The Global Network for Zero (GNFZ) announced a strategic partnership with OTEC, Brazil's premier sustainability consulting firm, marking a significant expansion of net zero certification services in Latin America. This partnership establishes OTEC as the first GNFZ Partner in Brazil, creating a powerful alliance to advance sustainable building practices across the region.
Brazil has been at the forefront of sustainable building innovation, notably producing the world's first LEED Zero project. Realized under the leadership of GNFZ co-founders Mahesh Ramanujam and Sarah Merricks during their tenure at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), this achievement set a precedent for excellence in sustainable building certification. Now, GNFZ heads to Brazil with an ambitious vision: Transforming the building sector and beyond through a comprehensive "zero to zero" approach, where net zero becomes the new standard for all buildings, with green buildings leading the transition.
Under the guidance of Founder and Development Director David Douek and Technical Director Ana Judite Limongi França, OTEC will serve as GNFZ's primary implementation partner in Brazil, leveraging their extensive market expertise to introduce GNFZ's comprehensive certification suite to the Brazilian market, connect with new clients and stakeholders, and create a robust implementation ecosystem with GNFZ providing third-party verification.
"To date, we have led more than 120 million square feet of national and international building space to become more sustainable. With our deep understanding of the Brazilian market and experience in sustainable building, combined with GNFZ's industry-leading expertise, we are perfectly suited to accelerate the adoption of net zero practices across Brazil,” said David Douek, Founder and Development Director at OTEC.
"The OTEC team has experience in some of Brazil's largest and most complex projects," said Mahesh Ramanujam, President and CEO of Global Network for Zero. "This partnership will combine our expertise to help clients achieve net zero emissions successfully, regardless of their current stage in the journey, and set a new standard for sustainable building practices in Latin America’s largest market."
The partnership will bring GNFZ's complete range of net zero certifications to Brazil, covering: Net Zero Certification for Buildings at the Design, Construction, and Operations stages; Net Zero Certification for Portfolios; and Net Zero Certification for Businesses. All certifications are offered across four key categories of Energy, Water, Waste, and Emissions.
