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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.