At Brightwater Homes, we work hard every day to build more efficient, healthier, greener homes with a true respect for the environment. One of the most important ways that we can do that is by responsibly and intentionally sourcing the materials, features and finishes that we use in our new homes. In addition to choosing eco-friendly and sustainable products and materials, we’ve also worked hard to source domestically and locally. But why is that important?
The more quality, sustainable materials and components that we can source as close as possible to our building sites, the more we can reduce transportation and shipping and the environmental impact that comes along with it. Beyond the carbon footprint, a focus on domestic, regional and local sourcing allows us to support the businesses and products that drive the communities in which we live and work.
Read on for just a few of the sustainable sourcing success stories that are going into our new homes every day. And stay tuned as we are always working to find new materials, features and finishes to build the best new homes responsibly and thoughtfully.
Farm to Table Cabinetry by Wellborn
Owned and operated by the Wellborn family since 1961 in Ashland, AL, Wellborn Cabinetry provides heirloom quality kitchen and bath cabinetry that is sustainably sourced and certified through the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Environmental Stewardship Program. Wellborn takes a “farm to table” approach to its cabinetry – harvesting from its sustainable sources and then handcrafting and finishing all of its doors, drawers and face frames right at home in Alabama in a 2 million square foot facility.
Its manufacturing facilities are designed for efficiency and environmental responsibility – using wood shavings waste to generate steam and power for its dry kilns, heating ovens and paint rooms, maintaining boiler air emissions 50% lower than EPA standards, tracking fleet efficiency for deliveries and installations and pursuing aggressive recycling programs.
Quartz Countertops Around the Corner
Quartz countertops are one of today’s favorite designer features and it’s easy to see why. In addition to being beautiful, they are extremely durable, heat and stain resistant, scratch resistant and do not require annual sealing. They are also considered an eco-friendly countertop option, offering a long use lifetime with many slabs containing recycled waste product from the mining of other stone or other recycled materials like glass. Our Brightwater team uses quartz countertops that are fabricated in Georgia and South Carolina – keeping it close to home and looking great doing it!
Soaking Up the Solar
Brightwater Homes offers solar panel clean energy solutions for many of its neighborhoods and homes in Georgia and South Carolina. In fact, Sweet Apple is one of Georgia’s first solar standard neighborhoods with panels included on every new home!
When it comes to soaking up those rays, Brightwater partners with Georgia-based Creative Solar USA for its expert rooftop solar panel installations and battery systems. At the panels at the heart of those system are assembled and distributed right at home in the Peach State as well.
Hardwoods with Heart
Hardwood flooring is another sought-after designer feature that is a focus for our sourcing team. Brightwater Homes uses domestically sourced premium engineered hardwood flooring, from regional and local sources wherever possible. That means sustainably harvested wood, CARB and Forest Stewardship Council compliance and responsible manufacturing processes.
When it comes to sustainability, there’s always work to do. That is the passion and commitment of the Brightwater team in creating the very best new homes that are more efficient, healthier and built responsibly with a true respect for the environment. Learn more about Brightwater’s commitment to sustainability and the new home features and details that drive the performance of our homes here, and remember living green is living brightly!