Steve Case, AOL co-founder and the money behind Exclusive Resorts, has launched a sustainable luxury resort company. The first project is an $800 million development on 650 acres in Costa Rica.

Philippe Bourguignon, vice chairman of Revolution Places Group and CEO of the development arm Revolution Places Development, said they are aiming to create ‘…an environment that departs from the gated and manicured environment of conventional developments. Cacique, Costa Rica preserves the essence of the local culture and natural beauty, while offering luxury and wellness. This is a place where people are not only guests, but participants in a uniquely authentic experience.’

The development will be designed to reduce energy and water demand by taking advantage of wind and solar patterns for ventilation, shade and light.

The company is creating a recycling and solid waste management plan to minimize the development’s impact, and is also buying renewable energy and building an on-site treatment facility to re-use waste water. One million trees will be donated to the Foundation for the Balance between Conservation and Development. The company will donate hydro-geological studies of the Panama aquifer and watershed, and computer learning centers for the local towns of Filadelfia, Hermosa, Panama and Sardinal.

Steve Case is quoted as saying “Revolution Places is an entirely new approach to destination resort development. We are bringing together the best of the best to deliver an ownership and guest experience like no other resort in the world. Importantly, we will preserve the local environment and culture when developing resorts like Cacique, Costa Rica to ensure our presence is a positive and welcome contribution.”

The resort will open in stages from 2010, offering sites, custom and semi-custom whole ownership residences, club memberships and resort-loft living. Case hopes that the project will create more than 2,000 jobs for the community.

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