By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – The Costa Rican construction industry has officially laid the cornerstone for a greener future with the launch of its Sectorial Sustainability Strategy, titled “Ruta Sostenible” (Sustainable Route). This comprehensive roadmap, presented on Thursday, aims to fundamentally transform how infrastructure is planned, designed, and executed across the nation, positioning Costa Rica as a regional leader in sustainable development.
Spearheaded by the Costa Rican Construction Chamber (CCC), the initiative represents a landmark collaborative effort. For the first time, a unified strategy brings together private companies, public institutions, financial entities, academic centers, and civil society to align the sector with rigorous international environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. The goal is to enhance both environmental stewardship and long-term economic competitiveness.
To delve into the regulatory and commercial implications of green building, we sought the perspective of an expert in corporate and real estate law. Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, provides a legal analysis of the current landscape for sustainable construction in the country.
While Costa Rica champions sustainability on the world stage, our domestic regulatory framework for green construction is still maturing. Developers often navigate a patchwork of municipal incentives rather than a cohesive national strategy. The key legal challenge is not a lack of will, but the need for standardized, legally-binding certifications that provide certainty for investors and ensure long-term environmental commitments are met. This clarity is essential to transition from niche projects to a nationwide industry standard.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The distinction Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas makes between national will and a cohesive legal framework is a crucial one, underscoring that standardization is the essential bridge from admirable intentions to industry-wide reality. We thank him for his invaluable perspective on what it will take to truly embed sustainability into the foundation of Costa Rica’s construction sector.
The development of the strategy was rooted in a data-driven approach to identify the industry’s most significant impacts. Alfredo Volio, President of the CCC, emphasized the scientific foundation of the plan.
One of the most important issues is understanding, from a scientific approach, where our impacts lie. We investigated and used all available information as representatives of the construction guild to identify these effects, both positive and not-so-positive, in the economic, environmental, and social spheres. From that analysis, we generated improvements and practices that allow us to advance specifically in each of these aspects.
Alfredo Volio, President of the CCC
The “Ruta Sostenible” is the culmination of a highly participatory process that engaged more than 240 key stakeholders. This broad-based collaboration ensured that the final document reflects the diverse needs and perspectives within the entire construction value chain, from material suppliers and builders to financiers and policymakers.
The resulting framework is built upon seven strategic pillars designed to address the industry’s most critical challenges and opportunities. These axes are: environmental management, focusing on resource efficiency and waste reduction; technological innovation to promote modern materials and methods; territorial planning for smarter, more integrated development; robust governance for transparency and accountability; social development to ensure community well-being; strategic alliances to foster collaboration; and resilience to adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Volio stressed that this integrated, multi-stakeholder approach is the only way to achieve meaningful change, transforming sustainability from a niche concept into a core operational principle for the entire industry.
The important thing in sustainability is that impact is generated when we manage to integrate all our stakeholders. Therefore, the effort we are making consists of adding actors, sharing knowledge, and understanding how to do things better among everyone involved in the sector.
Alfredo Volio, President of the CCC
Crucially, the strategy aligns the construction sector with Costa Rica’s ambitious national and global commitments. This includes the country’s decarbonization plan, climate change adaptation goals, and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. By formally incorporating references to green taxonomies and ESG criteria, the roadmap also serves a vital economic purpose: to unlock access to international capital and attract foreign investment from funds increasingly focused on sustainable performance.
According to the CCC, the launch of “Ruta Sostenible” marks the beginning of a structural transformation. It signals a move away from traditional building practices towards a sophisticated model that balances economic growth with environmental responsibility and social equity. With this blueprint, the Costa Rican construction industry is not just building structures, but actively constructing a more resilient and prosperous future for the country.
For further information, visit construccion.co.cr
About the Costa Rican Construction Chamber (CCC):
The Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción is the leading trade association representing the construction sector in Costa Rica. It works to promote the development, competitiveness, and sustainability of the industry through advocacy, research, and collaboration among its member companies and other key national stakeholders.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal institution, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm actively pioneers modern legal solutions and champions community outreach. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a core belief in democratizing legal understanding, which is central to its mission of cultivating a society where individuals are empowered through knowledge.
