Evolution Free Zone leads transformation and innovation in STEM to meet demand for talent in advanced manufacturing and medical devices
1 de August de 2025
2024 Sustainability Report: Developing Lasting Impact through Synergy
August 2025—For CODE Development Group, the developer behind Evolution Free Zone, progress is about transforming regions, opening new paths, and creating opportunities. With the official opening of our Industrial Park in 2024, we accelerated our environmental, social, and economic initiatives, setting a new benchmark for Free Zones in Costa Rica.
“In its growing phase, Evolution Free Zone has positioned itself as a model of smart Real Estate development. Beyond its state-of-the-art infrastructure, its true differentiator lies in the synergy we have created between talent, technology, and sustainability.” Carlos Wong, Managing Director of CODE Development Group.
This blog presents key highlights from CODE’s 2024 Sustainability Report, showcasing how our High-Tech Business Park is actively delivering on its triple-impact commitment.
Building the Foundation: Infrastructure and Innovation
To support a Next-Generation business ecosystem, we have prioritized smart, sustainable infrastructure from the outset. In early 2024, we completed and donated a 1.5-kilometer overpass to the Costa Rican government, making Evolution Free Zone the first industrial Park in the country with direct access to Route 1. This public infrastructure project has significantly improved traffic flow and reduced travel times for the surrounding communities, while enabling companies operating in the Park to benefit from seamless transport for their operations and exports.
By May 2025, we had developed a total of 155,952 m² of built-up area. To further strengthen the foundation for a world-class business environment, we are actively developing key infrastructure systems—including internal roads, potable water tanks, wastewater treatment plants, and a redundant telecommunications network.
Furthermore, we are implementing a smart lighting plan aimed at enhancing both, energy efficiency and operational reliability. The plan focuses on:
- Automatic regulation of light intensity based on ambient lighting and time of day.
- Reduced energy consumption during off-peak hours.
- A real-time monitoring system to detect and respond to electrical failures efficiently.
Moreover, we launched a world-class TIER III Data Center, positioning Evolution Free Zone as the first business park in the country to be equipped with such advanced infrastructure. This initiative responds to the growing demands of a hyperconnected environment, where security, digital sovereignty, and continuous availability are key factors for competitiveness.
Throughout all our construction efforts, resource optimization has remained a top strategic priority. This commitment led us to become the first business park in Costa Rica to adopt Building Information Modeling (BIM) from the earliest stages of conceptualization and design.
Empowering People: Economic Growth and Quality Job Creation
In 2024, we made significant strides in establishing ourselves as a key hub for development, employment, and sustainability. Obtaining the essential Costa Rica country brand license from PROCOMER underscores our commitment to excellence, innovation, social progress, and environmental responsibility.
As companies begin operations, Evolution Free Zone projects the creation of 6,000 jobs in the short term, with a goal of reaching 20,000 high-quality positions over the next 15 years in manufacturing, technical, and administrative roles. By the end of 2024, the first 150 direct jobs had been created, along with more than 1,000 indirect positions related to construction activities.
Another key milestone was the official inauguration of AVNA, as the first company to become fully operational within our High-Tech Business Park. Its facility in Costa Rica was honored with the Award for Excellence in Innovation and Technology thanks to its production of titanium micro-implants used in cancer treatment. Meanwhile, five other leading companies are currently in the construction phase. These developments strengthen our standing as the fastest-growing business ecosystem in Costa Rica—purpose-built to host world-class companies and serve as a dynamic platform for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration.
Investing in Communities: Education and Environmental Stewardship
Motivated by our dedication to creating a responsible and secure future for coming generations, we delivered environmental education to 375 primary school students across seven schools in Grecia, while also improving infrastructure at local institutions.
We also advanced our reforestation program, focused on restoring native ecosystems and supporting biodiversity. In collaboration with community volunteers, park-based companies, NGOs, and local governments, we planted 170 native trees to strengthen the connectivity of the El Achiote Interurban Biological Corridor, bringing the total to 520 trees. Species include Lorito, Aceituno, Vainillo, Roble de Sabana, Acerola, Sotacaballo, Yos, and Jícaro—contributing to ecological recovery and regional connectivity.
Unstoppable Synergy: Gaining Global Recognition
Our efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, we were honored as:
Highly Commended: Americas Rising Star 2024 by fDi Intelligence, acknowledging our strategic growth and potential.
Evolution Free Zone was featured in “Grandes Obras 2024”, by the Costa Rican Chamber of Construction, as a pioneer project in infrastructure development and responsible environmental management.
The powerful synergy Evolution Free Zone has created between innovation, technology, and responsible growth is propelling Costa Rica’s Life Sciences, Smart Manufacturing, and Semiconductor industries forward, positioning us as a leading example of a sustainable, High-Tech Business Park.
