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HOW GREEN IS SAND CREEK POST & BEAM
| We are very concerned with our environment and how our behavior determines the future so we are continually looking for methods to minimize our carbon footprint. Currently, we are focusing on the following: |
- We primarily use Ponderosa Pine trees from the Black Hills of South Dakota, which will re-seed themselves for future growth. Ponderosa Pine is well-suited to barn construction because of its structural integrity and durability. It also provides an authentic, traditional look to your barn.
- Our suppliers do not clear cut forests. They cut by thinning the forest, allowing new growth to develop into full grown trees. Each client’s trees are individually cut for their project.
- Our suppliers allow the wood to dry naturally, and no toxic chemicals are used to treat our wood. Chemicals from treated wood can leach into the soil and may also be dangerous for children and pets.
- We provide Eastern Red Cedar sill plates which are naturally resistant to insects, mold and mildew without the use of toxic chemicals.
- Wood is a natural insulator from the elements, warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. As a result, our barns are comfortable year round.
- For every barn we sell, we donate 10 Lodge Pole Pine or Douglas fir trees in your name through the Arbor Day Foundation. We believe in giving back to the world whenever we can, and we believe in helping with reforestation.
- Our scrap wood is donated to youth and school organizations in our community for their projects as well as the Nebraska Bluebird Association for birdhouses so we have very little to dispose of. Our sawdust is recycled in horse barns!
- Due to the flexibility of timber frame construction, solar panels, energy efficient windows or doors, or other “green” products can easily be installed where you would like them.
- Sand Creek Post & Beam are proud members of the U.S. Green Building Council, which helps us to continue our education as well as others in methods to minimize our footprint while pursuing our endeavors.
- A report from Edinburgh Center for Carbon Management compared carbon dioxide footprints of 3 structures. There could be a reduction of up to 88% reduction of greenhouse gases by using log or timber structures whenever possible rather than conventional building materials.
- We have recently designed a barn that will be delivered in July to a Rutgers University scientist in New Jersey who is installing solar panels on his barn. We will utilize his knowledge from his experience with his barn.
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