The concept at Flip Flops Meltemi is based on creating a sustainable development not only ecologically but also socially and economically. It is aimed at supporting the local environment and all materials are sourced locally to create a resort that combines plentiful facilities, and fully furnished apartments with panoramic sea views.

• zero-carbon

Passive housing via naturally cooling Meltemi winds. Airtight insulation. Optimized glazing for natural light. Reflective glass that minimizes solar heat. Low-energy lighting in communal areas. Superstructure designed to provide shade. Abundance of natural planting.

• zero-waste

Organic waste composted. The developer aims to reduce non bio-degradable waste and all waste will be disposed of responsibly. Recycling initiative in force in all offices for employees. Working with the local community to increase education.

• sustainable water

Dual flush toilets are a feature. Cement based water insulation materials used. Water insulation membrane applied on sloping concrete on flat roofs. Individual water meters supplied to control use. Provisions to catch and recycle rainwater for use on landscaped areas.

• local and sustainable building materials

All build materials and all furniture is sourced locally reducing the carbon footprint. Only local labour and contractors used. Year round site supporting local community and tourist trade. Self-funding development.

• sustainable transport

Limited vehicle access on site and no internal roads. Close to the airport and a shuttle service is provided. All amenities are within short walking distance. Local bus service provided. Workers sleep onsite minimising transport usage.

Considerable forethought has gone into every environmental aspect of the development. Build materials are local from sustainable sources; labour is native; several renewable energy sources are proposed; water and waste management programmes are planned; sustainable transportation needs have been considered.

• zero-carbon

A combination of wood chip-fired (source: sustainable forestry) boilers, hydro-power from waterwheels and solar cells for exterior lighting.

• zero-waste

Aims to reduce usage of non bio-degradable waste n.b. plastics, and recycle other waste. Working with local community to find solutions.

• sustainable water

Rainwater and ground-water entrapment, grey water recycling, water-saving taps and reduced-flush mechanisms will be a feature.

• local and sustainable building materials

Only concrete used is in foundations; buildings are made from local wood, stone too from a nearby quarry. All craftsmen are native.

• sustainable transport

Resort is close to railway station/buses; airport shuttle service will be provided. Resort will have limited motor vehicle access.

Carbon-reduction techniques used include: thermal mass – the stone clad concrete used as a main structural material moderates extremes of temperature, and passive stack cooling – towers incorporated in the design are vented at the top, warm air flows up and out drawing cooler air through adjoining spaces at low level.

• zero-carbon

Innovative measures include thermal mass, passive stack cooling, evaporative cooling, zoned seasonal living, shading and strategic placement of courtyards.

• zero-waste

Packaged waste onsite is minimized and a recycling programme implemented.

• sustainable water

Water is from onsite wells. Sewage/grey water is cleaned in onsite water treatment plant and used for irrigation.

• local and sustainable building materials

Timber is local from sustainable forested source, cut onsite; stone is local too and work tops etc are cut onsite. Workforce is native.

• sustainable transport

A local bus service is provided.