First log home in Canada to receive Energy Star approval
For immediate release - July 23, 2008
The small central Ontario town of Bobcaygeon is the location of the first log home in Canada to receive Energy Star approval. The custom 
lakeside home was manufactured by 1867 Confederation Log Homes of Bobcaygeon Ontario, and built by R. Moore Homes. The environmentally conscious couple decided to take advantage of the thermal mass provided by the log structure to include other energy efficient products and attain an official Energy Star rating. Energy efficiency rating allows comparison of energy performance between houses of the same size. The more efficient the house the higher the rating number.
1867 Confederation Log Homes has a history of innovative technology and is also the only log home in Canada to have received a CCMC rating that exceeds requirements for allowable airtightness so it wasn’t a challenge to conform to the requirements of the Energy Star system. Standard stick built homes can follow a “prescriptive” method to attain the rating by utilizing prescribed materials; because of non-traditional wall insulation provided by the logs plus a large window expanse, the home was instead required to meet certain performance standards.
How our log home achieved the Energy Star rating
To attain the Energy Star labelling it was necessary to have the house analyzed by an independent rating service. Evaluator John Harris was surprised at how simple it was for the log building to meet the requirements. “Frame built homes often fail the blower door test and need to perform supplemental sealing in order to meet the airtightness requirements. With 1867 Confederation Log Homes that wasn’t the case.”
Although the standard building envelope package supplied by 1867 Confederation Log Homes included highly efficient windows and doors, project manager Glen Maidens had to ensure that the installation was airtight. A certified Energy Star builder, Maidens also made certain that insulation and vapour barrier in the cathedral ceiling were of optimum quality. Other products that added to the overall rating include the furnace, woodstove, kitchen appliances and lighting. An HRV unit was supplied by 1867 Confederation Log Homes as part of their standard building package.
1867 Confederation Log Homes has been manufacturing custom built homes for thirty years from their head office in Bobcaygeon. Homeowners have enjoyed the warmth of these log homes in locations throughout North America and Europe. “Although we’ve always known that our homes are very energy efficient, it validates our claims by having an official Energy Star labelling” states owner Mike Murphy.
The owners are anticipating the official labelling ceremony of their home by Ener Quality Company of Markham. While it may have cost slightly more to construct their home to Energy Star standards, they are confident that future energy costs will more than return their investment as they enjoy their lakeside home. Energy costs money and it’s likely to cost more tomorrow than today. Planning can either save you a substantial amount of money or ensure that the money you do spend goes into your home. The best and least expensive approach to conserving energy begins with your log home’s design
What Is The ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Initiative
The ENERGY STAR for New Homes initiative promotes energy efficiency guidelines that enable new homes to be approximately 30 percent more energy efficient than those built to minimum provincial building codes. The increased efficiency of these homes translates into reduced energy costs for homeowners.
ENERGY STAR for New Homes is managed for Natural Resources Canada by regional service organizations.
Learn more about why log homes are green homes.
Contact Mike Murphy President 1867 Confederation Log Homes
( 705) 738-5131