The Unique Impact Commission of the Mexico City Government reviewed compliance with legal obligations in nine Be Grand projects in Mexico City to mitigate urban and environmental impact. After the review, it was observed that there has been no progress in complying with the measures imposed to mitigate impacts in the areas where the projects were developed.
Additionally, it was identified that most of the housing in the projects are occupied without the corresponding permits from the competent authorities. A recurring practice has been noted in Be Grand's promotion of lawsuits to avoid fulfilling its obligations. This implies potential damage to the environment, health risks, social and community impacts, among other problems.
According to the United Nations guiding principles on business and human rights, companies must respect human rights and take responsibility for addressing negative impacts when they occur. The Commission called on real estate companies in Mexico City to comply with their environmental and urban obligations and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable city.
The Commission will follow the case of Be Grand and other projects with outstanding obligations to ensure that commitments are met. In particular, it will take action against the Downtown Insurgentes 700 project of Be Grand for failing to comply with the measures imposed to mitigate environmental impacts caused by the discharge of sewage. The company did not address the initial observations made by hydraulic authorities and halted the process of regularizing the connection.
After the situation was exposed by Publimetro, Segiagua conducted inspection visits due to the leakage of wastewater in Insurgentes Sur. It was observed that the Be Grand complex does not have an adequate system for rainwater capture, storage, and use, and that the treated wastewater reuse system operates partially without the necessary authorizations.
