Invest in a greener world urge ski property experts
Every year, millions of skiers take to the slopes in Europe, with French ski resorts being among the most popular ski as well as second home destinations. Indeed, it is no secret that skiing just so happens to be one of the most environmentally damaging sports in the world and with this in mind, we ask, can skiing ever really be synonymous with green living? The experts say yes, explaining that a number of resorts are now working hard to reduce the sports environmental impacts.
According to Mountain Riders, the Grenoble-based green campaign group who conducted the first carbon audit of ski resorts identified that around 75% of greenhouse-gas emissions arose from transporting skiers and snowboarders to their destinations. With this in mind, Eurostar will be helping to ease the environmental impacts by operating direct seasonal ski services. As of the 17th December 2011, travellers from St Pancras and Ashford International will set off for the French Alps via the high speed rail alternative. It is suggested that on average, a Eurostar journey accounts for just one tenth of the carbon emissions of an equivalent flight whilst allowing travellers to arrive closer to their resort without the need for long transfers.
Of course, ski resorts themselves also hold some accountability with 2% of greenhouse gas emissions derived from ski lifts according to Mountain Riders research while concrete sprawl and overheated properties also contribute to environment degradation.
However, a growing number of resorts are now realising their environmental duties with Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, commenting,
“The French ski property industry has received criticism in the past for being slow to adopt green strategies particularly as housing is one of the main contributors to C02 emissions. Indeed, we have a moral and legal responsibility to consider sustainable eco-friendly alternatives for the properties we build and own. In fact, around 79% of property buyers consider respecting the environment as an important part of their purchasing process with many thinking green in order to ensure their dream property in France holds the same value in 20 years time as it does today. ”
Williams continues,
Undoubtedly, eco homes are the future of not only the skiing world but the residential property market as a whole. Not only are they attractive but they are also cheaper to run because they require less heating and cooling than a conventional house meaning that overall, eco homes appreciate in value. And, with increasing levels of EU environmental legislation being passed, potential property buyers need to start planning now to ensure that their investments meet the criteria in years to come in order to avoid incurring heavy operating and possible redevelopment costs later down the line. ”
With environmental impact at the very heart of Terresens, affording an environmentally conscious attitude to its design and construction, each ski property holds an ecological rating out of 150 enabling buyers to make educated choices.
The luxurious 4* development La Chapelle, set in the traditional Alpine village of Ste Foy consisting of 68 apartments with only 9 remaining units, boasts an ecological rating of 112 due to the use of natural building materials and water retrieval as well as sustainable management, costing from just €161,014 excl. VAT.
Additionally, Le Hameau de Rennes in Vars has 131 furnished and decorated 1 to 3 bed duplex apartments which are divided into beautiful traditional chalets costing from just €165,040. Dedicated to the environment, this development employs waste management, use of renewable materials such as wood, stone and brick as well as recycled materials including soft flooring and laminated parquet helping it achieve an ecological rating of 92/150.
Coming soon……
Sainte Foy Phase II
This south facing development is being built in line with the traditional local architecture using specific materials to create the trademark wood and stone finish and will provide ski in/ski out facilities from €210,500. With exceptional views, the fully furnished 1bed to 4bed duplex properties employ efficient waste water management, 100% green electricity and waste sorting and recycling.
For more information about investing in sustainable, eco friendly leaseback developments in France contact Terresens today on + 44 (0) 2030 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com