In the heart of New Braunfels, TX, the Mayfair neighborhood stands out as one of the most smartly planned, ambitious, and highly livable residential development projects in recent memory. It’s also noteworthy for its commitment to helping residents achieve more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyles. From water conservation to energy efficiency, Mayfair has been committed to a reduced environmental footprint (and an increased quality of life for residents) from day one, and it shows.
Mayfair’s residents and neighbors can point proudly to their commitments to water conservation, energy efficiency, sustainable construction practices, and the greater New Braunfels community. From its beautiful outdoor community spaces to its water-saving toilets and financial support of local environmental organizations, Mayfair stands out as one of the “greenest” new residential developments to be found in Texas–or anywhere in the United States.
While each individual person’s relationship with sustainability will look a bit different depending on their personal goals, beliefs, and means, all of Mayfair’s residents are contributing to a more sustainable world simply by living here.
Mayfair’s Green Practices and Features
Making your home at a brand-new Mayfair address can make it easier than ever before for you and your family to live a “greener” and more sustainable lifestyle. Here’s how:
Water Conservation
Water conservation can be a major issue during hot Texas summers, and that’s why it’s a cornerstone of Mayfair’s commitment to sustainable living. For example, Mayfair implements EPA-recognized WaterSense programs and top-of-the-line, highly efficient appliances and fixtures throughout the community, reducing water use without compromising performance.
From water-saving toilets to comprehensive pressure testing that can identify and stop leaks, Mayfair and the builders we partner with are committed to helping New Braunfels save thousands of gallons of water each year.
Energy Efficiency
Mayfair’s dedication to greener living extends to its use of the most energy-efficient appliances on the market, as well as its partnerships with local utility providers. These partnerships give us access to cutting-edge initiatives like smart grid technology and renewable energy integration. This not only stabilizes and diversifies Mayfair’s local power supply, but it also reduces the overall carbon footprint of the community.
Conscious Construction
Sustainable practices at a Mayfair home begin long before a resident ever moves in because they work with top local builders who are leaders in the field of sustainable home construction. Their builders employ many techniques to minimize the community’s environmental impact, including using paints and finishing materials that are more environmentally and health-friendly, the strategic use of recycled materials, and the installation of energy-efficient insulation, windows, and roofing.
Community Involvement
Mayfair’s commitment to sustainability and the environment extends beyond the development and into the greater New Braunfels community. To be a great neighbor to the rest of New Braunfels, it’s important to get involved with local environmental initiatives.
To that end, Mayfair makes ongoing donations to organizations like Headwaters at the Comal, the New Braunfels Parks Foundation, and the Comal Education Foundation as the community continues to grow. By supporting these organizations, Mayfair not only strengthens its bond with the larger New Braunfels community but also helps to foster a citywide culture of environmental stewardship.
Living Green at Mayfair: Practical Tips for New Braunfels Residents
Of course, sustainable living at Mayfair isn’t all about state-of-the-art appliances and donations to community groups. Each one of Mayfair’s residents can play their own crucial role in maintaining the community’s eco-friendly reputation. If you’re just beginning your sustainable living journey and aren’t quite sure where to start, here are a few quick tips:
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – You might have first heard this one in Kindergarten, but now that you’re a homeowner, it’s a great time to get back to the fundamentals. Think carefully about what you discard, and practice the three R’s to minimize waste and conserve useful resources.
- Energy Efficient Appliances – When furnishing or upgrading your home, make sure you’re investing in appliances with high energy efficiency ratings to reduce unnecessary energy consumption. If you’re tempted by a less efficient appliance with a slightly lower price tag, be sure to consider the long-term energy savings involved in your decision.
- Native Plants and Grasses – Residents are encouraged to experiment with the use of native plants in their gardens and landscapes. Native plants are already adapted to local weather patterns, pests, and soil conditions, so they require very little in the way of water and chemical treatments. Traditional grass lawns require huge amounts of water, and the Texas heat means they’re especially unsustainable in New Braunfels. They also require frequent mowing, while native grasses require less upkeep. [***LINK TO NEW NATIVE PLANT BLOG***]
- Carpooling – Carpooling, when it’s a viable option, is another great way to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Biking – Biking to places of work, home, or even the grocery store is not only a good way to live green, but also healthy and a viable way of exercising.
- Walking – Walking is an excellent option for getting around and allows for extra socialization along with a way to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Minimize single-use plastic purchases: Using reusable rather than plastic water bottles might seem like a small change, but it makes an incredible difference in the amount of waste you generate each week. For leftovers and packed lunches, you could also make the switch from plastic baggies to reusable containers.
Remember, every small action you take to live more sustainably contributes to a greater change. For example, re-using a plastic mayonnaise jar as a container for hardware odds and ends might seem insignificant, but an incredible amount of waste would be prevented if every household found a way to re-use just one packaging item every week.
The Future of Sustainable Living in Mayfair
As the Mayfair development and the vibrant community it hosts continue to grow and thrive, so does its collective commitment to sustainability. Long-term plans for the community include the inclusion of more green spaces, enhanced water- and energy-efficiency technologies, and continuing to foster connections with the community and natural beauty of the New Braunfels area. In sticking to this greener path, Mayfair hopes to create a thriving, eco-friendly space that sets the standard for modern, sustainable living.
To learn more about sustainable living in Texas, bookmark the Mayfair website and check back often. Be sure to inquire about available units if you’re looking for a new home in New Braunfels.
Excitement is building as construction is underway on Comal Independent School District’s newest elementary school located in Mayfair. Scheduled to open in 2025, this state-of-the-art facility will serve Pre-K through 5th-grade students, offering a dynamic and enriching educational experience.
Constructed by Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, one of the standout features of the new school is its design, which includes classroom wings dedicated to each grade level. This thoughtful layout, designed by LPA Design Studios, not only fosters a sense of community among students but also allows for tailored educational approaches specific to each age group. The emphasis on creative and flexible collaboration spaces ensures that students can engage in innovative learning activities, preparing them for future academic and personal success.
Outdoor learning and play areas are another highlight of the new school. These spaces provide students with the opportunity to explore and learn in a natural environment, which has been shown to enhance cognitive development and overall well-being.
The school is also committed to providing tailored, engaging, and safe learning environments. Each classroom and common area are designed to stimulate curiosity and foster a love of learning.
Mayfair homeowners benefit from being part of the highly rated, fast-growing Comal ISD, which currently boasts 34 elementary, middle, and high schools. Parents appreciate the district’s impressive 97.5% graduation rate, as well as its comprehensive extracurricular programs, including Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) athletics, fine arts, and advanced academics. With two advanced honors high schools in the district, students have access to exceptional educational opportunities that prepare them for higher education and beyond.
In addition to the many perks of living walking distance from a new school, Mayfair homeowners will be pleased to learn the school will also benefit from the Mayfair Promise. Through this initiative, the Comal Education Foundation is one of three charities selected to receive $100 for each new home sold in Mayfair throughout the life of the community. This generous program supports local education and conservation efforts in New Braunfels, making Mayfair a truly special place to live and learn.
As anticipation builds for the opening of Comal ISD’s newest elementary school, the community looks forward to the positive impact it will have on Mayfair’s young learners. With its innovative design and focus on creative and collaborative education, the school promises to be a cornerstone of our community, nurturing the next generation of thinkers, creators, and leaders.
The Empire Group of Companies will be the latest developer to capitalize on a current surge of rental home growth in New Braunfels.
Representatives with the Arizona-based developer announced in early June that they secured $47 million in financing through another firm, Tower Capital, to build Village at Mayfair.
Article: June 21, 2024, Community Impact