Consulting and Advisory

Technical Expertise. Practical Solutions. Sustainable Development.

The EcoSur Network, through Grupo Sofonías and its international network of specialists, provides technical consulting and advisory services for organizations working towards sustainable construction, affordable housing and environmentally responsible development.

Our multidisciplinary teams bring together expertise in architecture, engineering, construction technologies, materials research, project management, environmental sustainability and disaster risk reduction. We support public institutions, development agencies, NGOs, universities and private-sector organizations throughout different stages of their projects — from initial assessments and feasibility studies to implementation, monitoring and knowledge transfer.

Our Areas of Expertise

Sustainable Housing and Human Settlements

We support the planning and development of affordable, sustainable housing solutions, with particular attention to social and rural housing, local construction resources and appropriate technologies.

Our work includes technical assessments, housing project feasibility studies, construction system evaluation and the integration of environmental criteria into housing design.

Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

EcoSur has extensive experience in the research, adaptation and implementation of alternative construction materials and technologies.

Our technical expertise includes:

  • Low-carbon cement technologies, particularly LC3 and LC2.

  • Micro-concrete roofing tiles (MCR).

  • Ferrocement and alternative construction systems.

  • Reuse of construction materials and industrial by-products.

  • Production processes, quality control and technical training.

We help organizations assess the technical and practical potential of these solutions under different local conditions.

Feasibility Studies and Technical Assessments

We conduct studies to evaluate the technical, economic, environmental and institutional feasibility of sustainable construction initiatives.

Our services include market assessments, analysis of local raw materials, production capacity evaluations, regulatory reviews and recommendations for project implementation.

Project Formulation and Management

We provide support in project development, technical planning, coordination, implementation and evaluation. Our approach connects technical knowledge with local needs, institutional capacities and long-term sustainability objectives.

Climate Resilience and Post-Disaster Reconstruction

Drawing on experience in post-disaster reconstruction in Nicaragua and Honduras, EcoSur contributes to initiatives focused on resilient housing, disaster risk reduction and the improvement of living conditions in vulnerable communities.

We promote construction solutions that respond to local conditions while considering environmental and social impacts.

Projects and International Experience

EcoSur's consulting work includes concrete experiences across Latin America and other regions. Some examples illustrate how our expertise is applied in different contexts.

Mexico – Advancing Low-Carbon Construction

In August 2024, specialists from Grupo Sofonías and the EcoSur Network carried out a consultancy in Mexico focused on the implementation of LC3 cement. The initiative involved collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Mexico and Holcim Mexico, exploring opportunities to promote more sustainable construction and reduce the environmental impact of building materials.

A related study in La Perla, Veracruz, evaluated the mechanical performance and durability of LC3 cement in social housing applications.

Uruguay and Senegal – LC3 Feasibility Studies

With support from the Klik Foundation and GIZ, the EcoSur consulting team undertook feasibility studies for the introduction of LC3 cement in Uruguay and Senegal.

The work included examining local conditions, production possibilities and the potential for adapting low-carbon cement technology to different markets and construction sectors.

Nicaragua – Consultancy for the Introduction of LC3/LC2

In Nicaragua, EcoSur carried out a consultancy to assess the introduction of LC3/LC2 cement. The work included the development of a methodology, surveys with cement producers, analysis of findings and a review of the country's legal and regulatory framework, as well as the types of cement used in the market.

Ecuador – Reuse of Ceramic Bricks

In 2023, EcoSur worked with the Universidad Nacional de Chimborazo on a consultancy exploring the reuse of surplus ceramic bricks as a raw material for LC2 cement production.

The preliminary study identified the potential of this approach as a sustainable alternative and provided technical support for further research and methodological improvements.

Colombia – Sustainable Social Housing and Knowledge Transfer

In January 2024, EcoSur conducted a feasibility study on sustainable social housing in Colombia, evaluating three housing projects in urban, rural and housing-improvement contexts, with attention to the use of LC3 cement and environmental criteria.

In June 2024, Grupo Sofonías also carried out the VIS 4.0 study, Connecting Knowledge, focused on transferring Swiss expertise and strengthening the capacities of stakeholders involved in the design and development of sustainable social housing.

In January 2025, another consultancy began in collaboration with Swisscontact to support the implementation of a sustainable construction materials testing laboratory.

International Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange

EcoSur's work is built on collaboration. We connect specialists, research institutions, universities, development organizations and local partners to adapt knowledge and technologies to specific contexts.

Our international experience includes work and knowledge exchange across Latin America, Africa and Asia. The network's historical consulting experience also includes countries such as Namibia, Kenya, Nigeria, Mozambique, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

We believe that sustainable development requires more than transferring technologies: it requires understanding local conditions, strengthening capacities and building solutions that can be maintained and improved over time.

From Technical Advice to Practical Implementation

Our consulting approach combines research, technical assessment and practical experience. We work with partners to identify challenges, evaluate alternatives and develop solutions that can be implemented under real conditions.

Are you developing a sustainable construction, housing or environmental project?

The EcoSur Network can support your organization with technical expertise, feasibility studies, project development and international knowledge exchange.