Stay Informed
A community, like any pine tree or robin, is a living, growing thing. We believe that it is our responsibility to make the Briar Chapel™ community an enduring and healthy place to live for generations to come. It is our respect for this land that has motivated us to find innovative ways to build new homes while minimizing our impact on the environment.
Start with the land. We made an effort to preserve the most species-rich areas, such as along streams. Virtually all existing wetlands are being preserved, helping to conserve biological diversity, protect wildlife, and protect water quality. Vegetative areas such as forested buffers, greenways, and public parks planned to be maintained throughout the life of the project.
Water is life. Preserving large amounts of open space, implementing erosion and sediment control practices, and incorporating storm water treatment facilities help improve water quality. Plus the reclaimed water spray irrigation system reduces the demand for potable water.
Preserving wild spaces for wild things. Over 50% of the community has been designated as open space, preserving wildlife habitat. Preserved existing wetlands will also play a part in protecting wildlife.
Keeping the green green. We are dedicated to generous planning and preserving of natural green areas. Bennett Mountain and the area east of it are planned to be preserved with greenways connecting forested areas.
We prize preservation. We've preserved almost 900 acres of trees, and also planted more wherever parks and home sites allow.
Re-use of materials. Boulders removed during the grading process were re-used in the site's landscaping, retaining walls, erosion control and roadbeds.
Walking is good. Briar Chapel is a walkable community, with 24 miles of mulched trails connecting our neighborhoods, the Briar Club and local parks, ball fields and schools.
The Briar Club. In an effort to inspire our builders, residents and greater community, the Briar Club is LEED® Silver Certified. Learn more about the Briar Club.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS & OUTREACH
Briar Chapel is a community built on the principles of sustainability. And part of that mission includes the development of relationships with like-minded organizations in the greater community in which we live and work. Since 2008, Briar Chapel has partnered with The Abundance Foundation, a non-profit with the mission to educate the public on sustainability topics; specifically local food, renewable energy, and community. The Triangle Off-road cyclists (TORC), a volunteer organization dedicated to ensuring the future of mountain biking in the Triangle area of North Carolina through the promotion of responsible riding, establishment and maintenance of mountain biking trails, and preservation of North Carolina's natural resources. The Green Home Builders of the Triangle, promoting building techniques and materials that produce homes which consume less energy and other resources, facilitate better indoor air quality, and provide a more durable product requiring less maintenance as well as providing educational resources to members and the public and administering our local (now National) green building program in the Triangle. And, the Chatham County Arts Council, whose mission is to provide cultural opportunities to enrich the quality of life in Chatham County through the development of, support for, and presentation of artistic programs and educational activities.
A few examples of successful events and fundraising activities include:
- The Abundance Foundation: Briar Chapel 5K race(s) which have raised more than $10,000 since 2009.
- The Abundance Foundation: Briar Chapel has already contributed $15,00 since 2009, towards The Amazing Pittsboro Pepper Festival which brings together some of the best chefs from the Triangle that focus on local farmer's and local products - you do not want to miss this annual tradition this year - October 2, 2011.
- Chatham County Schools: worked through The Abundance Foundation and in concert with The Chatham County Schools Administration and local chef's to conduct the first Chef Challenge in all 17 elementary, middle and high schools throughout Chatham County. The program was designed to elevate the awareness of the school lunch program as well as provide nutritional meals with increased fruits and vegetables that also taste great! In 2011, the program was a success and all chef created meals have been incorporated into the school lunch program. The school system also saw a significant increase in the purchase of school lunches as a result of this challenge.
- TORC: partnered with TORC to host the 6BC Endurance Race and National Trail Day events since 2009 and Fat Tire Festival in 2010, contributing more than $10,000 for the events and another $10,000 to promote trail building activities and education.
- Chatham County Arts Council: donated $10,000 to cover operational costs, as well as made a $6,000 contribution towards art education programs in the county schools since 2009; provided an additional $4,500 of funding for gallery installations, publicity of artists and quarterly gallery openings held at Briar Chapel in 2010 and 2011.
