The Babcock Ranch in Florida will be developed on 17,000 acres, include 19,500 residential units, 6 million SF commercial space, and aspires to be a net-zero emissions solar-powered city.
The development is just a portion of a 91,000-acre parent property that was purchased by Syd Kitson and Morgan Stanley in 2006.
According to Hemisphere Real Estate, "Among the property’s assets are: an active rock mine with permits to mine until the year 2030; a 10,000-acre watershed that can pump 70 million gallons of freshwater per day; and a wilderness tour facility with approximately 50,000 visitors per year."
Developers hope to make this a demonstration model for future developments throughout the country.
Babcock Ranch will have an integrated ‘smart grid’ that lets power users monitor and control their energy consumption.
Subject to approvals, ground-breaking will take place in late 2009.
See the Jocks as Eco Activists article for more information about the people behind the purchase of this property.
Solar Cities
Zero-Emission Babcock Ranch in Florida Models Eco Sustainablity
Trend Themes
1. Net-zero Emissions - The focus on creating a net-zero emissions solar-powered city presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in sustainable infrastructure and clean energy technology.
2. Smart Grid Technology - Integrating a 'smart grid' into the city's design presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in energy monitoring and control systems, as well as the development of more efficient renewable energy storage solutions.
3. Eco Demonstration Models - The developers' goal to create Babcock Ranch as a model for sustainable future developments creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly real estate development.
Industry Implications
1. Sustainable Infrastructure - The development of Babcock Ranch as a net-zero emissions solar-powered city presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in sustainable urban planning, green construction materials, and clean energy technology.
2. Energy Monitoring and Control - The integration of a 'smart grid' system into the city's design creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in energy monitoring and control systems, as well as the development of more efficient renewable energy storage solutions.
3. Eco-friendly Real Estate - The developers' goal to create Babcock Ranch as a model for sustainable future developments creates opportunities for disruptive innovation in eco-friendly real estate development, green construction materials, and sustainable urban planning.