For a long time, sustainability was seen as a luxury—something reserved for countries with resources and mature economies. But that idea is now outdated. In the 21st century, the Spanish-speaking world is proving that the green shift is not only possible but profitable.
From major Spanish energy corporations to the most disruptive Latin American startups, a new generation of Hispanic companies is redefining the relationship between the economy and the environment. It’s no longer just about offsetting emissions or recycling plastic: it’s about building smarter, more efficient, and more human business models.
Sustainability has become both a business and cultural strategy. What once was a trend is now a competitive advantage.
Green leadership from major hispanic corporations
In the energy sector, Iberdrola is undoubtedly the emblem of change. Present in more than 30 countries and valued at over 170 billion euros, the Spanish company has become the world’s largest private producer of renewable energy. Over 80% of its electricity generation comes from clean sources, and its goal for 2040 is clear: full carbon neutrality.
Another pioneer is Acciona, a Spanish family business that embraced sustainability long before it became a buzzword. Its model integrates energy, infrastructure, and water, with projects in more than 40 countries and a simple but ambitious purpose: “to lead sustainable development to improve people’s lives.”
In Latin America, leadership comes from companies like Grupo Bimbo. The Mexican multinational, in addition to being the largest bakery in the world, operates with 100% renewable energy in more than 20 countries and runs one of the largest electric vehicle fleets in Latin America. Its “Bimbo Solar” initiative already covers a significant part of its global consumption.
Naturgy and Repsol—two of Spain’s biggest energy companies—are also in full transition toward low-carbon models. Repsol, for instance, was the first major oil company in the world to set a net-zero emissions target for 2050 and has invested billions in renewable energy projects.
These examples reflect more than environmental commitment—they show strategic vision. The fastest-growing Hispanic companies are those that understand sustainability as a business opportunity, not just a regulatory requirement.
Green innovation from startups
Sustainability isn’t just a boardroom topic. Across the Hispanic world, startups are rewriting the rules of impact.
In Chile, NotCo uses artificial intelligence to create plant-based foods that precisely replicate animal proteins. Its algorithm “Giuseppe” analyzes thousands of combinations of plant ingredients to achieve ideal flavor and texture. The company now operates in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and has been recognized for its technological innovation and sustainable food model.
In Spain, Holaluz—led by Carlota Pi Amorós—has turned green energy into an everyday service. With hundreds of thousands of customers, the company directly connects solar energy producers with consumers, removing intermediaries and democratizing access to clean power.
In Mexico, Ecolana has built a digital platform that connects citizens with recycling points, fostering community and urban environmental awareness. And from Chile, Solubag develops water-soluble bags—an invention that could eliminate millions of tons of plastic every year.
Though smaller than the energy giants, these startups share a common trait: they transform habits, not just processes. They represent a new face of Hispanic entrepreneurship that understands climate change is fought through innovation.
As discussed in Hispanic Startups Conquering the World, the Latin American and Spanish ecosystems are filling up with projects that combine technology, impact, and purpose. Sustainability is in their DNA.
Green investment and profitability
Money has also gone green. Hispanic venture capital funds are betting on sustainable startups and circular economy models.
Seaya Ventures, for example, launched its Seaya Andromeda fund, dedicated to climate tech and energy transition investments. From Madrid, it has already backed companies seeking to decarbonize key sectors such as transportation, construction, and agriculture.
In Latin America, ALLVP and Kaszek have also incorporated ESG criteria into their portfolios, supporting projects that combine environmental impact with profitability. According to LAVCA, more than 45% of active funds in the region in 2025 already include sustainability metrics in their decision-making.
Sustainability is not just a cause—it’s a growing market. And in the Hispanic world, that market translates into innovation, jobs, and local economic development.
Social and cultural impact
Hispanic sustainability isn’t measured only in emissions or financial returns. It’s also measured in shared values: cooperation, community, empathy.
In Latin America, sustainability is closely tied to inclusion and equity. Projects like Laboratoria, founded in Peru, and Crehana, also from Lima, promote accessible digital education as a form of social sustainability.
In Spain, universities like IE University and EADA Business School already offer sustainable leadership programs to train the next generation of purpose-driven executives. The same is true in Mexico, where Tecnológico de Monterrey integrates sustainability across its academic programs. Green talent is becoming the true engine of corporate transformation.
The new Hispanic generations can’t imagine working for a company that doesn’t contribute positively to society. For them, working in a responsible organization isn’t optional—it’s expected.
The language of the future is green—and it’s spoken in Spanish
Sustainability is also about communication. And Spanish—with its expressive richness and global reach—is playing a key role in spreading environmental values.
Organizations like Spain’s Fundación Biodiversidad or Mexico’s Climate Initiative have promoted environmental education projects across Ibero-America. Together, the Hispanic bloc generates over 1.2 million direct green jobs and represents a significant share of the global renewable energy GDP, according to IRENA.
Sharing a language also means sharing knowledge, innovation, and sustainable models. The ecological transition in the Hispanic world has a unique competitive edge: a common language that unites 600 million people with a shared purpose.
A green future with hispanic identity
Hispanic sustainability isn’t a copy of the European model or the Anglo-Saxon narrative. It has its own identity: optimistic, community-driven, and creative.
From solar plants in the Atacama Desert to wind farms in Castilla-La Mancha, and from eco-startups in Medellín to Monterrey, the Hispanic world shows that innovation can also be regenerative.
And if there’s one thing that defines this green revolution, it’s authenticity. It doesn’t just aim to save the planet—it aims to improve people’s lives.
That’s why, when discussing the future of the sustainable economy, it’s no longer enough to look at Silicon Valley or Berlin. We also have to look at Madrid, Santiago, Lima, and Mexico City.
Because the green future—like so many other things—is also spoken in Spanish.
