• Individual Controls – The system features several zones, and thermostats in each zone automatically adjust temperature settings during the day, evening and on weekends to save energy.
• No CFC Refrigerant – The system does not use any potentially harmful CFC-based refrigerants.
• Sealed Ductwork - All ducts are sized to deliver correct airflow to each room and sealed with mastic to prevent leaks.
• Noise – The system is rated among the quietest available.

Q: Why doesn't the roof have solar panels?
A: Ah, but it does! The south roof has a solar panel array. This photovoltaic system provides about 10% of the home's power. That may not sound like much at first, but when you stack up all of the home's energy-saving features – including solar power, increased insulation, tankless water heaters and Energy Star appliances – this house will use 20% to 30% less power than a conventional home. That’s like having a year without any power bills every four or five years. Q: What's the hardwood flooring used throughout the house? A: This flooring looks like solid wood, but is actually an eco-friendly veneer that rests on a high-density base of recycled wood fiber. It's made by Shaw Flooring, and is called Epic Wellington. Q: Is Tradition a gated community? Will the homeowner be required to pay fees? A: According to Tradition's PR director, Marty Sauls, "Tradition is not a gated community or age restricted, but the golf course section will be both. Homeowners do pay fees, which are extremely low." For more info on fees, contact Tradition's sales office: 843-208-5333. Q: Where did Linda shop for all those beautiful furnishings? A: In addition to No. Four Eleven, where she got those adorable dog photos in the guest bathroom, Linda also shopped at: Scott Antique Market for pieces like the dining room's antique pastry cabinet and flight of drawers Seasons South in Hilton Head for the sofa, upholstered chairs, candles, photos and pillows Glendinning Home Collection for lamps by Stray Dog Designs Church Mouse in Hilton Head for cool recycled items like the bamboo étagère in the living room Q: Does Carter come with the house!? LOL A: Ha! Don't I wish! ;) --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? Host Carter Oosterhouse takes you on a one-hour tour of the Green Home, with house planner Jack Thomasson and interior decorator Linda Woodrum. HGTV Green Home 2008 – see when it airs next]]> http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/new_green_resources_and_answer.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/new_green_resources_and_answer.html Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:05:02 -0500

Carter made the table – which easily seats six – from lumber recycled from a school house, and the trestle legs and weathered top are a perfect fit for this cottage-style home.

To keep the table from being too plain, he added a decorative metal strip down the center, which will patina as the table ages.

Talk about the perfect spot to share a meal with family and friends.

Thanks, Carter, for a truly special addition to the HGTV Green Home 2008! --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld]]> http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/carters_super_secret_surprise.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/carters_super_secret_surprise.html Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:01:58 -0500 butterflies to visit. (Note to the winner: Be sure to bring along your bird identification books). Native and drought-tolerant plants surround the home, reducing the need for irrigation and fertilization.

Permeable concrete pavers – used on the patios, sidewalk and double ribbon driveway – harvest and filter rainwater, purifying it before it reaches the water table.

While enjoying the beautiful lagoon view from the screened porch, you can see the herb and vegetable garden, which is watered by Tradition's neighborhood irrigation system. The Tradition community collects storm water from the street, stores it in a network of retention ponds (like the one behind the house) then uses it to irrigate neighborhood lawns. The home's rain-sensing irrigation system automatically restricts the home's system during wet weather.

The backyard is large enough for a game of miniature golf, but small enough to mow with an old-fashioned push mower, which eliminates the need for a standard lawn mower that is powered by fossil fuels. Learn more about eco-friendly gardening techniques you can use in your own yard. --- Have you entered for your chance to win the HGTV Green Home today? See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld]]> http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/the_green_homes_ecofriendly_gardens.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/04/the_green_homes_ecofriendly_gardens.html Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:55:41 -0500 Tradition Hilton Head's landscape designer Richard Loudin.

"The lake behind the Green Home is a freshwater, man-made lagoon. It is approximately 100 acres of water and will grow considerably as the development moves forward," says Loudin. "You can kayak, canoe and fish all you want. However, we do have alligators and I would not suggest swimming."

The community is designed to collect storm water from streets and store it in a network of retention ponds (the lagoon behind the Green Home is one of these ponds). This water is used to irrigate lawns throughout the community.

The irrigation system also helps conserve water by automatically restricting watering during wet weather. The system's high-efficiency heads direct the proper volume of water exactly where it’s needed.

"The re-use irrigation system is the first residential system in the state of South Carolina that uses reclaimed water from our local utility provider to irrigate residential yards," says Loudin. "We'll also use this system for irrigation of the golf course and common areas throughout the community. By using this water we conserve drinking water that is usually used for irrigation." See the lagoon in the 360 tour View more pictures in the slide show See how one small step can make a big difference. Log on to hgtv.com/changetheworld]]> http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/03/green_home_lagoons.html http://blogs.hgtv.com/hgtv/greenhome/2008/03/green_home_lagoons.html Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:07:03 -0500