Local developer Familia Cuenca is building 828 properties in the first eco-development in the region. The large site of 308,000m² will encompass 26,000m² of planted and managed flora. Innovations include dual orientation to facilitate natural air cross flow; positive grey water recycling and water reduction programme.

• zero-carbon

Dual orientation facilitates energy efficiency through cross-ventilation, direct sunlight – large windows are a feature – and favourable thermal conditions – half metre thick walls. Houses are well-insulated and solar panels heat water; showers and bath tubs have thermostatic taps.

• zero-waste

Individual kitchens have separated bins for waste management and recycling; centralised points for recycling of communal waste and compost points for organic waste. Centralised underground system for waste collection.

• sustainable water

Grey water and communal rainwater are recycled for irrigation purposes. Taps use air-flow system; toilet cistern system has reduced water flow; a water leakage detection system prevent unnecessary water loss.

• local and sustainable building materials

Building materials, equipment and labour are locally sourced; technical construction and design draws on local knowledge to guide orientation, insulation and air-flow. All house construction follows the principles of ‘healthy houses’, using non-toxic paint and natural building materials.

• sustainable transport

Services and commercial areas are easily accessed on foot; bicycle lanes surround the community; pavements and park areas with lots of trees are provided to encourage walking rather than car use.

Le Clos de la Croix Blanche provides luxurious living in a bespoke eco-friendly development built and finished to the highest standards, with a touch of contemporary design in a mountain environment. Timber-framed construction, photovoltaic panels, grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting, heat recuperation and geothermal preheating are some of the eco-initiatives installed.

• zero-carbon

Photovoltaic panels mounted within the roof structure will provide electricity. High levels of thermal insulation will feature through the use of wood structure wrapped with wood fibre panels, and triple-glazed windows; a ventilation system with heat recuperation and geothermal preheating will be installed. A high-efficiency gas-fired boiler will heat homes. All systems will be managed by an intelligent building system working according to pre-programmed needs.

• zero-waste

Recycling of plastics and glass bottles, jars and papers will be encouraged through inhouse provision of receptacles. A building waste management feasibility study is in progress. Composting will be implemented providing climatic conditions are beneficial.

• sustainable water

Potable water will be drawn from a local spring. Grey water recycling and rainwater harvesting from roofs will be undertaken and stored onsite for use for dual flushing WCs, washing machines and garden irrigation.

• local and sustainable building materials

Timber, which is the main building material, is sourced from a European sustainable forest. Concrete for the foundations comes from a local quarry and marble and stone materials are sourced from neighbouring Italy. Construction is undertaken by local labour from within the Mont Blanc region.

• sustainable transport

There is very limited onsite vehicular access, essentially an underground parking facility. The site is in immediate proximity to public bus and rail services and an airport shuttle services is provided in the valley. The ski lifts of the Grands Montets are only a short walk away.

Le Domaine du Bois des Harcholins is an environmentally sustainable sports and leisure development. Built to High Environmental Quality ® measures, it has been designed to provide noise and heat insulation (insulation is above legal requirements RT 2005 -20%), and the cottages will be THPE (High Energy Efficiency Building) certified. Once opened, it will be audited to reach the ISO14001 requirements.

• zero-carbon

Different renewable energy sources will be used onsite, including a wood and gas boiler to provide 80% of energy requirements for the heating of the main central facilities. Solar panels will be used for hot water in some buildings, and energy-reduction and power-saving measures initiated.

• zero-waste

Waste sorting and recycling will be managed and followed. Each cottage is equipped with recycling bins. Suppliers are asked to minimise packaging and recycle or reuse. Organic waste is composted and used as a nutrient for gardening.

• sustainable water

The legislation in France does not allow the use of rainwater inside of buildings (toilets, for example) but all rainwater from the central facilities will be harvested and used for the lagoon and the lake to contribute to the preservation and promotion of biodiversity.

• local and sustainable building materials

The construction of cottages and the structure of the central facilities will be in wood grown in either local or sustainable development certified forests. P&V has a policy to promote the use of renewable, recyclable and eco-certified materials for construction.

• sustainable transport

P&V will create a car-free development with electric shuttles to transport visitors around the village. Cottages will be connected to the rest of the development by pedestrian and cycle tracks. Parking is restricted to beltways around the development. High-speed train connections from Paris by TGV, reducing 80% of CO2 emissions over the equivalent journey by plane, are operational.