Sustainability in construction is no longer just a trend—it's a necessity. And in Amatitán, Mexico, Tequila Komos has taken this responsibility to heart, building a schoolhouse not from traditional bricks or steel, but from tequila waste. This groundbreaking project is more than just an environmental statement; it’s a commitment to the local community, proving that innovation can be a tool for both education and sustainability.
Most buildings rely on concrete, bricks, or steel. But now, thanks to Tequila Komos, there’s a classroom in Mexico that stands on tequila waste—literally.
From a Vision to Reality
When Tequila Komos launched in 2019, it wasn’t just about producing premium tequila. Founder Richard Betts envisioned a way to give back to the land and communities that make tequila possible. Inspired by adobe brick schoolhouses in Arizona, he and his team started experimenting with ways to repurpose tequila byproducts—bagazo (pulped agave fibers) and vinaza (liquid waste)—into durable adobe bricks.
With extensive research and collaboration, they perfected a method to transform these materials into strong, long-lasting bricks. Once the technique was refined, they brought in other tequila producers, hoping to create a movement that would turn industry waste into infrastructure.
The Construction Process: Turning Waste into Strength
The first schoolhouse, located at Escuela Gabriela Mistral in Amatitán, was built using:
- 42,500 kilograms of bagazo (agave pulp waste)
- 16,000 liters of vinaza (liquid waste from distillation)
- 2,500 adobe bricks.
What makes this project remarkable is that 98% of the materials used were from bioconstruction, with no cement or metal, except for the steel beams supporting the roof.
Local architecture students from Iteso University and architect Ernesto Rizo collaborated on the design, while construction workers were trained in working with adobe bricks. Since this method had never been used on a project of this scale, the team worked closely with regulators to ensure the structure met safety and durability standards.
More Than a School: A Hub for the Community
The new classroom isn’t just for primary school students—it serves as a multi-purpose space for the entire community. Beyond traditional lessons, it hosts adult education programs on topics like:
- Financial literacy
- Water management
- Family communication
This means the school doesn’t just educate children—it empowers the entire community with knowledge and resources.
With tequila byproducts and a commitment to sustainability, we’ve built more than a classroom—we've created a space where futures are shaped and communities thrive.
A Blueprint for the Future
Tequila Komos and the Komos Foundation aren’t stopping at one school. With the success of this project, they’re expanding their efforts:
- New schoolhouses: More classrooms are planned for 2025
- Sustainable housing: The first adobe home in Etzatlán is under construction, helping a local family in need
- Industry-wide collaboration: By openly sharing their construction methods, they encourage other tequila producers to contribute to sustainable infrastructure projects
In recognition of these efforts, the Komos Foundation received the Waste Reduction Achievement of the Year award at the Global Drinks Intel ESG Awards 2024.
Conclusion: Rethinking Waste, Rebuilding Communities
This project proves that sustainability isn’t just about reducing waste—it's about rethinking how waste can be used. By turning tequila byproducts into classrooms, Tequila Komos has set a powerful example for industries worldwide.
True sustainability isn’t just about using eco-friendly materials—it's about creating solutions that uplift both the planet and the people who call it home.
With every adobe brick laid, the foundation for a greener, more responsible future grows stronger. The question now is: what other industries will step up and follow their lead?