Sambala Developments is creating luxury properties within an integrated resort scheme, and adopts a rigid environmental code of practice and social integrity. Environmentally sound building techniques are practised with recycled construction materials and FSC certified furniture packs. Wind power and biodiesel are being investigated to reduce CO2 emissions.

• zero-carbon

Discussions are underway with a number of manufacturers of solar panels and alternative power sources, including the largest wind farm developer in Latin America to produce a wind farm on Sambala land to reduce guests' carbon footprint when the resort opens.

• zero-waste

A recycling programme is being implemented and limited amounts of non-compostable materials are being used onsite. Black waste is treated and reused as compost. An initiative to create an alternative to plastic water bottles for use in the resort is being explored.

• sustainable water

Sambala re-cycles and re-uses 800,000 litres (80%) of water daily. The water can be used for irrigation of planting areas and the biodiesel plantations. An advanced American system to avoid evaporation by locking the moisture beneath the soil has been implemented.

• local and sustainable building materials

Local basaltic rock has been utilised this extensively in the building of walls, roads and most of the paving, which is all hand cobbled by solely local workers. A recycled steel frame is used to mitigate the depletion of sand for construction. Furniture is from reclaimed and salvaged sources.

• sustainable transport

Sambala is in discussions with a company that manufactures solar powered golf buggies with a view to using them around the resort and golf course.

Plans for Sibaya are at the forefront of sustainable and equitable development practices. The developers, Tongaat Hulett Developments' (formerly Moreland) emphasise that the Sibaya Development is still awaiting approval and permission to sell. At this stage, the focus is on creating comprehensive sustainability action plans to achieve the company's environmental and sustainability goals.

• zero-carbon

Solar- and wind-generated power will supplement the national grid. Energy consumption reduction focuses on use of energy-efficient appliances and fittings.

• zero-waste

Several projects have been planned to achieve zero-waste. Key targets include: reducing waste to landfill through recycling, reclaiming and composting.

• sustainable water

Water reduction initiatives include: water-efficient appliances; collection, storage and use of rainwater for irrigation; landscaping plant selection to reduce water demand.

• local and sustainable building materials

Natural, low-embodied energy and local materials, sourced within a 50-kilometre radius of the development site; local and permanent employment created.

• sustainable transport

Onsite an education programme to reduce motor vehicle dependence will be initiated; maintenance vehicles will be non-fossil fuel powered transport.

Following extensive assessments Simbithi Eco-Estate is being developed to minimise its environmental impact. Geology and soil assessments, water resource and drainage appraisals, land use and vegetation studies, and aesthetic, historical and cultural appraisals have been undertaken, and indigenous plants and native wildlife has been introduced to the estate.

• zero-carbon

Houses oriented to maximize solar energy for light and heat; appropriate sized windows and skylights incorporated to minimize the need for electric lighting and heating/cooling. Homeowners are encouraged to use solar panels.

• zero-waste

Residents and guests are encouraged to reduce usage of packaging and recycle. Collection points are provided onsite.

• sustainable water

Roofs have been designed for water catchment and clean run-off is directed into wetlands/ponds/dams. Installed permeable paving allows water to soak through instead of washing away. Water saving devices, grey water recovery and rainwater tanks at houses are encouraged.

• local and sustainable building materials

Buildings are made from sustainable local wood. Tradesmen are local to the area.

• sustainable transport

All golf cart are electric and they are encouraged for onsite transportation. There is no shuttle service but as estate populates one will be set up.