Belize Grove is a boutique eco-resort comprising 18 self-sufficient detached homes, set in a beachfront jungle location. The development ethos is based around retaining and building around the existing flora in order to create a resort in harmony with its environment.

• zero-carbon

The resort and the beach houses main source of power will be solar. Bio-fuel generator back up will be used as required. Raised buildings with high ceilings and generous verandas will facilitate natural cooling sea breezes.

• zero-waste

The resort will use fresh produce and will be served by a local farmers market, which will have the dual benefit of reducing packaging. Organic waste will be composted and used on the gardens. Where packaging is unavoidable it will be recycled.

• sustainable water

The beach houses will be self-sufficient in water. Rainwater catchment tanks under the properties will be sufficient for all domestic water requirements. Grey water run off will be diverted for use on the gardens. The resort will use toilets that drain into bacterial treatment tanks outputting zero waste.

• local and sustainable building materials

The buildings on the resort are of a hybrid construction. Where wood is used it will be from sustainable local sources. Exterior cladding is in a material called ply-cem which looks like wooden weather boards but is in fact made from a combination of cement and recycled wood chip. Stone/aggregate materials are also locally sourced. Local labour will be used throughout.

• sustainable transport

Access to the site is only by boat – 1 km from the local marina, which is served by a regular bus service. There will be no vehicles on site. Airport shuttles are provided.

A project covering almost 1,000 acres of sub-tropical rainforest, the Belize Reserve is an eco-resort that incorporates a wildlife reserve, conservation and research centre. Natural springs and a river ensure water self-sufficiency; a well thought-out master plan incorporates passive cooling/heating in primarily timber properties, ensuring minimum energy requirement.

• zero-carbon

Primarily solar and hydro – a river within the reserve will provide the hydro-power – will give the reserve 100 per cent renewable energy self-sufficiency.

• zero-waste

An environmentally friendly sewerage system uses anaerobic bacteria to break down the waste; the water produced can be used for landscaping requirements. All food products will be composted.

• sustainable water

Rainwater is harvested and stored in underground tanks; natural springs onsite and river water will be purified and provide all water required. Wastewater is recycled; communal urinals are waterless; all toilets are water saving.

• local and sustainable building materials

The layout of the buildings facilitates the flow of air through them; fans not air-conditioning is used. Thatch roofs from sustainable palms help keep the buildings cool. Workforce is almost all local; materials mostly indigenous and wooden.

• sustainable transport

Staff vehicles will be bio diesel, a shuttle bus service will operate to/from town and airport; there will be electric golf buggy rental onsite.

The philosophy at Eden Caribe is to let nature and vegetation set the rules. No old trees have been cut down to prepare the site, and windfall timber is used wherever possible. Everything is built by hand, wherever possible, to minimise the environmental impact. Black and grey water are treated and reused where possible. Power is 100 per cent sustainable from hydro.

• zero-carbon

Onsite power generation will be 100% from renewable source - hydro - with a biogas generator powered from natural waste as a backup. High-quality insulation is a feature of each property.

• zero-waste

Waste will be sorted and recycled, wherever possible; residents and guests will be encouraged to reduce packaging.

• sustainable water

Water comes direct from a well in the mountain. Waste water will be treated and used for irrigation, human waste will be treated and turned into fertilizer.

• local and sustainable building materials

Much of build material is local, including stones and wooden fences, for example, made from coconut palm trees that have fallen.

• sustainable transport

No motor vehicles will be allowed access; electric golf buggies only onsite.