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.

Snobbys are detached two- and three-bedroom houses, each set in a private, walled courtyard garden in an attractive region of the southernmost Greek island of Crete. The boutique development of seven homes is the first of its kind in western Crete to specifically incorporate a green initiative that includes photovoltaics, solar water heating and high thermal density with a high specification interior finish.

• zero-carbon

The homes have been constructed using thermal bricks which provides excellent insulatory properties to keep the homes cool in summer and to retain heat in the winter months. Renewable energy systems installed are photovoltaic panels to convert sunlight into electricity, which is stored in deep-discharge gel batteries for recall and reuse on demand. A Sine-Wave Inverter converts the supply into the household mains. A solar water heating system with a 100 litre cylinder provides hot water on demand. Low energy light bulbs are installed throughout.

• zero-waste

The developer reports recycling in Crete is only available within cities. In villages, houses do not have an individual refuse collection. The system depends on a few large bins dotted around the village, which are used by everyone.

• sustainable water

Reduced flush toilet mechanism only installed.

• local and sustainable building materials

Local materials have been sourced and used, including timber from sustainable local forestry and stone from an island quarry. Local labour and contractors have been hired.

• sustainable transport

The development’s design reflects a traditional Cretan village with alleys and walkways to each courtyard. Vehicles have no access to the development.