El Salvador is making significant strides in sustainable construction, with more than 72 buildings designed under environmentally friendly principles, according to Juan Sifontes, president of the El Salvador Green Building Council (ESGBC). These buildings include shopping centers, corporate offices, homes, and residential complexes, marking a shift toward greener urban development.

The most widely used certification in these projects is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), recognized globally for its comprehensive evaluation of energy efficiency, sustainable materials, air quality, and waste management. Currently, nine buildings in El Salvador have received LEED certification, while 42 others are in the process of obtaining it.

Real estate firms like Inversiones Bolívar have already integrated LEED certification into their projects. Meanwhile, other developers are opting for Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) certification, a system that focuses on resource efficiency in energy, water, and materials. Habitat for Humanity, for example, has set EDGE as the standard for its 2,000 annual home constructions.

Sifontes highlighted that El Salvador’s real estate sector is booming, making it crucial to prioritize sustainable practices. He noted that adopting green building techniques not only benefits the environment but can also lead to cost reductions and higher-quality construction.

“We see eastern El Salvador as a development hub. The total built area in the country is expected to triple, and ensuring sustainability means making construction more affordable while maintaining high quality,” Sifontes stated.

He emphasized that sustainable construction follows three key principles: respect for the environment, integrative design for efficiency, and high comfort standards. With more companies embracing green initiatives, El Salvador is positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly construction in the region.