Cacao Pearl Island, which is home to chic 160m2 showcase residences designed by Antonio Calvo, has a target of net zero consumption, 100 per cent renewable energy, carbon-neutral build and operations, use of local materials from sustainable sources, environmentally responsible timber treatments, modern composting toilets, low water-use, low-impact construction footprint, responsible recruitment and purchasing, recycling targets for construction, and preservation of the natural environment.

• zero-carbon

Passive cooling has been used in the design of the residences. 100 per cent renewable energy will be obtained via custom micro-grid: wind, solar panels, Scheffler-Reflector, micro-hydro and bio-fuels (jatropha). There is no local accreditation, so a local-government accredited environmental impact assessment team will independently review the system. Carbon offsetting, if required, will be contracted to Zero Footprint, Canada.

• zero-waste

A comprehensive reduce, reuse, recycle programme is in place for construction and operations. Highlights include: organic/inorganic recycling split, storage negates potential watershed or ground contamination, recycling containers in residences and work areas, composting containers in kitchen areas, use of purchasing power to reduce packaging for bought goods.

• sustainable water

Detailed in a comprehensive, independent environmental impact assessment, water use is restricted at source (low-water composting toilets, user meters for monitoring of personal consumption low-flow taps in work areas), and recycled as grey water (organic treatment and filtration), or disposed of as black water. Rainwater is harvested via a low-impact catchment system, and the masterplan emphasises natural watershed (stilted structures).

• local and sustainable building materials

All labour is local where possible, taken from the immediate community; any skilled non-local personnel must deliver training or work-shadow for local labour. Timber is from a managed forest and local timbers are used in place of imports. Stone and aggregates used are from local managed quarries. Interiors use local crafts techniques.

• sustainable transport

There is no motor access on site, and no motorised watersports within the vicinity of the island (to preserve coral reef and turtle habitats). All guest travel is automatically carbon off-set, and the plan in 2010 is to finance new electric ‘jeepneys’ for shuttle between airport and launch point by local operators.

Soneva Kiri is a Six Senses luxury self-contained resort located on Koh Kood, an island overlooking the Gulf of Thailand. Comprising 46 pool, beachfront and hillside villas, each property is being developed with the principles of ecologically sustainable design and material selection, and with construction methods adapted to protect the environment. Resort amenities include three restaurants and numerous leisure facilities, with a Six Senses Spa and a retail village.

• zero-carbon

A tri-generation system, with heat recovery for hot water, steam, and cold water for the air conditioning, is being installed. The power supply will be managed through solar PV, wind turbines and micro-hydro applications. The ultimate aim is for 100% of the resort’s power to be generated via these renewable sources. Deep seawater cooling (DSWC) will take water from a depth of 300 metres for chilled water air conditioning. Initially, biofuel from coconut plants will supplement 30% of fossil fuel sources for the backup diesel generators. Food transportation (embodied energy) emissions will be reduced by the growth of fresh produce in the resorts own organic garden.

• zero-waste

The resort will have its own onsite vegetable, fruit and herb garden, eliminating packaging waste. All appropriate food waste will be composted and used on the organic gardens. A recycling programme for non-bio waste will be installed prior to opening. Six Senses is also investing a large sum of money in a project to ecologically manage the entire island’s waste. Building material is also being recycled.

• sustainable water

Wastewater treatment and grey-water irrigation systems will be installed, with water and sewage handled through ecological wetlands. Rainwater harvesting, storage and filtration will ensure a sustainable water supply. Water-saving devices such as air-flow taps and low-flush mechanisms on toilets are installed in all areas. There are also two reservoirs that have been especially constructed to supply the resort.

• local and sustainable building materials

The Six Senses Zero Emissions Objective develops climate-sympathetic properties using locally and thoughtfully sourced and non-toxic materials. This is mainly FSC pine, locally sourced bamboo and plantation eucalyptus. Construction methods are adapted to protect and nurture the environment. Local labour from Koh Kood is currently employed, and the resort looks to train and employ further local people when it opens at the end of the year. The construction company also employs Thai nationals.

• sustainable transport

The resort is a car-free zone, with electrical golf carts and bicycles provided in the resort. Currently there is a shuttle service from Trat airport to the boat, which will bring guests to the island. At the moment the boat is diesel, but the developers are committed to ensuring all vehicles used will be biodiesel in the future.