How are Green Resorts Constructed

     The design of a green resort is important in many ways. Not only should a green resort follow the rules of sustainable development, a well constructed green resort should be responsive to the constraints of the natural and cultural environment. A fragile or unique environment must be taken into consideration when designing an experience that brings visitors closer to nature.

     Also important to take into consideration is the hotel design. Green resorts should have open floor plans. This will reduce energy consumption by allowing for breezy open air areas. This will also allow for natural heating through unobstructed sunlight.

     Below are things to take into consideration in the construction of a green resort:

     CLIMATE

     • Building materials, construction and orientation.

     • Energy consumption.

     • The nature of the land e.g. topography, soils, hydrology, vegetation and fauna.

     • The feel, character and qualities of the location

     • Comfort and convenience of users.

     CLIMATE TYPES

     • The path (vertical and horizontal angle) of the sun during the year.

     • The temperature range.

     • The annual rainfall amount and annual distribution.

     • The wind intensity, direction and occurrence.

     • The most likely direction of storms, cold or strong winds.

     • The proximity to a large body of water (ocean breezes).

     LOCALITY

     • Identifying an appropriate site and the scale or type of development that might suit the green resort.

     • Access to local resources and services e.g. food, building materials, fuel, labor, water sources and infrastructure that will not impact energy and the environment.

     • Access to a unique environment e.g. natural ecosystems, local culture and history.

     • The tourism appeal of the area.

     SITE ANALYSIS

     There are some general principles to be followed when deciding upon the specific site for a structure:

     • Build on the least sensitive areas, or areas that have already been subject to human disturbance.

     • Site the development in an area with natural values that can be used to interpret the environment in a wider context.

     • Consider the type of tenure and rights of access and use.

     • Optimize the best available views without building on prominent points or ridgelines.

     Site Evaluation

     The type and detail of information to be prepared as part of the site analysis will depend upon factors such as the type, scale and intensity of the development and the nature of site conditions. Therefore, the evaluation of the carrying capacity of the site will take into account:

     • Fragility or resilience of the site.

     • Availability of water and power resources.

     • Type of development.

     • Estimated maximum number of visitors.

     • Connections to different parts of the site e.g. trails or swimming at a nearby beach.