05 January . 2026
Sustainability Comes Standard at Nexton
Sustainability at Nexton isn’t a trend or a talking point. It’s a guiding principle that shapes how the community is planned, built, and experienced every day. From land preservation and smart infrastructure to energy-efficient homes, Nexton takes a comprehensive approach to sustainable living in Summerville, South Carolina.
That commitment earned Nexton national recognition as Green Community of the Year in 2022 by the National Association of Home Builders, affirming its leadership in responsible community development.
Energy-Efficient Summerville Homes Built to EcoSelect Standards
The commitment to doing more with less begins inside Nexton homes. Every home is required to meet strict EcoSelect green building standards, which govern design, features, and the construction process itself.
Homes are certified across five key categories: energy efficiency, healthy indoor air quality, resource efficiency, environmental responsibility, and water conservation. Features like high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, improved insulation, and tighter building envelopes help homes perform better year-round.
For homeowners, that performance often shows up as lower monthly utility bills, improved comfort, and cleaner indoor air, benefits that support both household budgets and long-term environmental stewardship.
Innovative Community Features That Make a Difference
But sustainability at Nexton doesn’t stop at the front door. Throughout every phase of development, new ideas and technologies have been incorporated to reduce environmental impact while enhancing everyday life.
These community-wide features include mature trees preserved and planted for shade, stormwater ponds engineered to handle 100-year flood events, and native plants well suited to the Lowcountry climate. LED street lights are capped to reduce light pollution, helping protect nighttime skies, while GigaFi technology allows businesses and homeowners to monitor and reduce energy and water consumption more effectively.
It’s a behind-the-scenes approach to sustainability that delivers real, measurable benefits.
A Smarter, More Efficient Way to Live in Summerville, SC
Sustainability is also reflected in where Nexton is located and how it functions day to day. Situated in Summerville and adjacent to I-26, the community was intentionally planned as a place where people can live, work, and gather without spending hours on the road.
Jobs, schools, daycare, shopping, dining, and nightlife are all part of the community, reducing daily car trips and easing traffic congestion. For many residents, that means biking or walking to work, school, or evening plans, creating an efficient lifestyle that saves time, energy, and fuel while supporting a more connected community.
Designed Around Nature, Not Instead of It
This efficiency is balanced by a deep respect for the natural environment. Nexton’s community plan weaves woodlands, wetlands, and open space into the neighborhoods, creating meaningful connections with the outdoors. A 10-mile and growing network of walking and biking trails invites residents and visitors to explore these natural assets firsthand.
In total, approximately 30% of Nexton’s 5,000 acres, or about 2,000 acres, have been preserved as open space, wooded preserves, wetlands, parks, and trails. This approach has been recognized as a game-changer in the Charleston region for its forward-thinking planning and design.
Sustainable Living With Everyday Benefits
At Nexton, sustainability isn’t about sacrifice. It’s about smarter choices that make life easier, more comfortable, and more efficient. Preserved open spaces, reduced commute times, energy-efficient homes, and thoughtfully designed infrastructure all work together to support a community built for the future.
Recognized nationally and designed intentionally, Nexton sets the standard for sustainable, energy-efficient living near Charleston.