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.