Clayton Appalachia Welcomed Into TDEC’s Green Star Partnership

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) welcomed homebuilder Clayton Appalachia of Andersonville as the newest member of the Tennessee Green Star Partnership.

The Tennessee Green Star Partnership is a voluntary environmental leadership program that recognizes manufacturers committed to sustainability and continuous improvement in their operations. Clayton Appalachia, a producer of manufactured homes since 1994, is the sixth Clayton facility in Tennessee to join the program.

"It takes high standards to earn partnership in this program, and Clayton Appalachia certainly has them," said TDEC Commissioner David Salyers. "The company's commitment to environmental sustainability goes above and beyond what would be expected, and we're proud to have it as a new member."

Clayton Appalachia has demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through a wide range of accomplishments. In addition to obtaining the ISO 14001 certification, Clayton Appalachia is meeting or exceeding its corporate-set reduction goals for water, waste, and energy. One standout achievement involves significant gains in waste diversion (diverting waste away from a landfill) - rising from 11% in April 2024 to 46% percent in March 2025 and 39% in April 2025.

These efforts were supported by recycling, material giveaways, and new reuse practices. The team has implemented an innovative waterless plumbing test method that reduces water use and is now being shared with other Clayton facilities. Additional initiatives include expanded recycling streams, colored recycling bins, implementing energy-saving recommendations from a Tennessee Technology University energy assessment, and a long term objective to become landfill-free by 2040. Clayton Appalachia's success is strengthened by a facility culture that empowers employees to recommend operational improvements aligning with plant wide sustainability goals.

Other Clayton facilities in the Green Star Partnership are Clayton Supply-Lux Doors in Morristown; Clayton-Bean Station in Bean Station; Clayton-Giles in New Tazewell; Clayton-Rutledge in Rutledge; and Clayton-Savannah in Savannah.

To qualify for membership in the Tennessee Green Star Partnership, manufacturers must meet several key criteria. They must operate under ISO 14001 certification - or maintain an environmental management system aligned with ISO 14001 principles - and demonstrate a minimum of three consecutive years of exemplary environmental compliance with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, as well as a clear commitment to continuous improvement.

Learn more about TDEC's Green Star Partnership program.