Greenhills is a small development of 40 detached units in Benissa, north Costa Blanca. Open year-round, the design philosophy of the development is based on the key targets of: free solar electricity for residents, solar hot water as standard, low impact infrastructure, and value for money.

• zero-carbon

Free (up to a limit) solar electricity will be supplied to all units from an onsite solar farm, with backup from a bio-diesel generator. Third line backup is a mains supply on a green tariff from Spanish renewables supplier Iberdrola. Each unit is designed to employ high insulation techniques and low energy requirements. All units have a vacuum tube solar hot water system.

• zero-waste

There is a central composting unit for organic waste. The site has registered with the local administration’s recycling initiative and will encourage homeowners to recycle. There is no building material (and therefore no waste) permitted onsite.

• sustainable water

The site will implement a ‘total oxidising’ black and grey waste water systems which uses natural organic processes to process waste water to 96% purity, which is then used for irrigation and toilet system flushing. Rainwater is harvested centrally in the park, and all toilets are dual flush.

• local and sustainable building materials

The units are manufactured using a prefabricated system, and constructed locally. No concrete is used in construction and only locally available natural materials are used. All materials used are from sustainable sources, and made and erected onsite by local labour.

• sustainable transport

There are no internal roads - paths and roadways use the same materials - and only a central secure car park. Two electric ‘golf’ type buggies are supplied onsite for residents’ use. Negotiations are in progress with the local administration to have the site location added to public transport routes. Where required a taxi service, which uses biodiesel vehicles, is called upon for airport shuttles and the like.

Mata de Sesimbra, a partnership between One Planet Living and developers Pelicano, will be home to 8,000 zero-carbon, zero-waste, sustainable water, sustainable transport, zero-waste houses and apartments. At its centre will be a sustainable transport system, the reforestation of 4,800 hectares, and the creation of 11,000 jobs locally.

• zero-carbon

Aims to be 100% solar energy-powered by including photo-voltaics, small-scale biomass heating, and a space cooling system from collected rainwater.

• zero-waste

Domestic waste separated and collected by electric vehicles. 90% organic waste will be composted onsite; only 5% of waste will go to landfill.

• sustainable water

Public irrigation water will be 100% from recycled waste water and onsite rainwater. Air-flow taps will reduce water consumption by an estimated 50%.

• local and sustainable building materials

Pre-fabricated polystyrene building blocks with high thermal insulation used. Concrete incorporates fly-ash and is reinforced with reclaimed iron.

• sustainable transport

Zero car use onsite is an aim; alternatives are hybrid eco-shuttles, free bicycles that will initiate sustainable public transport network for the region.

Marketed under the slogan ‘Vacation in changing times’, St. Martin Chalets is a zero-carbon, sustainable new development of 10 exclusive, high quality Alpine chalets located on a 4,000m2 plot. Situated around a natural swim water feature and central subterranean clubhouse and spa, onsite management provides all-inclusive activity vacations.

• zero-carbon

The core concept is a highly efficient vegetable oil CHP unit that guarantees clean, green electricity and heat supply. If back up is needed, 100% certified green energy from wind, sun, water and biomass is delivered. Buildings are treble insulated glazing (μ value 0.7) and an overall μ value of 0.9.

• zero-waste

A complete recycling system for all waste is required by local by-laws. Organic waste is deposited on the resort’s compost heap and re-dug into the vegetable gardens. Education programmes for homeowners will be initiated as necessary.

• sustainable water

The developments and the hamlet of St Martin are supplied by a private spring. On-site, rainwater is collected in a large underground tank and used for irrigation. Quick flush system on all toilets will be installed, as well as water saving taps.

• local and sustainable building materials

The chalets are being built using natural, untreated timber from the regions’ sustainable forests. The roofs will be tiled using larch shingles and insulation is with 100% pure sheep’s wool. Construction is by a 100% regional labour force.

• sustainable transport

Carport parking is away from chalets. Cycles available for rent in summer. Plant-oil tank station for the resort’s mini van (9-seater), which provides a taxi shuttle service. Foreseen are plant-oil fuelled courtesy cars for daily rent (local company) and an electric buggy service.