HGTV Green Home 2009: What Makes it Green?

Indoor Environmental Quality

It's important to control the quality of the air inside a home. This can be done by sealing off or exhausting unwanted dirt and fumes. The indoor air quality also requires reducing incoming moisture and improving ventilation.

Ventilation and Moisture Control – Every house needs fresh air. By controlling the amount of air, how it’s filtered and its temperature and humidity, the air in house can stay fresh.

Balanced System – The design and construction team carefully sized the mechanical system and ductwork in order to deliver the appropriate amount of air to every room. This eliminates areas that are too cool or hot in a room. The system also balances humidity to avoid sweaty grilles that can support mold growth.

Efficient Bathroom Exhaust Fans – The exhaust fans are tied to occupancy sensors so they run only when needed to quietly remove unwanted moisture and odors from the home.

Dirt Control – It might seem like simple housekeeping, but proving a place for people to take off and store dirty shoes, helps keep a clean environment. The HGTV Green Home also has a central vacuum system in order to control dirt inside the home.

Detached Garage – The garage is detached from the house. This prevents carbon monoxide, water vapor and other contaminates from migrating into living areas.

High Efficiency Filters – The system uses high efficiency filters that can remove even the smallest particles from the air. It also includes an ultra-violet air purifier that removes nearly all bacteria from the house.

Awareness and Education

Homeowner Education – Tradition will provide a detailed walk-through of the house and an owner’s manual. As with any complex machine, a home requires proper maintenance and management.

Public Education – The project team feels strongly that one of the benefits of the HGTV Green Home is the opportunity to educate the public on the benefits of a green home. Through public events and tours, web sites and media exposure, the HGTV Green Home can be an inspiration for all of us to be better stewards of our environment.