Learn From Our Project

There are many different processes that can be implemented when developing a green home. Common sense has led us to make informed decisions that we believe (after countless hours of research), will allow our home to be self-sustainable.

Green Providers = Green Partners

We believe that the changes that we make to our lives will make an impact in preserving our environment. We suggest that you spend time researching the type of home that you plan to build. Never take the first solution simply because it is the easiest, this often winds up being the most expensive, overly time-consuming, and not the most eco-friendly.

Our experiences will help point you in the right direction. The suppliers, products and systems that we will employ have been thoroughly researched on the basis that they will provide us with the most eco-friendly solution for our budget. We live in the real world and do not have an infinite amount of cash to spend! You do not need to be wealthy to be green. Follow our progress and we will show you how a typical couple can build the home of their dreams and be green without breaking the bank.

Barrier Solutions - Tremco Tuff-n-Dri

Insulation is big in the battle for energy savings. The more we can insulate our home the less electricity will be required to warm it. We hope to become more energy efficient by installing superior insulation. Once in place the thermal mass effect of the Tuff-N-Dri compound significantly reduces any heat loss, typically 50% of the home's heat loss comes from poorly insulated basements. Tuff-n-Dri insulation is also environmentally responsible; it uses a non-flammable, water-based carrier that meets Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) limits in the State of New York. This product has also been tested and has proven to show that no harmful leaching of the Tuff-N-Dri membrane occurs. Great insulation prevents damp (and consequently mold) from occurring and that's important when improving air-quality too. We will be using the Horizon system. This method insulates the foundation all the way up to the first subfloor. With an outer layer of concrete sprayed on the surface, it creates the look of a custom stone foundation, while saving us from heat loss.

www.tuff-n-dri.com

Geothermal - WaterFurnace International

The heating, air-conditioning and hot water for our home will be driven by a closed-loop geothermal system. By drilling a couple of holes approx. 250 ft deep, the WaterFurnace 'Envision' systems harnesses the heat energy from the ground. This is achieved through an all-in-one unit that utilizes an ozone-free refrigerant to convert the geothermal heat into on-demand heat, hot water and air-conditioning.

We chose this system because not only does it use significantly less electricity to run the unit (up to 70% less electricity needed compared to heat and gas). but also it is very quiet and does not expel any carbon monoxide as a by-product. Making a very energy efficient device, that aids in providing good indoor air quality too.

www.waterfurnace.com

Hardware - Home Depot

Home Depot is America's largest home improvement store. They match competitors' prices and meet the product demands of the masses. Most of us go there when we need something for our homes. There are always many choices available, providing different varieties of products at a cost that most people can afford.

Their diverse range of products include eco-friendly versions called 'eco-options'. All the products with an eco-option label have less impact on the environment (compared to others of a similar functionality) and generally offer benefits such as: sustainable forestry, energy efficiency, healthy home, clean air and water conservation.

We are working closely with the people at Home Depot. We want to ensure that any supplies are close at hand to reduce any costs of transportation of materials whenever possible.

www.homedepot.com

Log Home - Moosehead Cedar Log Homes

We decided to go with MCLH for several reasons:

One of our aims is to work with companies whose products and services play a part in preserving and maintaining our environment. MCLH fulfilled our criteria. We learned that MCLH are part of a renewable forestry program that ensures for every tree cut down and used in construction of a log home, two others are planted in its place. This helps promote good forestry practices.

Another reason we opted for White Cedar is that unlike Pine, it does not require the energy intensive kiln drying process to prepare the log. White Cedar is a much more resilient wood and is not prone to insect infestation. It doesn't require the use of harmful chemicals to protect and seal it. White Cedar logs also possess a greater thermal mass than pine. This in a nutshell means that once built, the White Cedar log home will have a much greater resistance to heat loss than pine.

Something that should never to be overlooked is knowledgeable staff. We had many questions and alterations to our floor plans. Everyone we have dealt with knew the product well so modifications were painless. Many log home companies have a "salesman mentality" which makes it all impersonal. MCLH never made us feel like a number, more like a partner in the building process.

www.mclh.net

Metal Roofing - MBCI

We have decided to opt for a metal roof for several reasons: Firstly the roof consists of recycled steel, thereby reusing materials, conserving natural resources (apparently for Every ton of steel recycled, 2,500 pounds of iron ore, 1,400 pounds of coal, and 120 pounds of limestone are saved!!) Secondly, metal roofs do not require replacing every 8-12 years compared to conventional roofing materials. A new metal roof will be the last roof we ever need to install. It requires low maintenance and in the long run saves time and money. Our specific roof is Energy Star rated and will add to our homes overall efficiency.

www.mbci.com

Stain - Sansin

We want to preserve our log home for many years to come. Choosing the right stain and sealant is essential for years of maintenance free finishing. Having spent a lot of time researching different companies and their products, we came across Sansin.

We were looking for a wood stain that was environmentally sound and that didn't produce Volatile Organic Compounds as a byproduct.

