Is "Green Building" For You?
In today's world each of us must ask ourselves what we can do to conserve energy, minimize waste, create a healthy environment and be good stewards of our environment. Many families fighting allergies and asthma make this the most important decision when purchasing a new home built with "green" in mind. Today's builders have a wide selection of "eco-friendly" building materials to choose from - it is even possible to build a home completely from recycled and reclaimed materials. But let's face it; "eco-friendly" building materials are not always a practical alternative on a large scale. The good news is the experts agree that we do not have to take extreme measures - every family making small changes can make a huge impact on our home and community environment. From selecting recycled building materials to energy efficient appliances - it is within our reach to make these changes in a simple and practical way.

Garnett Construction believes in being ecologically responsible, while not compromising on the highest building standards. Material choices are well thought out to ensure quality, great design, and affordability with the homeowner in mind. After all, it is the homeowner who will live with the choices the builder makes - from paying the utility bills to enjoying a resilient and healthy lifestyle. We take this responsibility seriously.

This year's Parade of Homes, "Tranquility", was built with this in mind….helping you do your part by us doing our part. Here are some of the responsible materials selections made when building "Tranquility":

• IceStone® - eco-friendly recycled concrete and glass countertops.
• Oceanside Glasstile - made from silica sand, an abundant natural resource, and up to 86 percent recycled material.
• Trex® Decking - Trex® is made from about 50 percent recycled and reclaimed plastic, and 50 percent reclaimed wood. These materials would otherwise go unused in landfills. 
• Energy Star Appliances - saving resources and money by using less electricity and water than traditional appliances.
• Tankless Water Heater - Save up to 50% on water heating costs with instant, on demand hot water.
• Energy Efficient Windows - the average home may lose 30% of its heat or air-conditioning energy through its windows. Energy-efficient windows reduce consumption and save money each and every month.
• TJI Joists -uses less wood than solid lumber.
• Low Voltage Towel Warmer- save on unnecessary laundry loads by keeping your towels dry and fresh between uses.
• Central Vac - With a central vacuum system all particles are expelled out of the room and trapped with more than 5 times the power of a conventional upright or canister vacuum, resulting in healthier indoor air quality. 

We would also like to applaud our vendors who are showcasing environmentally friendly products in "Tranquility".

• Nikken - Tranquility has been outfitted with Nikken "Wellness Home" products, featuring the Nikken PiMag™ and Air Wellness™ environmental systems.
• Norwalk Furniture - Norwalk brings products to market that not only promote health and well-being, but also conserve of the environment. Cushions are comprised of soy-based foam, seating is made of recycled wire and steel, and upholstery is selected from natural fibers such as cotton, linen and new wool. Even their packaging is made from 100% recycled materials.
• SOZO Clean - home & commercial cleaning service using Simple Pure Clean™ all natural cleaning products that are non-toxic and biodegradable. Tranquility has been cleaned and maintained throughout the Parade show using these all natural cleaning products.