If I was going to build a Log Home .....this would be it- http://everlogs.com/product_everlogs.php

IF GeoThermal with 100% HW Priority full heat recovery, consider the ground-loop 2-Tons over-sized from a system-unit design nearer an 85% of the heat-load design, for quotes.  A smaller GT in a larger Log Home with a Mini-Split may be much better, if the GT makes all your HW.

Not much green about concrete. Very high embodied energy.

Uh oh. A heretic.  ;-)

It's long been argued back and forth whether concrete is ultimately considered "green" or not, but it is a very sustainable building product. I don't think it is fair to characterize it as "not much green". You can get LEEDS points for using it. It is very durable, so it extends the life of structures and there are a number of energy conserving properties it contributes to construction. It can serve several functions at the same time such as structural and decorative. It is also produced locally almost everywhere and incorporating fly ash which is a waste product instead of Portland cement can significantly reduce the "embodied energy".

Posted By ICFHybrid on 08 Jun 2012 11:12 AM
Uh oh. A heretic.  ;-)

It's long been argued back and forth whether concrete is ultimately considered "green" or not, but it is a very sustainable building product. I don't think it is fair to characterize it as "not much green". You can get LEEDS points for using it. It is very durable, so it extends the life of structures and there are a number of energy conserving properties it contributes to construction. It can serve several functions at the same time such as structural and decorative. It is also produced locally almost everywhere and incorporating fly ash which is a waste product instead of Portland cement can significantly reduce the "embodied energy".

All true, but firstly, I don't give a lot of credence to LEED anymore, some yes, but there is no LEED points for solar so it can use improvement.

I know it is difficult to do a building without concrete and i don't advocate a total ban on it. Far from it, but if, for example, you could do a stacked stone wall (in areas where stone is given away, Nova Scotia, for example) it would be more "Green". My biggest problem with concrete is the gravel pits that are usually at the head waters of the waterways we use for fresh water. It destroys them and the filtering is VERY important to farms and small towns. 

Posted By ICFHybrid on 08 Jun 2012 11:12 AM
Uh oh. A heretic.  ;-)

It's long been argued back and forth whether concrete is ultimately considered "green" or not, but it is a very sustainable building product. I don't think it is fair to characterize it as "not much green". You can get LEEDS points for using it. It is very durable, so it extends the life of structures and there are a number of energy conserving properties it contributes to construction. It can serve several functions at the same time such as structural and decorative. It is also produced locally almost everywhere and incorporating fly ash which is a waste product instead of Portland cement can significantly reduce the "embodied energy".

And it is recyclable.