Branson Plans Zero Carbon Resort, Launches Eco-Consulting Group

July 2, 2008

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Richard Branson plans to turn his Mosquito Island in the British Virgin Islands into the most environmentally-friendly resort in the world, The Associated Press reports.

Located off Virgin Gorda and within sight of Branson’s Necker Island, uninhabited Mosquito Island, as Branson envisions it, will have a beachfront restaurant and 20 villas powered by solar and wind.

Thermal airflows will eliminate the need for air conditioners and the restaurant’s food will come from an organic orchard and vehicles will run on biofuel.

The response from the government has been positive and the VI planning department is reviewing Branson’s plans that aim to be environmentally friendly in every aspect.

Branson also says he is launching an eco-consulting group called Virgin Green Owls that will advise governments and corporations in carbon neutral projects beginning in August.Branson is known for taking the lead in an elite circle of climate change activists. Following the British government’s criticism of British Airways last year, Branson’s Virgin Airlines introduced on-board carbon offsets for flights. With that, Virgin had brought buying offsets into the open and made it a public act, EnvironmentalLeader reported.

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Reader Comments

EGM Green would love to participate in this Eco-Friendly island. We are the only company to make Eco-friendly casino tables. http://www.egmgreen.com

Eric Hansel | July 3rd, 2008

The initiative comes from the right place. Track record, smarts in business, massive resources and a wealth of environmentally switched on folks. Face it, Richard Branson can accord the best. Plus, he’s motivated, and like many times, he’s first to make a real impact, either real or perceived. Leadership. Owls, has a ring to it and reminds me of the wise folks group in The Global Elders initiative, formed by Branson and Peter Gabriel. Nothing wrong with the currency of celebrity either. Branson’s got more substance than style (which is considerable), and he’s made global news again, so the awareness is certainly there. Sign me up.

Greg Tingle | July 3rd, 2008

I love to see energy-efficient projects like this. Branson is doing something for the spectacular Virgin Gorda that his critics can only talk about. They need to get busy and do it themselves! We are marketing eco-friendly homes in the Nation’s Oldest City, St. Augustine and getting a great response. These are hurricane ready, fire-resistant, mold and mildew resistant, termite resistant energy efficient structures with on-demand hot water, low-e windows and are gov’t rated by EPA certified inspectors. This is the wave of the future and I applaud Branson for his active participation.

Dirk Schroeder | September 4th, 2008