological paradise. Tulum is on the forefront in creating Mexico’s first Sustainable Tourism Development Zone (ZDTS). The State Tourism Secretary, Marisol Vanegas Perez, agrees that Tulum is experiencing explosive growth and needs to be controlled. Overdeveloping and recklessly destroying natural resources have caught the attention of Mexico’s government.
Keeping a Close Eye on Sustainable Construction
Developers are scrutinized more closely by Mexico’s Environmental Agency when they submit plans for new resorts, communities and retail projects. They are being highly encouraged to minimize clearing of natural terrain for development. Instead, they build around that to preserve more of the areas’ ecosystem. Authorities are advising developers to reuse the wood and natural resources cleared, instead of dumping them. They are also encouraged to source local materials that will preserve nature and push local economies. The Federal Secretariat of Environment has halted several resort projects due to reckless planning that show little or no conservation towards the land.
Sustainable Real Estate
Of course, developers are replicating this in real estate. Many developers are now thinking sustainability first. While many are preserving green areas and offering alternatives to reduce impact (such as Nuuch’s solar panels), others are encouraging recycling and residual waters systems, as well as low-impact energy appliances, and others. Smart architecture is another way to reduce the impact on the environment. Some developments, such as Starlight Towers, have units with three open facades, which allow for natural lighting and ventilation. This, in turn, creates reduced usage of electricity.
Authorities are putting an emphasis on a supportive infrastructure when building commercial sites. The developer is responsible for having a plan to dissolve the waste that will come along with human traffic. Another big concern is making sure the electrical grid can support all the rapid growth now and in the future. Electricity is a very expensive commodity around the world. Solar power helps satisfy the overwhelming demand for energy.
A Hub for New Energies
In an effort to continue this sustainability effort, Mexico announced that they will be hosting one of the most important international solar industry events in the Americas. Multinational manufacturers will be displaying their latest advancements in technology during March 2019. Several industry leaders from the United States, China, and Europe will explain the photovoltaic process and all its eco-friendly workings. Photovoltaic technology has been growing in Mexico at a rate of 36% per year, for the last decade. Mexico is making sizable commitment, implementing 30% of solar power per year to relieve its ever-growing energy woes.
By 2031, Mexico is planning to have the solar energy capacity to produce 150,000 613-GWh (Gigawatt hours). This will give Mexico a defined market share in the world’s energy matrix. This will also be a positive movement in turning their current fossil-fed system to a natural source of energy. Combine this with their forward-thinking sustainable tourism and make the whole world turn their head and take notice. Mexico’s future is looking very bright.
It’s Your Turn
If you’re thinking of retiring to this wonderful paradise, make sure to look at our hundreds of listings. Amongst them, you will find developments that are fighting in favor of becoming more sustainable and eco-friendlier. You can also do your part by adopting a greener lifestyle.
And remember, at Top Mexico Real Estate…we make it happen!