| Barna Log Homes of Pennsylvania anchors its building | | | | affordable log homes use renewable woods like white |
| services to green products and processes that use | | | | pine, yellow pine or hemlock, when possible, which in |
| renewable materials, maximize energy efficiency, and | | | | turn avoids depleting endangered woods. |
| minimize the use of toxic materials. Building green | | | | Energy. Ways of reducing energy use and loss in |
| encompasses all of the steps from initial design to | | | | your home start with size, orientation, and location on |
| the complete build, and includes selection of products | | | | site. Depending on the site and the climate, for |
| used to construct, furnish and finish a home. Some of | | | | example, a southern exposure may provide solar |
| the key topics of the building process are design, | | | | warmth in the winter while reducing solar heat in the |
| materials, energy and interiors. | | | | summer, reducing fuel consumption. Sufficient |
| Design. Building green affordable log homes begins | | | | insulation and Low-E glass for doors and windows |
| with the land and the plans - the size and layout of a | | | | improve temperature control and lower long-term |
| house, and its on-site placement that will influence | | | | cost. |
| product choices and energy consumption. The larger | | | | Wind power, solar power, and geo-thermal systems |
| the home, the more energy and materials are used, | | | | that create a heat exchange with the earth offer |
| so step one is to decide on size and orientation. | | | | clean non-fossil based energy options for heating and |
| Materials. Creating a green structure depends on the | | | | cooling. In addition, today's standard heating and |
| choice of products to use in construction and finishing | | | | cooling systems are rated on their efficiency and |
| the home. Building materials are available in a wide | | | | should be considered when choosing your heating and |
| spectrum from the natural to the man-made. Barna | | | | cooling solution. |