When it comes to “going green,” real estate communities are shifting focus when it comes to development and dedicating themselves to maintaining the ecological and environmental integrity of the lands in which they reside. Here are three developments dedicated to sustainability:
Palmetto Bluff is the largest remaining waterfront property on the East Coast, a 20,000-acre nature preserve in the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. When Crescent Communities purchased the land in 2000, it created the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy to ensure that the stewardship practices of previous owners were continued. The Conservancy is responsible for ensuring the Bluff’s natural resources and vast wildlife are not only intact but flourishing alongside the planned development. To keep sacred what is so special about this place, Crescent set out to develop the community with one priority: preserving the unique natural environment of the property. Operating with an “anti-developer” mindset, Crescent has slashed the originally planned 8,000 homes to 4,000 and a portion of all sales helps fund the non-profil organization. Moreland Village, the newest residential community, is home to the new Conservancy headquarters, including an outdoor instructional pond and amphitheater, and 100+ events per year for owners/guests to learn about the land.
Hual?lai, a luxury oceanfront community on the exclusive Kona-Kohala Coast, offers a comprehensive conservancy program committed to sustainability. David Chai, director of natural resources, has revitalized the area with traditional Hawaiian practices including a coastal wetland ecosystem teeming with native plants, fish, and wildlife maintained by an environmentally and cost-effective system. A Marine Life Advisory Committee manages fishery resources at the Ka??p?lehu shoreline and the Natural Resources Department at Hual?lai maintains an aquaculture program to raise fresh seafood, such as oysters that are grown and harvested onsite in Punawai Lake. Additionally, interactive educational programming, including behind-the-scenes tours for guests and children.
With the recent announcement of Tesla’s huge solar energy plant on Kauai, the island is certainly living up to its reputation as the green island. Kukui’ula, the first and only luxury development on the South Shore of Kuaui takes sustainable building to the next level with one of their new mid-century homes, Modern Kalahawai Lot 38. which is being built out to house a Tesla battery pack (Tesla Powerwall 2) in the garage, as well as 12 Lumos solar panels on the roof.