Design. Building green affordable log homes begins with the land and the plans – the size and layout of a house, and its on-site placement that will influence product choices and energy consumption. The larger the home, the more energy and materials are used, so step one is to decide on size and orientation.

Materials. Creating a green structure depends on the choice of products to use in construction and finishing the home. Building materials are available in a wide spectrum from the natural to the man-made. Barna affordable log homes use renewable woods like white pine, yellow pine or hemlock, when possible, which in turn avoids depleting endangered woods.

Energy. Ways of reducing energy use and loss in your home start with size, orientation, and location on site. Depending on the site and the climate, for example, a southern exposure may provide solar warmth in the winter while reducing solar heat in the summer, reducing fuel consumption. Sufficient insulation and Low-E glass for doors and windows improve temperature control and lower long-term cost.

Wind power, solar power, and geo-thermal systems that create a heat exchange with the earth offer clean non-fossil based energy options for heating and cooling. In addition, today’s standard heating and cooling systems are rated on their efficiency and should be considered when choosing your heating and cooling solution.

Interiors. Finishing and furnishing materials and products can be used that contain minimal or no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). VOCs are a prime source of toxic interiors and can be found in various solvents and glues used in the manufacture of pressed woods, paints, carpets, vinyl, cabinets, and furniture. When released into the atmosphere, they may cause the ‘sick building syndrome.’ Other products, such as carpeting, may also contain formaldehyde, which can also be released into the air on an ongoing basis.

Resources. Information and ideas for the green homebuilder are easily accessible on the internet. Among them are: The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that keeps lists of which woods are best for safe green construction www.fscus.org, “Energy Star” stickers and labels can be found on those appliances that conform to the energy usage standards set by the Government.

Barna Log Homes of Pennsylvania works with customers in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey to support and help them learn about, plan for, design and build eco-friendly green affordable log homes

Green building technologies are becoming more and more popular as concern for the environment grows. From creating new methods for utilizing solar energy to developing plug-in cars, we are all looking for ways to make a difference. If you are just beginning the construction of your log home, consider employing additional green technologies in the building phases, such as using northern white cedar for the exterior. Northern white cedar is known for having a low impact on the environment and for its durability. For those people already living in log cabins, there are still many little things you can do to save more energy.

If you are looking for additional ways to contribute to the efforts to save our environment from further deterioration, here are some ways you can help prior to and after the construction of your log cabin.

Create an Energy-efficient Design
When you are designing the layout of your home, consider the location and size of your windows. Homes that purposely incorporate sunlight into their designs will have significantly smaller electricity bills over time. Strategically place your windows where there is optimal light when you are in the blueprinting stage of building your house. You won’t have to keep as many lights on during the day because there will be natural sunlight available to you.

Use More Bamboo and Soy
When making decisions about how to decorate the interior of your home, make your choices with the environment in mind. You get countertops, tables, bowls, chairs, and kitchen carts that are made from bamboo. Bamboo is harder than maple, weighs less than oak, and yet is still sustainable and cost-effective. It gives your home a tropical, relaxed feel in addition to its environmental consciousness. Who couldn’t use something that brings out the simplicity in life? You can also help the environment by purchasing all-natural flooring. You can use bamboo in your flooring, too, or you can use salvaged wood. Wood floors are easier to clean and collect less allergens, great for people who struggle with allergies. You can even used soy-based insulation that can be sprayed into your walls as you are constructing your home. Soy-based insulation could reduce your gas bills an additional 30-50%.

Make Recycling a Priority
Many people don’t recycle simply because it’s inconvenient for them. They haven’t established a system for themselves. Many townships have recycling pickup days just like they have trash pickup days. If you live in one such area, take the initiative in utilizing the opportunity to recycle. Build recycling bins into your cabinetry where you will have ample space for them. With a designated location for your recycling, it will be a lot easier to make it a priority. You design a specific space for your garbage can anyway. Do the same for a recycling bin as well.

Use Energy Star Rated Products
From Energy Star insulation panels to appliances, there are numerous Energy Star approved things you can use to use electricity and heat more efficiently in your home. Appliances that have an Energy Star rating generally save 10-50% of the energy that other appliances use. You can still get top performance washers, dryers, refrigerators, etc., but save yourself some money every month by using them. Even battery chargers and computers can have an Energy Star rating.

Get Recycled Furniture
You don’t always have to buy new furniture every time you want to add a piece to your home. Auctions and yard sales are great places to find deals on quality merchandise. Just because someone doesn’t want it anymore doesn’t mean that it’s not worth having. All it may need is some refinishing and you’re set to go. There is also furniture made from recycled materials such as aluminum shavings, newspapers, tires, and barrels. These things can look great in your home and be conversation pieces when you have guests.

Plant a Tree
What log cabin is not surrounded by trees? If yours isn’t, make sure that your log cabin has the right ambiance by planting additional nears in the surrounding area. This is an easy thing you can do on a Saturday afternoon that will benefit the environment for decades to come. You’ll be helping the environment and creating a cozy atmosphere for your home.

Even if you choose just one of these things above, you are making a contribution. Start changing the way you view your energy usage by employing green technologies in your log home today.

1) Build a passive solar design.

