Guidelines to reduce environmental impact include: passive solar power; super-insulated or cold-roof design and thermopane glazing, and reducing window area on north- and northwest-facing elevations; no more than a quarter of the landscape area is permitted to be manicured lawn; and natural, non-toxic building materials that require little maintenance are used.

• zero-carbon

Passive solar power, thanks to proper orientation, massing, window location, shading, ventilation and shade structures, is a feature; radiant floor elements and electronically-controlled and programmable thermostats provide efficient heating.

• zero-waste

Recycling of non-organic matter will be undertaken and landfill items sorted to be kept to a minimum. Organic waste will be composted and reused where possible.

• sustainable water

Rainwater run-off is harvested and used for irrigation. Water-conserving toilets and flow-restricted taps are standard; grey-water recycling systems are in place.

• local and sustainable building materials

Local and indigenous timbers, boulders and stone are used in buildings. Recycled materials, such as plastic-lumber decking, are used where possible and appropriate.

• sustainable transport

A dedicated transportation ‘node’ minimises traffic through the resort. Retail areas are pedestrianised, and there are walking, bicycle and cross-country trails.

The first 20 people who visit Tropical D’Santo Cristo and reserve a property while they are there will receive a redeemable travel voucher worth €1,000 (£870).

Located in Rio Grande do Norte, Tropical D’Santo Cristo is a beautiful beachfront resort situated a short distance from Sao Miguel do Gostoso village and 98 kilometres from Natal. The resort’s design has been influenced by tropical gardens combined with a Mediterranean architectural vernacular. The resort’s ethos is to conserve natural resources, eliminate waste and remain ecologically in balance. To realise its philosophy the development will focus on utilising sustainable materials and production methods. The project is undergoing SIPP compliance.

Tropical D´Santo Cristo Beach Resort - English Version from brasiloikos on Vimeo.

• zero-carbon

All properties and buildings will be painted in white to reflect sunlight. With 305 days of sun per year and average temperature of +27.5° Celsius, the painting of building surfaces lowers natural heating and thus lessens the energy requirement for optional air-condition systems. All private bungalows in the development will have individual solar thermal and PV panels on the roof for water heating and for the production of energy for basic lightning. The buildings will have individual batteries for energy back up. Back up draw down and upload to the grid will be facilitated and determined by demand. Illumination in common areas after sunset will be from solar powered LED lampposts, governed by PIR and timers. LED technology for indoor lamps will be offered in the optional furniture package.

• zero-waste

Recycling waste bins for non-bio waste will be implemented for each property and in the common areas in the condominium. Organic waste from the houses, apartments and restaurants inside the resort is composted and will be reused for green spaces inside the property or given to a local farmer close to the property. Buyers will be provided with an information pack for their property that informs them of all programmes in place, and how and where to buy local and organic food from local farmers and fishermen. Construction and furnishing materials will be sourced from suppliers who use the minimum packaging necessary and use sustainable materials.

• sustainable water

Water is provided to the development partly from the public grid, but also via wells located on the property as the area has sufficient underground water supplies all year round. Water conservation will be practised through the installation of both air-flow taps and low-flush mechanisms on toilets. Rainwater is harvested for use in pools (filtered) and for irrigation. Wastewater will be treated and recycled for irrigation. All green areas will be irrigated early in the morning to minimize overuse due to vaporization from the heat of the sun.

• local and sustainable building materials

All timber used comes from sustainable forestry and only accredited sources. As many building materials as possible are purchased locally e.g all wooden doors and stairs. The majority of labour used to construct the property is local, and all workers live on the construction site during the development period, and leave only in weekends, which minimises pollution and emissions from transportation. All the food for workers is provided from local farms and fishermen.

• sustainable transport

Only owners of properties are permitted to drive inside the development, if they have a car. Guests or owners without a car are transported with electric golf carts or may use rented bikes. The airport shuttle service uses vehicles ‘Full Flex’ which in Brazil means they can operate on alcohol or gasoline. A car sharing pool will be organised in the condominium. Traffic-calming initiatives will be installed on the development. During the construction period all workers leave from the construction site with common bus transportation to a central bus station. 50% of the company cars run on alcohol.

Based on US Green Building Council LEED principles, Rivera Cuale is an eco-friendly residential community set in the heart of Vallarta, Mexico. Surrounded by lush gardens, the 108 condominiums, spread across three buildings and designed in the local vernacular with modern influences, are strategically positioned to maximize views from the individual terraces. A river, which runs through the resort, provides continuous fresh air movement and cooling of the homes.

• zero-carbon

Passive housing, natural illumination and cooling, through cross ventilation, are being achieved by the buildings’ optimum orientation and design. Low-energy lighting is installed in the common areas and all appliances will be low E consumption. The pool and Jacuzzi are solar-thermal heated. Green walls planted on the east and west facades reduce solar radiation. Electricity consumption is offset by a wind-generator. Mains electricity, when required, is from hydro-electricity.

• zero-waste

The resort aims to reduce non bio-degradable waste through educational programmes and recycling initiatives which are enforced in residences and onsite commercial spaces. Organic waste is composted and used on resort gardens. Workers recycle ceramic construction waste, and site excavation earth was reused at another site. Programmes have been set up to educate neighbouring community on sustainability, recycling and waste reduction.

• sustainable water

The resort is self-sufficient in water through a private well onsite. All grey water will be treated and used for irrigation on landscaped areas. Dual flush toilets are fitted as standard. Only biodegradable detergents are used for cleaning purposes onsite. Gardens, river walk, pavements and roads are permeable to reduce rainwater runoff and flooding potential.

• local and sustainable building materials

The buildings’ retaining walls comprise 70,000 recycled tyres, which eliminate the use of high-embodied energy concrete and other materials that could contaminate the soil and river. The scenic river walks and landscaping areas have been regenerated and planted with native species. Local labour will be used throughout on construction and ongoing operationally.

• sustainable transport

Vehicles are permitted - one per household - but are not required as shops, markets, restaurants and services are within walking distance of the resort. There will be electrical golf carts for short transportation around the resort and indoor secure bicycle parking space. Two new bridges have been built to better connect Rivera Cuale to downtown Vallarta, obviating the need to drive.