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OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY  

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RESOURCES 

• SHELTER strives to not only be independent from the power grid, but to be example of how energy-positive buildings can significantly decrease emissions. 

• SHELTER aims to be entirely self-sustaining and will feature its own waste and water management systems, alongside comprehensive recycling structures.

• The buildings will use up to 40% less energy than conventional buildings by using ultra efficient materials and the latest construction technology.

• Solar energy will be harvested and used throughout the site.

• Ground-source and air-source heat pumps will be used instead of traditional heating methods.

• Energy saving LED bulbs will be used throughout the site and lighting in common areas will be fitted with motion sensors to further save energy, when not in use. 

• Geothermal energy will be used for refrigeration equipment in the restaurants and café, instead of a standard water-cooled system, saving significant amounts of water.

• Water usage will be reduced by 33% by installing high efficiency plumbing fixtures, saving millions of gallons of water every year.

• Electric vehicle chargers will be installed across the site. A number of these chargers will be available for public use. 

• Cycling will be encouraged, and SHLETER bicycles will be available on site. 

 

CONSTRUCTION ​

• Construction will be carried out using as many sustainable and environmentally friendly methods possible, with the aim of achieving not just carbon neutrality but carbon negativity.  

• Many of the existing barns and stables on site will be renovated and repurposed.

• Construction waste will be minimised and recycled, diverting tons of debris from landfill. 

• Building materials will include sustainable timber, recycled steel, and concrete using natural, locally sourced aggregate and bio cement products, when possible.

• Local suppliers, fabricators and artisans will be hired in order to reduce transportation and packaging.

 

INTERIOR

• All equipment and appliances will be ENERGY STAR approved. 

• Water heaters will be set to meet minimum sanitation standards.

• Refrigerator temperatures will be set to meet minimum health requirements. 

• Regular maintenance will be carried out on refrigeration systems. 

• Occupancy sensors will be installed to control air conditioning and heating. 

• Much of the furniture, fixtures and fittings will be made from salvaged, recycled or locally sourced materials.

• All buildings will be decorated using low-emitting volatile organic compound (VOC) paints and adhesives, reducing indoor air contamination.

• Linens will be made using organically grown and fair-trade cotton.

• After cleaning rooms, housekeeping staff will be instructed to turn off non-emergency lighting.

• Laundry and general cleaning products will be certified non-toxic, and disinfectants will be used only where necessary. 

• Reusable bags will be used by the on-site laundry service. 

• Recycling bins will be available across the entire site and staff will be trained to separate materials. 

• Food waste will be composted for use in the grounds. 

• To be plastic-free, SHELTER will filter and bottle its own drinking water.

• Reusable cloth napkins and tablecloths will be used, instead of disposable, and bathroom paper with a minimum of 30% recycled content will be supplied.  

 

 

EXTERIOR 

• 40% of the site will be conserved as open space. 

• To improve the landscape, which currently includes highly manicured fields and unkempt horse corrals, much of the site will be planted with native grasses, creating hundreds of acres of suitable grassland to benefit the local wildlife population. Maintenance of these areas will include regular spot or block mowing and control of invasive plant species to sustain healthy grasslands and improve habitat quality. 

• More trees will be planted than removed and some of the property will be reforested with trees and crops that support the local flora and fauna. 

• Green roofs will be installed on many of the buildings to encourage biodiversity, not only to provide a net conservation benefit but to ensure the local wildlife habitats are supported and enhanced. 

• The golf course will be designed and operated in order to receive certification from the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for golf. The golf course will be designed and operated to meet the ACSP BMPs for environmental planning, wildlife and habitat management, chemical use reduction and safety, water conservation, water quality management and, outreach and education. 

• The children’s barn will include a biodiverse play area, created from sustainably produced wood. 

 

PRODUCE 

• The vast majority of produce used will be grown on site or sourced locally from organic producers. There are already plans to work with existing nearby sustainable farming operations, as well as local suppliers.

• Guests will be able to purchase these products from the on-site market, therefore reducing their need to travel and to purchase supplies. 

• Plant based options will be available on the menus and in the on-site market. 

 

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