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.

A green building charter (charte Chantier Vert) has been adopted at Domaine du Lac d'Ailette. An environmental quality manager is in situ. Innovations implemented include stringent water reduction policies such as an automated management water usage system that enables the early detection of irregular water usage and leaks.

• zero-carbon

Energy saving lights and thermostat enabling heating adjustment have been installed; an energy saving motivation campaign initiated.

• zero-waste

Site waste is pre-sorted. 1,380 tonnes of waste was recycled between January and October 2006 (saving €36,000/ £24,500).

• sustainable water

Automated management system; double continence toilet flush, push taps and water flow reduction systems; large buildings water cooled from onsite lake.

• local and sustainable building materials

Site is a pilot project of new French sustainable building certification (HQE), applicable to buildings in the tourism industry.

• sustainable transport

Development is car-free, bike and walking trails are plentiful. The promotion of the use of public transport to reach site is underway.

As part of a published environmental manifesto, all buildings at Joia das Dunas, including the onsite hotel, will have solar panels or wind turbines and use geo-thermal technology. Rainwater will be harvested and reserved on a natural lake for use on public spaces; all properties will have water reduction technologies. An on-site organic vegetable farm produces supplies for the hotel’s organic restaurant. Residents are encouraged to become involved in and purchase the produce

• zero-carbon

Solar panels and/or wind turbines will be implemented; geo-thermal energy from bore holes supplies under floor heating, hot water and heating in pools.

• zero-waste

Organic waste will be composted; non-biodegradable materials – glass, tins, paper and plastics - will be sorted and recycled where possible. Waste construction materials, although minimal, will also be recycled.

• sustainable water

Rainwater will be harvested and reserved on a natural lake for use on public gardens; water reduction programmes will be implemented in all properties.

• local and sustainable building materials

Most build materials will be locally sourced and sustainable. Labour too has been locally sourced. Rubble from a pig farm demolished onsite was recycled for use as hard core in road.

• sustainable transport

There's a bicycle rental programme, and a free shuttle service from the airport, lessening individual miles by homeowners.