Business Barbados - 2023 Edition

The custodian of environmental protection for new development rests with the Environmental Protection Department, which applies robust policies to all new development and their policies are embedded in the conditions attached to every planning consent. Barbados is also a global leader in the management of municipal waste. Sustainable Barbados Recycling Centre (SBRC) is the most advanced waste processing facility in the English speaking Caribbean and processes all of the island’s waste to separate toxic waste and recyclable waste to minimize the requirements of the landfill. The next step is to convert the waste to energy, which is a goal which is yet to be achieved What does this mean for the future of development in Barbados? Clearly Barbados practices robust environmental and sustainability environmental policies (ESG’s and SDG’s) and this adds to its appeal as a place to aspire to live. The sensitivity of visitors to the island to these changes cannot be underestimated. Especially so, in the development community. So, what is trending in the property development world? Well, the first thing to note is that the interests of developers and buyers are aligned. We are seeing a sea change in the attitudes of buyers of residential homes. Customers are demanding ethical, low resource, energy efficient homes, and developers who recognize that fact are winning the battle in the marketplace. Customers are not only embracing green technologies, they have become critical to their choices. Buyers want to know that their homes are built from sustainable products and that the home is energy efficient. Development led demand Leading-edge design solutions include: • Collection of roof and hard surface run off water for use in irrigation • Solar heating of hot water • Roof and glazing solutions which minimize heat gain and thereby reduce energy consumption • Energy management systems • LED lighting • Low flush toilets • Sensor activated light and air conditioning systems • Waste sorting and management systems • Electric vehicle charge points - Barbados has one of the highest per capita rates for electric vehicles in the world The new developments in Barbados embrace these technologies and recognize the demand for a more holistic experience. A good example is the reincarnation of the Apes Hill Golf and Resort community. As well as being an environmentally sensitive development, it offers ‘farm to table’ cultivation to its home-owners, not just as a source of supply but for its homeowners and guests to practice. They have recognized the demand from their clientele for a more holistic lifestyle, which allows them to interact with nature more than they do in their principal domicile. And it is showing in the success it has had in the second home market in a very short space of time, with Apes Hill being the market leader over the last twelve months. So, if you are looking for an ethical choice in where to live and recreate, it is hard to beat Barbados. A Courtyard Villa at Apes Hill Barbados BUSINESS BARBADOS 2023 50