Sansin makes Enviro Stains, these use a combination of nature's own ingredients such as resins and oils to protect wood. The stain becomes an integral part of the wood's cell structure, protecting it naturally from the inside out. Traditional and Acryl-based stains form a surface film on the wood, this traps moisture in the wood leading to decay in the long term. Sansin's water-based stain allows the wood to acclimate to the moisture levels in the surrounding environment.

www.sansin.com

Windows - Pella

Pella Windows will play a major part of our ecological green log home. They will be used to demonstrate to the audience how proper insulation, through the selection of energy efficient windows will save money by lowering heating and cooling bills. Thereby ultimately reducing energy consumption and minimizing waste and pollution derived from the burning of fossil fuels.

Pella produces a wide range of different windows. We will be using energy-saving; argon-gas filled, Low-E glass, triple-pane options with between-the-glass blinds to further increase energy savings and incredibly even reduce outside noise - like lawn mowers and traffic - by up to 80%.

www.pella.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Compared to homes built in a traditional way, how strong is a green log home during extreme climatic conditions such as hurricanes, earthquakes etc..?
Log homes are strong, solid structures. The logs are designed and cut with locking corners to maintain maximum energy efficiency and water resistance/penetration in mind. The solids logs link together perfectly and are milled with a precision fit. Their own weight, combined their solid nature makes them naturally a very strong configuration, ready to stand against extreme weather conditions. Traditional construction uses conventional 'stick and frame' elements, these consist of multiple components that require attaching together, leaving room for exposed seams.

Is it possible to build a green log home that complies with the neighborhood zoning?
Log homes have traditionally been built from natural materials and generally fit into a more natural environment, but not on a suburbia street! Zoning requirements will identify the acceptable structures for your area. Log homes are the most natural, environmentally sustainable and organic homes that have ever been made and will be continue to be made.

Will the green log home provide a healthier living environment than conventional homes?
Logs are naturally occurring materials. They do not omit VOCs. Natural cedar wood doesn't require kiln drying to kill any insect infestation it also doesn't require harsh stains to repel insects.

What is MCLH (our log home provider) doing to reduce the impact of global warming on the environment?
They are part, and have been for a while participating in several forest management programs, they also work with 'green builders', and partnering with manufacturers whose products don't emit VOCs, and which use recyclable materials etc..

How does a green log home impact/preserve the planet?
We all need to play a part in reducing global warming. By creating a green home we can make all make an impact in reducing carbon dioxide levels from the burning of fossil fuels, saving our planet for future generations. Renewable, clean energy is plentiful. If every individual took advantage of green practices in their homes, we can help to reduce the increase of extreme weather changes, flooding and the impact on our environment.

With the increasing number of pollutants in our environment does it make sense to build an individual green log home? 
Yes, if the home is constructed following green building practices it promotes healthy living and encourages sustainability. A tie-in into the electricity grid allows all clean energy not used to be to be sold and used by other individuals, businesses and industry.

Isn't 'being green' just the newest green-washing marketing technique used to sell products? How do we know if companies claiming to be green are the real deal?
Sustainability is our real goal; many use the term 'green' to push products and services that aren't really green. We hope to expose those people while we build our home.  We hope to provide consumers with enough information to make their own informed decisions and learn how to live a sustainable lifestyle. Our log home provider MCLH was established many years ago, before any 'green-washing' techniques were invented. Many of the same practices and processes that are considered green today have been in place since the beginning. All of our other materials have been thoroughly researched and we are looking for sustainable practices in the creation of their products.

With all the recent 'green-washing' are Americans buying more green products?
There is an increased awareness about the environmental issues that we face. Studies conducted by Intellitrends, indicate that by the end of 2007, over half of the US population had read an article regarding the environment. Fewer than 50% of the population had seen a TV program with some 'Green' content. The purchase of 'Green' products went up by 22% from mid-2007 to year-end. People are starting to listen, learn and change their behavior. Many companies are profiteering from this. We will help differentiate fact from fiction!    
Our log home provider (MCLH) has been selling consistently to people wishing to build their dream home, independent of whether there exists any green hype or not!

Why are MCLH log homes unique compared to others?
We are working with the best materials, designers, architects at MCLH and they have involved us every step of the way. We also made sure that we talking about costs during every step of the process, ensuring that we remained within our budget.

With all the recent fires in California and the high numbers of homes at risk, aren't wooden logs putting your home at greater risk of incineration, especially since green materials these days are becoming more fire resistant?
No, logs don't burn easily, compared to timber framed homes. Their solid mass is significantly less combustible compared to traditional stick and frame/timber home building materials. We are also implementing a sprinkler system too. Did you know that if you home is located near a lake, the cost of insurance is reduced where fire is concerned?
    
Why do people buy traditionally built stick and frame or timber homes when a green log home will save on monthly bills (due to better thermal insulation and use of clean energy) and is healthier and has a better resale value?
People choose homes to blend in with the nature around and their own dream. A log-home may not be appropriate for suburban areas. There are many log home companies out there, that don't provide complete packages nor do they work closely with the budgets of their customers. Like everything in life, we all prefer different homes and different locations. We feel that log homes blend well into a natural surrounding and we hope to continue the tradition of log home building that has been in place for many years!

Many trees are cut down to build a green log home - how is this practice 'green' or sustainable?
All the wood used and milled for our home comes from forests that promote good management practices, which provide employment and preserve the environment. Many other home manufacturers use building materials whose components require chemicals during their extraction or energy intensive processes to prepare them for the construction process. Log homes are a traditional method of home building, established many years ago, long before synthesized materials were created in bulk.