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.

Las Torrentas is being conceived as a sustainable community with the latest ecological and energy saving materials being incorporated in the construction of new houses, the restoration of existing cottages and buildings, including that of a 19th century mill into a 50-seater restaurant, a hotel, petrol station, shops, café and bars.

• zero-carbon

Geothermal heat pumps will provide heat the houses in winter, and cool them in summer. External walls have 50mm insulation board for thermal protection; auto-ventilated roof tiles allow around 30% dissipation of heat transfer. Hydrostatic water from the mill provides power for low-level street lighting. Total expected direct savings of energy consumption are expected to be up to 80%; savings from insulation and natural light will offset much of the 20% difference.

• zero-waste

Waste recycling of paper, metals, plastic and card will be undertaken, and homeowners will receive a guide of products for cleaning, washing and treating the property. Green waste will be composted centrally and reused to benefit soils in the orchards and gardens. Where possible all building materials will be recycled including general waste materials.

• sustainable water

Grey water will be cleaned and reused to water the green areas of the site, reducing water usage by 80%. Air-flow taps low flush toilets will be installed. Rainwater will be harvested from roofs of properties.

• local and sustainable building materials

Floors will be laid from locally manufactured terracotta tiling; locally sourced stone will be utilised for feature walls. Feature pergolas will be made from locally sourced and certified sustainable forests where possible. Local labour is used.

• sustainable transport

Motor vehicles are permitted onsite; most homes have off-road parking. Two electric ‘pool’ cars will be provided for owners’ use; three free of charge solar powered charging bays will be provided for the community cars and owners’ electric/hybrid cars. A number of electric bikes will be made available onsite for residents’ use. Biofuels will be used to drive the motors of any site vehicles and machinery. Solar will be used to power the local transport vehicles on the estate and to transport residents to and from the local town.