Green Building Your Log Cabin

Some ideas for building green that are easy to assimilate into your build:

Site house properly to maximize passive heat gain from the sun. Face long side to south and increase window area, but decrease west-facing window area as this gets too hot in summer.

Build with logs – a naturally renewable resource.

Design long roof overhangs to shade windows and cabin in summer but still allow winter solar heat gain.

Balance ventilation between indoor and outdoor air and use exhaust fans to exchange air.

Utilize efficient ceiling fans to distribute the heat evenly throughout the cabin in the winter and to cool in the summer.

Choose paints and stains and glues with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) so that you don't pollute the indoor air quality of your cabin.

Use light colored cabin roofing and/or install reflective radiant heat barriers under your roof. It’s best to ensure at least a 1” air gap above the barrier for ventilation. This can reduce 97% of radiant heat and significantly reduce summer cooling costs.

Install dual-flush toilets that use less water for flushing.

If you're building your own log cabin, order logs and lumber carefully and save all the scraps that could possibly be used during later phases.

Carefully select windows to meet Energy Star standards. Check the NFRC labels for U-factor, which measures heat flow, and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures the percentage of radiant heat energy that will pass through the window. A more efficient window will have both lower U-factor and lower SHGC.

Buy locally. Not only do the local manufacturers understand the wood species best suited for your climate, you will also save money on delivery fees and fuel surcharges.

Utilize energy-efficient lighting. One of the easiest ways to live green is by using low-watt fluorescent lighting throughout your log home.

Install Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). SIPs create an efficient, permanent energy envelope, reducing heating and cooling costs. They also save money on construction costs since they install quickly.

Choose your water heater with care. Water heaters can account for as much as 25% of your cabins energy use. Installing a high-efficiency water heater will save you money for years.

Employ eco-friendly log home landscaping techniques by channeling rainwater to plantings.

Utilize radiant heating. Not only is radiant heating more energy efficient, it's also quieter and cleaner since you don't blow all your heating air through HVAC ducts.

Further Resources:

NAHBs Building Green Program

Greenbuild 365: Online Portal to Education

Discount Hardwood Flooring Shipped Nationwide - Free Quotes!

An Energy Efficient Log Home

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