The Sky's the Limit

Homes that are heated and cooled using the Earth's natural underground temperature. Appliances run by solar-powered batteries. Food grown in one of 571 acres of gardens or community orchards.

Sound like an environmentalist's dream? It may be closer to reality than you think.

CNN reports today on the proposed development for the future site of Sky. Fl., located an hour away from Tallahassee in the Florida Panhandle.

"Part of a growing, $12 billion a year sustainable-building industry, Sky is meant to be the green town of the future -- the way Americans will live when they realize they use too much energy, its developers say. They hope it will serve as an experiment into what can be done to accomplish that goal, and maybe be a model for other communities."

Because of rising numbers of Americans relocating to Florida - about 900 a day - new development is a necessity, says Sky developer Bruce White. But White and his partner, architect Julia Starr Sanford, wonder why it all has to be suburban sprawl.

Florida State University's Center for Advanced Power Systems is collaborating on the project, its engineers helping design the town. Then, they'll study what works and what doesn't.

"You've got almost a zero-carbon footprint just by living here," White said. "Just by being here you will be an environmentalist."

If you have the cash, that is.

Tagged more as a "luxury community" than commune, it won't be cheap to live in Sky. Developers expect Sky will appeal to a younger, professional demographic - who want the conveniences of having a holistic spa, a planned lodge and can work from home via the town's wireless capability.