Green building means constructing a home from sustainable resources that is extremely energy efficient and natural. At Southland Log Homes we have always been dedicated to providing these environmental solutions, and recently we have expanded our commitment by hosting the annual meeting of the South Carolina Chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBC SC). The meeting was held at our Columbia, SC headquarters, and it began with the USGBC SC thanking their outgoing board members for the contributions and work they had done and then welcoming in the new members. After that, the meeting moved to “open house” tours of our log home models and administration buildings, where the focus of the discussion changed to our log home materials and the sustainable qualities of our designs.

Southland Log Homes Green Building

The floor plan, the materials, and the construction process can have a large effect on a home’s environmental impact, and at Southland Log Homes we always use methods and materials that are sustainable and renewable. We use Borate to treat the wood, a natural substance that is safe for your family, and we use large logs that create enough thermal mass in the walls to keep the interior warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. We also only support venders that harvest trees on a 20-year life cycle and maintain compliance with standard forestry procedures. Log homes are a great way to build an energy efficient, affordable home, and we are committed to using the best practices to provide a great living space while protecting the environment.

Working with the USGBC

At the annual meeting, the USGBC SC was able to take the opportunity to look back on 2011 to determine what went well and then look forward to 2012 and plan for even more great developments. The chance to partner with the USGBC SC for this meeting was a wonderful opportunity for us, and we were pleased to provide a venue for their annual meeting. This was a great chance to highlight some of the sustainable qualities of our log homes and how our designs are a great alternative for green building initiatives. As we move into 2012 we also look forward to more opportunities to partner with the USGBC. The annual meeting was considered a success by the parties involved, and we were happy to provide a venue that features some of the natural beauty of our log buildings. There is a lot of talk about green building these days, and at Southland Log Homes we are going to continue using sustainable methods and creating energy efficient homes. Going green doesn’t have to be difficult, and there are a lot of long-term benefits that come from the making this choice. It’s good for the environment, your health, and your budget. By working with other dedicated organizations, it will be easier for homebuyers to learn about their options and make the choices that contribute to a sustainable community.