21/05/2025 | SIAN
The Importance of ESG Criteria in Today’s World
In a world that’s waking up to environmental, social, and ethical challenges, ESG criteria—environmental, Social, and Governance—have become more than a trend. They’re now a smart, forward-thinking way to do business.
For companies and investors, ESG isn’t just about doing the right thing, it’s about doing the smart thing. Giants like BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, and Marriott are already embedding ESG into the core of their strategies. And with good reason: according to Bloomberg, in 2023, global assets managed under ESG principles surpassed $40 trillion, representing almost 30% of all assets worldwide.
This isn’t a feel-good movement. It’s a shift in how we define value, risk, and long-term success.
What does ESG mean?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, three key pillars used to evaluate a company or project's sustainability and impact.
• Environmental (E): How the company manages its impact on the environment—resource use, emissions, waste management, energy efficiency, and climate change adaptation.
• Social (S): How the company interacts with people, labor practices, human rights, diversity, health and safety, and community engagement.
• Governance (G): Corporate leadership, ethics, transparency, accountability, and risk management. Strong ESG governance also promotes local supplier inclusion, fair pay policies, community participation in project design, and transparent reporting.
Why is ESG crucial in real estate and hospitality?
In real estate and hospitality, ESG isn’t just about ethics, it’s smart business. Sustainable developments, from green urban projects to eco-lodges and micro-resorts, are setting the pace and shaping market trends.
Travelers are demanding more conscious choices. Investors want assets that hold up over time. And regulations are only getting stricter. In this landscape, embracing ESG isn’t optional, it’s a strategic imperative.
• Attracting Institutional Investors:
Investment funds, family offices, and wealth groups are increasingly prioritizing projects with strong ESG foundations. Investments in eco-hotels, LEED-certified developments, and self-sufficient microresorts are perceived as safer and more profitable long-term.
BlackRock and Goldman Sachs, for example, have expanded their real estate portfolios to include sustainable assets, such as resorts in Central America and net-zero properties in the U.S.
• Risk Management and Resilience
ESG integration strengthens an asset’s ability to withstand extreme weather events, energy crises, and regulatory shifts. Coastal developments, for instance, benefit from climate-adaptive designs, resilient materials, and strong governance models for agile risk response.
According to an S&P Global report, companies with high ESG ratings performed better during the pandemic, highlighting ESG as a powerful tool for risk mitigation and long-term value protection.
• Asset Value and Operational Efficiency:
Sustainable properties yield higher operating income, higher occupancy rates, and lower long-term costs. This is especially evident in eco microresorts, which combine exclusivity with low environmental impact and strong market demand.
For example, the Casa Nativa Tulum microresort achieved an 18% annual ROI in its first three years, thanks to solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and bioclimatic design. In the Dominican Republic, the Eco Retreat RD complex operates at 95% occupancy during peak season and is recognized for its social impact through local employment and technical training for young people in nearby communities.
In contrast, traditional developments face higher long-term operating costs, lower customer loyalty, and growing reputational risks in demanding markets. Their vulnerability to future regulations also makes them less attractive to institutional capital.
• Regulatory compliance and Access to Incentives:
Governments offer tax exemptions, credits, and grants for green developments. Adopting ESG criteria helps developers stay ahead of new regulations and access sustainable financing.
In Mexico, EDGE-certified developments may receive up to a 20% reduction in municipal fees. In Canada, energy-efficient properties can access federal grants of up to CAD 40,000 per unit.
• A Sustainable Future and Conscious Consumers:
Implementing ESG contributes directly to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every business decision can create a positive environmental and social impact.
Moreover, today’s guest doesn’t just look for luxury, they look for alignment with their values. Sustainability, social impact, and local authenticity are now key drivers in decision-making.
Turning sustainability into a core value proposition attracts high-net-worth global travelers and strengthens brand reputation.
SIAN as a strategic ally in Sustainable Projects
In an environment where ESG criteria guide investment decisions and define long-term sustainability, SIAN positions itself as a strategic partner in responsible architecture. Beyond offering construction solutions, it brings vision, technology, and a deep environmental and social commitment.
For investors and developers interested in micro-resorts, luxury cabins, or eco-lodges with a positive impact, SIAN provides comprehensive, scalable solutions aligned with ESG principles. From design to implementation, each module combines efficiency, flexibility, and low environmental impact, raising the standard for responsible real estate development.
What does SIAN bring to responsible investment projects?
1. Integrated Energy Efficiency
Solutions that maximize energy savings while maintaining thermal comfort and year-round functionality:
• Passive solar and bioclimatic design with strategic orientation and high ceilings.
• Advanced thermal insulation, double-glazed windows (WERS 5-star certified), and air chambers for thermal regulation.
• Infrastructure ready for customizable solar integration, from 20% up to 100% energy self-sufficiency.
2. Smart Water and Waste Management
We optimize water use and reduce construction impact through efficient and circular solutions:
• Rainwater collection and storage systems (2,100L+), efficient fixtures, and wastewater treatment systems.
• Clean construction: prefabricated modular panels result in a more orderly worksite, with reduced material waste and lower environmental impact.
3. Premium Materials, Minimal Impact
Durable, healthy, and low-impact materials selected to enhance indoor comfort and reduce environmental footprint:
• Low-VOC finishes, natural fibers, and non-toxic panels such as Viroc for healthier interiors.
• Use of locally sourced FSC-certified wood, recycled materials for surfaces, and durable, low-maintenance exterior cladding.
4. Scalable and Certifiable Solutions
Our modules adapt to different development scales and support compliance with global sustainability standards:
• Modular architecture adaptable from a single unit to full-scale complexes, ensuring aesthetic consistency and cost control.
• ESG-aligned approach based on international standards like B Corp, facilitating access to green financing, tax incentives, and certifications.
5. Air Quality and Indoor Wellness
We create healthy, fresh, and pollutant-free interiors designed for occupant comfort:
• Natural cross-ventilation through strategic window placement.
• Low-VOC paints, varnishes, and finishes.
• Use of natural fibers, local materials, and Viroc panels for a durable and wellness-centered environment.
6. Resilient and Adaptive Construction:
Designs that adapt to the environment, minimize site disruption, and allow for future growth or relocation:
• Foundation systems using pilings to reduce terrain impact.
• Modules that can be dismantled and relocated depending on project needs or changing conditions.
• Functional separation of interior and exterior spaces for easier maintenance and expansion.
Invest with Purpose, Build with Intelligence, Lead with Impact
The market no longer rewards profitability alone, it favors alignment with the values that define the future. ESG is not a trend; it is a strategic necessity to stand out in a competitive environment.
With SIAN as your partner, your project becomes a platform for positive impact, capable of attracting capital, resonating with conscious travelers, and creating a legacy that lasts.
Integrating ESG today is securing tomorrow’s success.
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