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Returning Guest: Sustainability Visionary Alicia Silva Villanueva on Greening Stadiums, Hospitality, and Resilience

Author

Charlie Cichetti
January 29, 2026

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Alicia Silva Villanueva is back!

In this powerful follow-up episode, the renowned sustainability leader from Mexico shares lessons from greening iconic places like Estadio Azteca for the FIFA World Cup, redefining resilience in hospitality, and writing the playbook to inspire the next generation of changemakers.

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🌱BREAKING GROUND ON BETTER BUILDING

n this episode, Alicia Silva Villanueva revolutionizes traditional construction approaches:

[Key Insight #1] Turning a National Treasure Into a World Cup Sustainability Leader

  • What's outdated: Transforming Estadio Azteca — Mexico’s beloved soccer stadium — into a green icon for FIFA 2026.

  • The innovation: Achieving LEED Platinum for O+M and major renovation with a strong focus on water savings, circular economy, and community impact.

  • Impact: One of the greenest stadiums in the tournament, inspiring staff, fans, and suppliers to level up their sustainability game.

[Key Insight #2] Resilience as Business Continuity in Hospitality

  • What's outdated: Coastal hotels and resorts in Cabo facing climate threats, water shortages, and energy insecurity.

  • The innovation: Resilience screenings, climate value-at-risk modeling, and smart systems for energy and water efficiency.

  • Impact: Reduced operational risk, stronger investor confidence, and long-term savings in high-risk zones.

[Key Insight #3] Storytelling That Shifts the Sustainability Conversation

  • What's outdated: Clients and teams seeing sustainability as too costly or complex.

  • The innovation: Alicia’s new book, Leave the Gap, offers practical levers for overcoming resistance and sparking systemic change.

  • Impact: Empowered consultants, clearer business cases, and a replicable framework for sustainable leadership.

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âś… CONNECT AND CONTINUE

🌿 Access full episode resources: Green Building Matters Podcast 

đź—’ Read the transcript: HERE 

đź“„ Read the transcript: HERE

đź”— Connect with Alicia Silva Villanueva::