Loreto Bay is a planned 6000 house, $3 billion development on 8000 acres of ocean front bordering a marine park, in Baja California del Sur. The development aims to create a “regenerative community”, and focuses on regenerating ecosystems and people through the development process. The project started out by focusing on regenerating ecosystems, improving water systems, generating renewable energy, creating meaningful, long-term local employment opportunities, and reinvesting locally to assure long-term health and vitality. An SSG member, working for BuildGreen, was involved in providing sustainability expertise in the early stages of the site planning and building design. The project has since been sold to new owners, and is partially constructed.

• Developing a sustainable operations plan to inform all purchasing, contracting and operations decisions.

• Preparing an analysis of community-wide renewable energy systems and strategies, with a focus on interactive and appropriate technologies.

• Creating a framework and indicators for assessing sustainability and regenerative performance.

• LEED and green building consulting for several different building projects, using an integrated design process.

Our work was based on the objectives of supporting the local economy, promoting fair trade and organic practices, maximizing energy and water efficiency, and ensuring healthy and ecologically responsible purchasing and operations practices. Throughout this project we worked with a diversity of stakeholders with a broad range of backgrounds and priorities. We were able build and maintain an alignment of values and we developed practical strategies to realize the ambitious and principled goals of this leading edge, regenerative community.