Excellence and commitment have always been pillars of developer Marjal International’s policy. In line with these two elements, the company commenced the design and construction of the first officially certified “Green Home” in the Valencian Community. Solar panels, water recycling systems, and LED lighting are only some of the features included in the homes, which are located in attractive locations inland, such as at Villas de la Romana, and beside the coast on the Costa Blanca.

• zero-carbon

In total, through the following measures, the developer notes energy reduction is approximately 50 per cent less compared to a standard house with similar dimensions. CO2 emissions are reduced by around 25-50 per cent according to the systems applied:

* Solar panels for hot water production;

* Biomass furnace for hot water and heating production;

* Low thermal conductive materials used to avoid heat loss;

* Optimal Sun orientation to reduce the need for and therefore energy consumption in domestic lighting;

* Movable blinds to repel strong sunlight in the summer, thus reducing the requirement for air conditioning;

* All appliances are A–type energy consumption;

* Utility area is open air to reduce the need to use a tumble dryer;

* Hot water tank is less than seven metres to all sources of water to reduce the energy consumed to maintain water hot and to minimize the amount that remains in pipes;

* LED light bulbs are used that in many cases use 80% less energy than a incandescent light bulb;

* A heat exchanger system captures heat in the air and uses it later on in the day when the house is cooler changing the air inside the house as well, allowing for a reduction of heat loss and allowing fresh air to enter the property continuously.

• zero-waste

Selective collection of refuse is provided on site by a third party for paper, glass, plastic and organic waste. All building waste is treated according to the requirements of the certificate and carried out by a certified sub contractor.

• sustainable water

Recycling of shower and bath water (grey water) is used for irrigation of the garden. Soap and detergent filters are installed and the water is stored for use in an exterior water tank. Rainwater is also stored in the tank. This water is also used for flushing use in toilets. Water valves to lower pressure are installed to regulate the water flow. Smaller toilet cisterns are installed (less than 6 litres, normally it is 9 litres). Which also have a half flush option. Taps have an airing stop that distributes the water but reduces the amount used. Garden plants used are autochthonous to drier climates. There is very little lawn, which is reduced to the area around the pool and artificial grass is recommended.

• local and sustainable building materials

All materials have a sustainable production certificate. Marble, Granite and slate are local (La Romana has its own quarry nearby). Most of the ceramics are from the region, the farthest away would be Valencia (200 km away) for the tiles and roof tiles. Labour is mostly local, some do have to come from other towns but not more than 30km away.

• sustainable transport

A cycle lane runs through the streets of the development. Unlike other developments, the cycle route in Villas de La Romana goes straight into the town centre of La Romana. Cars are permitted on site although the cycle lane, direct into the town, is meant to ‘facilitate and promote’ the use of bicycles. The developer is considering introducing a price reduction or a subsidy if a prospective buyer wishes to purchase a Toyota Prius Hybrid. An electric charging point in the home would be installed in such cases.

AlmaVerde, located on the western Algarve, is one of Europe’s foremost eco-developments. A multi-award winning project, by British developers, the resort features the innovative Coolhouse cooling and heating system, which reduces energy consumption and the emission of CO2. Sustainable construction materials used include handmade sun-baked clay bricks, mortar, render and timber.

• zero-carbon

Solar thermal is installed in all new buildings under construction. Biomass is to be used in a number of new larger buildings, using local pellet supplies. Adobe, timber, and natural stone are used to minimise embodied energy, which can represent up to 15% of a building’s lifetime consumption. Passive housing is fundamental to the design philosophy and the homes have an airtight but breathable – to enable passive humidity control – envelope. The Coolhouse cooling and heating system installed reduces CO2 emissions by as much as 94 per cent compared to standard split unit air conditioning. More than 4,000 trees have been planted, which sequestrates at least 100 tonnes CO2/year.

• zero-waste

A recycling programme for non-biodegradable items is operational; and composting is being implemented as maintenance buildings with composting beds are being completed. Waste disposal by contractors is strictly controlled under contract conditions, and includes the recycling of adobe waste and timber off-cuts, which are used as either salad bowls or as biomass.

• sustainable water

All toilets are dual 6-litre flush and Grohe taps used for bidets and basins have built-in airflow. Showers rather than baths in most ensuites lessen water usage; hot water return offers water and energy savings. The developer is exploring grey water recycling options. Shelter belts and the use of indigenous plants mean low irrigation required. Permeable surfaces to private driveways aid water run off utilising a recycled plastic open grid system which holds gravel and is 100 per cent permeable. Studies of local climatic and geographical conditions lead the developer to let ‘nature take its course’ rather than harvest rainwater.

• local and sustainable building materials

Sustainable materials include handmade sun-baked clay bricks, mortar and render that are manufactured onsite. Local natural stone is also used. Timber is sustainably farmed as a contract condition. Labour is generally local.

• sustainable transport

Onsite, a network of pedestrian routes throughout the site mostly avoids the road network. A number of electric golf buggies for residents’ use onsite have been provided to lessen the requirement to drive motor vehicles. The developer is considering options including initiating a car pooling service, local town shuttle, and bike hire.

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Halcyon Hills is a luxury marina and spa resort comprising newly built apartments and villas, set in a secluded water front location on the pretty Greek island of Samos. The development has been designed to minimise the environmental impact on the local area from considered water recycling to sympathetic architectural design that facilitates airflow and obviates the need for energy hungry air-conditioning.

• zero-carbon

Properties are being architecturally designed to facilitate airflow, and using smaller windows to the rear and larger windows to the front of each property. Solar panels for water heating are being strategically placed through the resort so as not to impact on the views. Building materials and labour will be sourced on the island, limiting the construction carbon footprint.

• zero-waste

Recycling of organic and non-organic waste will be implement in due course. Where applicable, all building material waste will be recycled.

• sustainable water

Grey and black water is treated on site and recycled for irrigation. A small onsite desalination plant will supply water for the heating system throughout. Landscaping is being planted at correct angles and levels enabling the water to not have a ‘run-off’ effect, which helps avoid soil corrosion and prevents water loss. The use of organic mulch will also prevent excess water loss; a computerised irrigation system controls the levels of water to the plants, reducing water wastage.

• local and sustainable building materials

A local workforce will be employed for building works and maintenance of the hotel and resort. Where possible, local stone and woods will be used for cladding the properties and throughout the buildings where possible.

• sustainable transport

There is no vehicular access to the site beyond the main hotel building. Electrical powered vehicles are used for transport around the resort, limiting noise and pollution. An airport shuttle bus will be provided.