The Lodge project has been designed to embrace the natural topography and vegetation of the site and thus integrate sympathetically into the environment. Solar possibilities are fully exploited and heating/cooling is predominantly by air-source heat pumps and exchangers. Materials are sourced locally where possible, including stone from a nearby quarry and timber from renewable European forests.

• zero-carbon

High performance external insulation, shaded terraces, folding wooden screen doors, and cross ventilation minimises need for heating and cooling. Where necessary air-source heat pumps and exchangers provide optimum ambient temperature. Solar tubes supply at least 60% of hot water. Low consumption LED lighting will be used extensively throughout. Top-up electricity requirement is supplied by France’s 80% non-CO2 emitting nuclear capacity.

• zero-waste

The restaurant and hotel will favour seasonal produce sourced directly from local suppliers who will be encouraged to reduce packaging to a minimum. Organic waste will be composted onsite and used on the vegetable gardens. A comprehensive recycling programme for non-biodegradable materials will be established. Building materials have been chosen to avoid waste or pollution.

• sustainable water

Water-saving taps, showers and toilets will be installed throughout. All water used for irrigation, buildings etc (non-potable uses) will be rainwater, untreated (bore or agricultural) or grey wastewater, which will be treated through an on-site reed bed filtration station. Rainwater will be harvested and stored in tanks, retention basins and architectural lake. Landscaping is predominantly with indigenous Mediterranean plants to minimise irrigation required. Impermeable surfaces are kept to strict minimum.

• local and sustainable building materials

Local stone (Pierre de Beaulieu) from a quarry 10km away is being extensively used. Wood used extensively for wall and roof cladding, interior flooring and terraces/decks is sustainably produced European Robinier (Acacia). Local and regional contractors and labour will be used for majority of construction works and maintenance. Materials cement sand and stone - are sourced locally.

• sustainable transport

The nearby (20 mins) TGV link from Paris to Montpellier (3hrs 15 min) makes the resort easily accessible by rail. Bikes are freely available to guests. Development is car-free, bike and walking trails are plentiful. Electrical powered vehicles are used for guest transport around the resort; service vehicles will be mostly electric or hybrids. An airport shuttle service will be provided as well as collective transport for guests to offsite activities and visits.

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.