leed & nanobarrera

In a world where sustainability is no longer just a trend but a necessity, more and more developers, architects, and companies are choosing to build according to international standards like LEED. In Mexico, this certification has gained significant traction in recent years — particularly in office buildings, hotels, hospitals, shopping centers, and high-end residential projects. Today, having a LEED-certified building is no longer just a nice-to-have — it’s quickly becoming a market expectation.

What is LEED and Why Does It Matter?

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a certification system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council that recognizes buildings designed and operated with sustainability in mind. It evaluates key areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, waste management, and — critically — indoor environmental quality [1].

Achieving LEED certification comes with several benefits:

• Lower operating costs, thanks to better management of resources like energy and water.

• Healthier indoor environments, with improved ventilation and fewer airborne chemicals.

• Increased property value, both in perception and actual performance.

• Greater appeal to investors, tenants, and users who prioritize sustainability [2].

How Does Nanobarrera Fit into This Picture?

In LEED-certified projects, every choice matters — including the coatings, materials, and products used. That’s where Nanobarrera makes a strong contribution for several key reasons:

• Improves Indoor Air Quality

Nanobarrera is free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), helping meet one of LEED’s fundamental criteria: using low- or zero-emission materials to protect occupant health [3].

• Reduces the Need for Harsh Cleaners

By forming a protective barrier over surfaces, Nanobarrera minimizes dirt buildup, reducing the need for frequent use of strong cleaning chemicals. This not only extends the lifespan of materials but also helps lower the chemical load inside the building [4].

• Contributes to Innovation

LEED also awards points for innovative strategies that improve building performance. Nanobarrera leverages nanotechnology to deliver a modern, sustainable approach to surface protection — which can help projects earn credit in the Innovation category [1].

• Less Waste, Greater Durability

By shielding materials like stainless steel, glass, ceramic, and stone from premature wear, Nanobarrera reduces the need for replacements — lowering waste and the building’s long-term environmental footprint [4].

LEED is no longer reserved for iconic buildings or major corporate campuses. In Mexico and beyond, more and more developments — including residential ones — are embracing this certification as part of a smarter, more responsible approach to building. And by integrating technologies like Nanobarrera, achieving those standards becomes easier, while protecting both the building and the people who live or work inside.

References

1. U.S. Green Building Council. (2024). LEED v4.1 Building Design and Construction Guide. Recuperado de https://www.usgbc.org

2. Consejo de Edificación Sustentable de México. (2023). Impacto y crecimiento de la certificación LEED en México. CEMEX México.

3. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). (2021). Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality. Recuperado de https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq

4. International Facility Management Association (IFMA). (2022). Best Practices in Surface Maintenance and Material Longevity. IFMA Publications.