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Energy Efficiency and Thermal Mass
According to the Log Homes Council (LHC), a "...comprehensive review of the literature indicates that in most US climates there are proven benefits of thermal mass-using a wall's heat capacity to control and reduce annual heating and cooling energy demand... In practical terms, log homes may be expected to perform from 2.5% to over 15% more energy efficiently compared to an identical wood-frame home."

To learn more, read the LHC's technical publication, The Energy Performance of Log Homes

For a less technical article that appeared in Log Homes Illustrated 7/07 Log Homes are Naturally Efficient

Log homes are green and sustainable.
According to the LHC, log homes are environmentally aware and sustainable structures. Most are 'greener' by comparison to conventional housing since they save energy and reduce environmental impacts through the use of renewable resources. Timber is the only renewable construction material on earth, requiring less energy to produce than any substitute building product available. Log components, in particular, consume less energy and labor between harvest and placement on the housing site, while log walls provide 'surface as finish', saving material and labor costs since other building material layers are not required.

To learn more, read the LHC's technical publication,  Log Homes Go Green

Sound Transmission and Log Walls
Log structures also offer intrinsic benefits, such as the reduction of noise and/or noise pollution, which are not as easily achievable in a traditional wood-frame house. The density of a solid wood log wall significantly limits sound transmission, while the profile of the log actually deflects sound, providing for a more comfortable in-home environment.

Learn more by reading the LHC Technical Note: Sound Transmission & Log Walls

Fire Performance and Log Structures
The LHC also confirmed the fire resistive nature of log walls through a series of exhaustive testing, satisfying the one-hour fire-resistant ratings, while providing even longer ratings with greater wall thickness. Log walls have a unique insulating response within the charred wood which produces a slow rate of flame spread along the wood surface. Unlike conventionally framed houses, log structures have no concealed cavities for fire to travel through, making them a "top choice for endurance and integrity in a fire," according to the LHC.

To learn more go to the LHC technical publication: Fire Performance of Log Walls