L’Amandier is an exquisite development of only 16 spacious private villas, a large swimming pool, plunge pools, a tennis court and gardens peppered with Bougainvillea, almond and citrus trees. Less than an hour’s drive from Marrakech airport, these villas rest on a raised plateau, with a spectacular 360-degree view of the snow capped Atlas Mountains and foothills below. The Ouirgane valley, steeped in Berber culture, is a popular tourist destination for those seeking both relaxing and adventurous pursuits. Trekking, skiing, swimming, mountain biking and horse riding are among the activities, or for many, relaxing by the pool with a book is the preferred option.

• zero-carbon

L’Amandier is being developed as a low-density community with building taking place on only 5% of the available land. The villas have been designed to naturally ventilate which will reduce the need for energy inefficient air-con. Local aggregate will be used for the concrete during building, thus minimising CO2 emissions in construction. Solar or combined heat and power (CHP) from a renewable source will be used for heating the pools. The developer is exploring the viability of a CHP solution to provide 100% renewable energy to the villas.

• zero-waste

A programme to recycle construction waste has been implemented and rather than bringing in additional material for the internal road system and drive up to the land, hardcore is recycled from the building material. Very little waste leaves the land. Homeowners will be provided with recycling facilities and encouraged to sort their waste. Ongoing, a local project to implement an infrastructure and system for waste collection and recycling is being initiated.

• sustainable water

All potable water is drawn from onsite wells that are naturally replenished. Low-pressure taps and low- and dual-flush toilets will be installed. Rainwater will be harvested for irrigation. There will be extensive planting of low water requirement indigenous flora that will minimise rainwater runoff and offset CO2 emissions, with the aim of the harvest yield being used to offset maintenance costs.

• local and sustainable building materials

Indigenous materials are used during construction wherever possible, which includes rock and shingle from the local riverbeds and aggregate is used for the concrete during building. All internal doors are made from local timber, local marble is used in kitchens and bathrooms, all lights are hand made locally or constructed on site, and all fixtures and finishes are sourced locally and only imported where there is no local alternative. Tadelakt (the distinctive local plaster-type finish for interior walls) is mixed on site, using locally imported ingredients. The developer is employing local labour for construction and operationally once the resort is opened, and will be working closely with the community to highlight sustainability issues and improve standards. A local project to implement an infrastructure and system for waste collection and recycling has been initiated by the developer.

• sustainable transport

The location lends itself to sustainable living within the resort and it is envisaged very little transportation will be required. The site has for many years been a vantage point for walkers, a starting point for hikers going to Mount Toubkal and has many cycling routes around it. Where necessary transportation will be shared at every opportunity and residents will be encouraged to participate in car shares.

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.