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Use a Green Approach to Build an Eco-Friendly Log Home

By March 22, 2019March 27th, 2019Building Process, Log Home Design
Use a Green Approach to Build an Eco-Friendly Log Home

When building your new log home, making a commitment to a eco-friendly approach makes a lot of sense for your family’s well-being while also protecting the environment. A home that is sustainability built, comfortable, healthy, and provides exceptional energy efficiency will have the added benefit of lowering the cost of home ownership and increased resale value.

Taking a green approach to building a new log home can help lower energy, water, and material use; reduce impact on the environment; give a high level of comfort for its occupants; and provide a healthier place to live as you limit your exposure to mold and other harmful substances.  What steps should you take as you design the eco-friendly log home of your dreams and start down that green path?

When designing your new log home with a green approach, you may want to consider the following factors:

Energy costs 

Just as you would factor in long term costs such as your monthly mortgage, you will want to consider your initial investment and long-term savings for your energy. Consult with your heating and cooling contractor to determine how your energy consumption over the next 20 years will impact your costs to determine how you can generate energy savings. Consider the square footage of the home, type of fuel, heating systems, and the cost of  equipment and installation.

Green and energy efficient materials

A green certification from your utility company may provide a percentage rate cut incentive. This certification will provide your builder with a checklist of energy-saving features and standards to use that will measure energy efficiency.  To have a green and energy efficient home, consider including green certification up front in your design process.  A certification agent will also work with your builder to review your plans for efficiency, monitor the building process, and provide testing on completion of your construction of your new home.  Many states now offer green certification in their appraisals.

Eco-friendly green building standards 

As demand for green building standards grows, there are programs being developed that you can research.  Search the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) and Energy Star Qualified New Home Programs, which look at state by state incentives and rebates for homeowners. Other certification programs being developed nationally and by state include the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED for Homes and the National Association of Home Builders’ National Green Building Program.

Our Oak Log Homes are energy efficient

Our 8” thick oak logs, superior sealing system, R rating, and thermal mass make our oak logs unmatched in terms of energy efficiency compared to any other log in the industry.

Gastineau Log Homes has over 40 years of experience helping people realize their dream of building a log home. Contact us today and let’s explore your eco-friendly log home dream together.