Virgin’s Richard Branson Plans World’s Most Eco-Friendly Resort

Richard Branson, the adventuring chairman of the Virgin Group of companies, says his two private Caribbean islands have a higher purpose than serving as ultra-luxury retreats for entertainment and business A-listers.

Walking barefoot on the sandy trails of his Necker Island (BVI), the British tycoon said his sun-soaked island properties in this British chain will prove that the Caribbean –with its wealth of sun, wind and waves- can lead the globe in renewable alternatives to carbon fuels.

Branson, a high school dropout who built the Virgin empire into a world brand as a savvy entrepreneur, said he plans for his newest property, Mosquito Island, to be transformed into what he touts as the most environmentally-friendly resort on the globe.

Branson envisions 20 villas and a beachfront restaurant powered entirely by wind turbines and solar panels.

To bring renewable technology to Mosquito Island, the British billionaire has partnered with several alternative energy consultants, including Ken Kao, a Boston-based architect and lecturer at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.