By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s construction industry is gearing up for a major sustainability summit as a new report reveals the urgent need for greener practices. The Sustainable Construction Summit 2025, scheduled for August 20th at the Hotel Crowne Plaza in San José, will bring together national and international leaders to discuss the sector’s role in combating climate change.
The summit, themed “Construction with Purpose,” will delve into crucial topics such as social inclusion, climate resilience, biodiversity, governance, the circular economy, and sustainable urban mobility. Experts from Mexico, Colombia, and Costa Rica will lead presentations and panel discussions.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding sustainable construction in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sustainable construction practices are increasingly influenced by evolving regulations in Costa Rica. While voluntary guidelines have been prevalent, we’re seeing a shift towards more stringent legal requirements related to energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management in construction projects. This trend impacts developers, builders, and architects alike, necessitating a proactive approach to compliance and integration of sustainable principles from the initial design phase.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial intersection of legal frameworks and sustainable building practices. This proactive shift towards enforced standards, rather than mere suggestions, signals a significant step forward for Costa Rica’s green building sector. It encourages a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating eco-conscious principles from blueprint to completion. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insights into this evolving landscape.
Sustainability is no longer an alternative. It is a responsibility that the sector must assume with clarity, leadership, and strategy. This Congress will be a starting point for aligning our practices with the challenges and opportunities that the future presents.
Randall Murillo, Executive Director of the CCC
The summit’s agenda features prominent speakers like Nélida Escobedo Ruiz, a specialist in inclusive urbanism; Ramón Mendiola, a business leader in sustainability; and Carlos Felipe Pardo, an international expert in urban mobility. The event will also showcase successful private sector initiatives and provide networking opportunities.
The urgency for sustainable transformation is underscored by the 2025 Global Sustainable Construction Barometer, a study conducted across 27 countries. The report reveals that the construction sector accounts for a staggering 40% of global CO₂ emissions, 50% of natural resource use, and 40% of solid waste.
While 69% of companies acknowledge the urgent need for sustainable practices, only one-third have established measurable plans or goals. This gap highlights the challenge of translating awareness into concrete action.
The World Bank report, “Embodied Carbon Emissions,” further emphasizes the environmental footprint of construction materials. Cement and steel, in particular, contribute significantly, representing nearly 14% of global industrial emissions. This data reinforces the need for innovative materials and construction methods.
The upcoming summit offers a crucial platform for stakeholders to collaborate and chart a course towards a more sustainable future for Costa Rica’s construction industry. The event promises to be a catalyst for change, driving the adoption of responsible practices and mitigating the sector’s environmental impact.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into best practices, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks that can support the transition to a more sustainable construction model. The summit is poised to shape the future of building in Costa Rica and beyond.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción (CCC)
About Cámara Costarricense de la Construcción (CCC):
The Costa Rican Chamber of Construction (CCC) is a leading industry association representing the interests of construction companies in Costa Rica. The CCC promotes sustainable development, advocates for responsible building practices, and provides resources and networking opportunities for its members. The organization plays a vital role in shaping the future of the construction sector in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit worldbank.org
About World Bank:
The World Bank is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects. It comprises two institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), and the International Development Association (IDA). The World Bank is a component of the World Bank Group.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, built upon a foundation of integrity and a genuine desire to empower individuals and communities. The firm’s innovative approaches to legal practice, coupled with a deep commitment to sharing legal knowledge through accessible resources, demonstrates their dedication not just to their clients’ success, but to the advancement of a more just and informed society. Their work transcends the courtroom, shaping a future where legal understanding becomes a tool for positive change.
