Reuben Brothers and Three Rules Capital proudly announce that Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – has approved Esencia to pursue its highest accolade in environmental stewardship: the Signature Platinum Certification. Set on 2,000 acres of tropical natural beauty on Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, Esencia is a new cosmopolitan coastal community that seamlessly integrates hotels, branded residences, and amenities across a sensitively designed master plan at Boquerón Bay in Cabo Rojo. In a rare endeavor, the Developers are pursuing certification for the entire development, positioning Esencia as the world’s largest Signature Platinum community by acreage.
“Esencia is one of the few developments globally chosen to seek our Signature Platinum certification,” said Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International. “This esteemed recognition will represent the pinnacle of environmental sustainability, encompassing every facet of the development. Audubon International is proud to support Esencia in leading the way to create a holistic and lasting model of environmental stewardship across all areas, including residential, retail, hospitality, beachfront, conservation land, and the golf courses.”
Jamie Reuben, Principal of Reuben Brothers, added: “We are making a significant investment in the responsible development of Esencia. Through our pursuit of the Signature Platinum certification, we are ensuring every aspect of Esencia meets the highest sustainability standards. Our aim is to create not just a full-fledged destination that enhances the natural beauty of Puerto Rico’s southwestern coast, but a case study for responsible luxury communities worldwide.”
Will Bennett, CEO and Managing Partner of Three Rules Capital, commented: “Our partnership with Audubon International is a testament to our commitment to long-term environmental sustainability and our goal of creating a community that flourishes today and preserves and enhances the natural environment for future generations. We are proud that the Signature Platinum certification will highlight the ambitious vision for Esencia that has guided us from the very beginning.”
Nestled within a unique tropical ecosystem along three miles of pristine beachfront, the $2 billion+ Esencia development seamlessly integrates a high-design collection of private residences, amenities, and hotels. Anchored by renowned operators such as Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, Esencia sets a new standard for luxury living and hospitality. Once complete, the year-round development will feature 900 branded residences and 500 luxury hotel keys, complemented by signature amenities and experiences for leisure, wellness, culture, and everyday living, including two golf courses (one of which is designed by Rees Jones), hiking and biking trails, spa and wellness offerings, sports and racquet clubs, an equestrian center, a bilingual K-12 school, a health and emergency care facility, a vibrant town center, an array of culinary offerings, as well as beach access and bespoke services overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Designed by Puerto Rico’s leading architecture firm, Álvarez Díaz & Villalón (AD&V), in collaboration with global master plan architects EDSA Florida, Esencia is thoughtfully crafted to seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings, 75% of the site will be dedicated to active and passive recreation, conservation and public use, while 10% will be dedicated to new infrastructure and vertical construction will be limited to 15% of the site. Powered by 100% renewable energy, Esencia is a self-reliant community with its own power infrastructure, setting a new standard for sustainable living.
In line with the developers’ commitment to conservation and resilience, Esencia will pursue the prestigious Audubon International Signature Platinum Certification. Throughout this process, Esencia will work closely with Audubon’s expert team of environmental scientists, wildlife biologists, development specialists, and community planners to integrate sustainable principles into all aspects of design, construction, and operation. Audubon International will conduct site visits before, during, and after construction to verify that their environmental sustainability guidelines and principles have been implemented.
Please visit EsenciaPuertoRico.com for more information and register to receive updates about the project.
To learn more about how your local golf course, community, lodging property or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051
