Energy
Our energy plan includes both conservation and the use of renewable energy.  Our homes are constructed using a new technology called Perform Wall.  Perform Wall is a highly energy-efficient molded panel made from cement mixed with recycled Styrofoam beads which has an R-40 insulation rating, an exceptional insulation quality which will reduce air conditioning loads and corresponding electrical costs by approximately 50% on an annual basis compared to conventional buildings.  The design of the homes, with inner courtyards, fountains, and dome vented kitchen cupolas, contributes to natural cooling.  Warm air passes over the exterior walls, is cooled by the courtyard fountain and plant life, and then is drawn through the house and out the cupola in a continuous flow. As well, our homes will be equipped with reduced electricity-use fixtures and appliances and designed according to LEED energy efficiency criteria.

In addition, homes and buildings will be equipped with solar-powered hot water units, for domestic and swimming pool applications.

Potable water
In the warm, dry climate of the Baja Peninsula, planning for water use is key in creating a sustainable development. Our strategy includes water conservation, harvesting and watershed restoration. To conserve water, homes will feature reduced-use fixtures and appliances. On the golf course, grass will be replaced with paspalum grass, a saline tolerant plant which requires significantly less fresh water, and a storm water management plan will make optimum use of rainfall runoff for irrigation and estuary flushing.  As well, all waste water will be treated and reused for landscaping and agriculture.

Our plan for supplying water started with the designation of 5,000 acres of land as a natural preserve. This land contains two watersheds. With the combination of watershed restoration and desalination we will supply more than enough water to make Loreto Bay water-independent. 
To restore a watershed, it is necessary to replenish its soil, so that water can be more easily absorbed and percolate to the aquifer. First, small dams and flow-slowing structures will be built in runoff channels, so that during the rainy season, water will be collected and given time to soak into the ground.  Next, the area will be fenced off to prevent further over-grazing, which has stripped the land of much vegetation and the ability to retain water. 

Since watershed restoration takes many years to realize successful results, desalination will be done as required to meet our water needs.  By using the latest and safest technologies, such as deep wells for seawater extraction and waste brine rejection, we will ensure that our operation in no way harms the marine park and its delicate ecosystem.

Habitat (Biodiversity and Biomass)
It is our intent to improve this place with human settlement. Essentially, our goal is to increase the number and variety of living things in the area. One key element in our plan is the establishment of our 5,000 acre natural preserve where the watershed restoration project will be undertaken, where the soil will regain its nutrients allowing flora to increase and provide habitat for multiple species of fauna.

Loreto Bay is preserving, and in some areas re-creating, estuary water channels.  The estuary is a critically important ecosystem. These wetlands nurture the growth of many marine and terrestial plants and animals, provide habitat and protect against erosion. Above the water, literally hundreds of species of birds nest in the branches of the estuary's mangroves.

Other initiatives include:
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which incorporates birds and bats in the control of insects and rodents.
• Support for research and eco-tourism projects that encourage the proliferation of sea turtles
• Support for the Marine Park authority and it’s regulations governing fishing and marine life protection
• Design of an eco-marina to ensure protection of marine ecosystems

Waste management
Proper management of solid waste ensures protection of fresh water, air, soil and marine life. The Waste Management Plan for Loreto Bay is based on a proven model. The success of the Wet/Dry Recycling System is founded in its simplicity. It is this simplicity that has led to such high participation rates (98%) where the program has been implemented. Wastes are separated into compostables, recyclables and non-recyclable garbage for the landfill. Organics are processed to produce rich compost that will be utilized by Loreto Bay for landscaping and agriculture and will also provide a source of revenue as the compost is sold to other users. Recyclables are delivered to a materials recovery facility where they are sorted and either recycled locally or distributed for re-use.

Further to Loreto Bay's commitment to go beyond minimizing impacts to making a net positive contribution, it is hoped we can extend this program beyond The Villages of Loreto Bay into the town of Loreto itself, thereby reducing the current waste stream.

Global warming
According to the Population Reference Bureau recent developments in alternative energy sources, pollution-control technologies and international agreements may hold promise for reducing future carbon dioxide emissions. If you would like more information about how your lifestyle could help promote a carbon dioxide free environment, check out this Web site www.carboncounter.org