Ecological Footprint
Many aspects of design, use, and social integration with the surrounding community contribute to a measure of impact called an “ecological footprint”. This measure enables analysts to integrate social, physical and economic variables to measure the impact that users have on the world around them.

Areas in which OlaBrisa will concentrate on minimizing the ecological footprint include energy utilization and generation, water treatment, use and disposal, community and building design, transportation in and around Todos Santos, and building material choice and maintenance.  Each of these factors are being evaluated as design proceeds for the OlaBrisa community.  

Energy Generation & Use
Our philosophy at OlaBrisa is to build in a way that minimizes our use of non-renewable resources. It has been determined that the power needs for Olabrisa can best be met though a combination of low energy design features (e.g. maximizing opportunities for natural cooling, creating an infrastructure that minimizes operational energy requirements, and emphasizes daylighting features) and photovoltaic, possible wind power, and backup diesel generation capability.   The OlaBrisa design team has been consulting with a number of experienced energy generation experts to determine the best mix to meet the community’s everyday energy needs.

Water Use and Reuse
The design team is also sensitive to the reality that water in Todos Santos is a precious, limited resource. To insure a consistent water supply during cyclical changes in weather, we are planning to include holding tanks and a small desalination plant to generate potable water when necessary. It will be fed from the sea, utilizing brackish groundwater that is easily available at OlaBrisa. Recent advances in the miniaturization of these systems, as well as increased energy efficiency in their operation, create a situation where the desalination of water for OlaBrisa can be cost effective.

Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater treatment at Olabrisa will focus on total recovery. Consistent with the desire to maintain the smallest possible ecological footprint, OlaBrisa’s design will incorporate as many features as possible to create efficient and total use of its wastewater. We will be using the newest technology available for a self-contained wastewater treatment system. This will enable OlaBrisa to recycle virtually 100% of its wastewater in the form of irrigation supply.