Branson set to launch green consulting group

Sir Richard Branson's attempts to position himself as a modern day eco-warrior continued this week, as the entrepreneur signalled plans for a new environmental consultancy business and unveiled proposals for a zero carbon transform Caribbean holiday resort.

According to reports in The Sydney Morning Herald, the Virgin boss is preparing to launch a new division, Virgin Green Owls, this August dedicated to advising businesses and governments on how to deliver carbon neutral projects.

Meanwhile, a Caribbean island is also destined for a green makeover as Branson seeks to transform the uninhabited Mosquito Island into what he is touting as world's most eco-friendly resort.

Branson has partnered with alternative energy consultants to bring renewable energy to the island. Currently sporting barren scrubland and a few run-down buildings, he plans 20 villas for the luxury holiday resort and a beach-front restaurant to be completely powered by solar and wind energy.

The business tycoon anticipates the sustainable buildings will capture cool thermal air flows, instead of using power-hungry air conditioning units. He also told reporters that the resort's beach buggies would run off biofuels while food would be sourced from an organic orchard.

The British Virgin Inland government has welcomed the scheme, but resort designs are being reviewed to ensure every aspect of the project is eco friendly.