Passive solar design for natural heating and cooling is practiced throughout the world under all climate conditions. As energy costs rise, it is critical to use building orientation, window placements, stone floors, roof overhangs, reflective barriers and other techniques to control natural solar energy.

In warm climates, face the broad side of the house to the north or south, to avoid excessive heat gain as the sun rises and drops in the horizon. Use deep overhangs or solar screens to shield glass areas from direct sun. Avoid skylights or greenhouse rooms, because they allow too much heat gain.

In colder climates, solar heat can be captured and stored in materials such as concrete or stone to be slowly released during the evening.

An open floor plan optimizes the effect of passive solar heating or cooling.

Doors and windows should be placed to catch the prevailing breeze and allow cross ventilation.

Lower inflow windows and higher outflow windows keeps air moving, as hot air rises.

A thermal chimney uses a hot zone, such as a glass cupola with windows or vents, to create rising air currents to pull air through the building.

Double glass panes provide an insulating air space between the panes, reducing heat transfer.

The metal oxide coating on Low-E (emissive) glass helps to keep solar heat out, and interior heat in.

2) Ventilate attic spaces.

In hot climates, attic spaces can accumulate heat, transferring it to living areas below. AC ducts located in the attic will absorb this heat.

In cold climates, moisture can accumulate in unventilated attic spaces, causing wood rot or mold.

Continuous eave and roof ridge vents will create natural air flow through the attic. Air enters through the eave vents, and moves out through the ridge vents. As heated air rises, it ventilates the attic.

Lighter colored roof materials absorb less heat.

Reflective heat barriers on the underside of the roof deck help to reduce heat gain.

High levels of insulation in attics and exterior walls is crucial for comfortable indoor temperature in all climates.

Some research is being done on building sealed, highly insulated attics.

3) Optimize your heat and AC systems.

An oversized system will cool too quickly, and leave the room clammy. Smaller systems run long enough reach the desired temperature, and, at the same time, clear the air of humidity.

A smaller system lasts longer, does not cycle on and off frequently, and costs less to purchase.

Check for leaks in duct work joints, and around windows, doors, attic stairs, exhaust pipes, recessed lights, and electric outlets. Ongoing maintenance of central air systems is necessary to prevent air loss.

Use programmable thermostats to regulate your energy usage.

Use Pleated-Media Filters in AC return-air grills. This filter removes particles as small as mold spores from the air that is drawn back into the AC blower, keeping coils cleaner and improving the air quality in your home.

Heat pumps on electric furnaces reduce energy use by drawing heat from outside air, using the same technology that air conditioners use to remove heat from indoor air.

Check with your utility provider for free diagnostic testing and rebates for high efficiency AC systems, insulation, solar screens, and weather-stripping.

4) Reduce water needs.

Native landscaping that is suited to the rainfall in your area is fundamental to building green.

Keep as much native growth on your lot as possible.

Water pervious materials such as crushed granite or open paving blocks allow water to percolate into the ground.

Rainwater catchment systems use gutters and barrels to catch and store water that falls on roofs.

Front loading washing machines use less energy and water. Some dishwashers use less water and have no-heat drying. Check water and energy usage before buying appliances.

Low flow toilets and shower heads reduce water usage.

Reduce water and fertilizer needs by re-cycling yard waste and leaves for use as mulch.

5) Use renewable or recycled materials.

Consider decks made of waste wood and plastic, such as Trex or other brands.

Medium density fiberboard (MDF), a wood product used for interior trim and doors, does not contain formaldehyde.

Fiber-Cement siding, trim, and pipe materials (Hardie Board) are very durable, rot resistant, and fire retardant.

Use locally produced, and easily renewed, materials when possible.

Consider alternative building materials, such as rammed earth, straw bale or insulated concrete panels.

Concrete floors utilize the foundation material as finish floor, saving materials and labor.

Recycled wood floors are a very attractive re-use of materials.

Bamboo floors are made from a rapidly renewable source – bamboo is a grass that can grow several feet per day.

Hard surface floors do not hold dust, molds, and allergens, and are very durable.

Use materials with recycled content when possible, such as cellulose insulation, Thermo-ply, and lumber composites.

Plan for a place to re-cycle household trash, such as a storage bin in the kitchen, and holding bin in the garage.

6) Safeguard your site.

Trees, vegetation and bird habitat on the site should be protected during the construction.

Native trees, grasses, rock outcroppings and natural drainage can be made a part of your building and landscaping design.

Reduce the impact to the building site as much as possible.

Make sure construction waste is properly disposed of, especially paints and solvents. Do not allow them to be buried on the site.

7) Use safe materials.

Use products that are biodegradable, non toxic, water based, and cold water compatible.

Avoid products that contain dyes, ozone depleting chemicals, heavy metals, formaldehyde, or known carcinogens.

Avoid solvent based finishes, particleboard, adhesives, some carpets, and other products that release volatile chemicals into the air.

Look for green rated labels on carpets and other products.

Remove old-style pressure treated wood when possible, especially in play structures.

Green building is an approach to design and construction that respects the environment and conserves resources. It is a common sense approach that is available to all home owners. Green building techniques create a more cost effective, enjoyable and sustainable home to live in.