Aakar Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaima is going green - according to a recent announcement by Aakar’s CEO and President Yadvinder Singh. The latest international green design and construction guidelines will be implemented in a $162 million luxury hotel and residential project.

“The initiative involves the implementation of the appropriate latest international design & construction guidelines such as Leed NC, Ashrae 90.1 and Ashrae 55,” Singh said, adding that measures would be taken to conserve energy and water resources during the designing of the project.

According to recent studies, compliance with “Green building codes” can increase the performance of structures by more than 30 per cent,, prompting some developers to recognize the role of the physical environment on occupant productivity and life-cycle cost of buildings. In line with this, Aakar said it would be implementing a sustainable design approach.

The developer is taking steps to transform the conventional methods being used at present by the real estate industry into a more sustainable form. The luxury development will offer a five-star hotel and a large assortment of freehold apartments. More on Luxury development in Ras Al Khaima goes green

Another eco-friendly real estate development in Costa Rica was announced recently. This is their press release. Although I am publishing this as-is, the last release from the same source we published on an Eco-Friendly Luxury Real Estate Development in Belize, came in for some considerable criticism from local inhabitants, claiming the development was anything but Eco-Friendly. Their photographs certainly make this one look attractive. Comments welcome.

Press release:

Limoncito in Punta Leona, Costa Rica Is at Home With Nature Featuring Spectacular Scenery, Exotic Wildlife and Pristine Beaches

Adjacent to the Only Four-Star (highest rank) Blue-Flag Rated Beach in Costa Rica, Butterfly Farm, and Canopy Zip-Line Tours, Resort Places an Emphasis on Environmental Preservation

Punta Leona, Costa Rica (May, 2008)-Limoncito, a new luxury 58-room condo-hotel, is set to establish a serene retreat in the middle of some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular natural attractions. The new resort will combine the uniqueness of a 30-year-old beach club infused with modern day luxuries built with environmental preservation in mind. More photos after the jump. More on Eco minded Luxury Real Estate Development in Costa Rica