# Estemerwalt Log Homes Saves Over 1,000,000 Gallons in Fuel Oil

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/03/estemerwalt-log-homes-saves-over-1000000-gallons-in-fuel-oil/
- Published: 2011-03-31T17:46:43-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Estemerwalt Log Homes Saves Over 1,000,000 Gallons of Fuel Oil

In today’s world, energy costs rise and environmental concerns grow louder. That’s
why forward-thinking companies stand out. One of those companies is Estemerwalt 
Log Homes. [With over 125 years in the lumber business](http://www.Estemerwalt.com),
this family-owned enterprise has proven that sustainability and tradition can walk
hand in hand.

Back in 1996, Estemerwalt faced a choice that would change its future. Their lumber
drying system, which ran on oil, needed replacement. The old system consumed 240
gallons of fuel oil per day. That’s not only costly but also carbon-heavy. Rather
than sticking with oil, the company chose a smarter path: a sawdust-burning, gasification
dry kiln system.

By the time the story was reported in 2011, that decision had saved the company 
1,314,000 gallons of fuel oil. Imagine the environmental benefits. Imagine the money
saved. For a small business rooted in tradition, this was nothing short of revolutionary.

![Estemerwalt log home surrounded by greenery featuring large windows and a natural
wooden exterior](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/
image-3.png?resize=780%2C585&quality=50&ssl=1 "image - The Green Living Guy")

Estemerwalt Log Home showcasing sustainable log construction surrounded by lush 
greenery

### A Turning Point for the Company

Every decision in business comes down to costs and values. When Estemerwalt considered
its options, fuel oil seemed cheaper at first glance. However, sawdust, their waste
product, appeared less convenient. But owner Kurt Propst looked beyond short-term
economics. He definitely saw an opportunity to align the company’s practices with
its values.

“As a log home builder, we care about effectively managing renewable resources so
that future generations can enjoy them,” Propst explained. “I can’t imagine having
to use 240 gallons of [oil at today’s prices](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/05/dow-closes-down-46-on-surging-oil-prices/).
By using what is essentially a waste product as fuel, we are able to pass along 
those savings to our customers. It’s certainly a great feeling.”

That choice reflected a philosophy bigger than business. It showed that sustainability
is not a burden but a benefit. In fact, it can drive innovation and spark growth.
By embracing eco-friendly practices, companies prove they care about more than profits.

At the same time, they build trust. Consumers reward responsibility. They want brands
that protect the planet and stand for something real. Therefore, transparency and
accountability become strengths, not weaknesses.

Moreover, this commitment creates a culture of purpose. Employees feel proud. Customers
feel connected. Communities feel supported. As a result, organizations that prioritize
sustainability gain a clear advantage.

In the end, the market is shifting. More people choose companies that think about
future generations. Those who act now will not just survive. They will lead.

![A estemerwalt log cabin illuminated by soft light surrounded by green foliage 
and trees with a welcoming entrance and stone chimney](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/image-4-400x300.png?resize=400%2C300&ssl=1 "image-
The Green Living Guy")

A charming log cabin surrounded by lush greenery exemplifying sustainability in 
home building

### How the Gasification System Works

The process sounds technical, but it’s surprisingly straightforward. The kiln uses
sawdust—something the company already had in abundance.

 * Step One: Primary Burn Chamber – Sawdust burns under restricted oxygen. This 
   isn’t a full flame but a controlled smolder. That process creates a combustible
   wood gas.
 * Step Two: Secondary Burn Chamber – The wood gas ignites in a second chamber, 
   producing consistent heat to dry lumber efficiently.

This design not only cuts waste but also eliminates the need for oil trucks and 
the pollution linked to refining and [transporting fossil fuels](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/05/5-areas-where-you-can-switch-to-alternate-sources-of-energy-and-happily-avoid-fossil-fuels/).
In essence, Estemerwalt created a closed-loop system. Their waste became their power.

### Estemerwalt Log Home Savings That Speak Volumes

Let’s put the savings into perspective. At the time, fuel oil prices continued to
climb. Even in conservative estimates, 240 gallons a day added up to thousands of
dollars per month. Over a decade, the costs would have been staggering. By avoiding
more than 1.3 million gallons of fuel oil, the company shielded itself from volatile
[oil markets and provided more stable prices](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/05/dow-closes-down-46-on-surging-oil-prices/)
for customers.

![A cozy log cabin surrounded by lush greenery with a stone pathway leading to its
entrance](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/create-
a-highly-detailed-high-resolution-image-featuring-a-cozy-log-400x300.png?resize=
400%2C300&ssl=1 "create-a-highly-detailed-high-resolution-image-featuring-a-cozy-
log - The Green Living Guy")

A peaceful log home surrounded by lush greenery exemplifying the sustainable building
practices of Estemerwalt Log Homes

More importantly, the environmental benefits are clear. Each gallon of fuel oil 
burned releases an average of 22.4 pounds of carbon dioxide. Multiply that by 1.3
million gallons, and Estemerwalt prevented nearly 29 million pounds of CO₂ emissions.
That’s equivalent to taking thousands of cars off the road for an entire year.

For a company focused on [building homes that blend with nature](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/01/features-of-a-good-birdhouse-give-a-bird-a-home/),
this achievement aligned perfectly with their identity.

### Estemerwalt Log Homes: A Family Legacy of Sustainability

Estemerwalt is not just another builder. The company’s roots go back five generations.
It’s built on trust, craftsmanship, and stewardship of natural resources. Choosing
sawdust fuel was not a gimmick—it was a natural evolution of its legacy.

Sustainability has always been about thinking ahead. In the 1990s, many businesses
ignored the writing on the wall. Oil was cheap, and renewable energy was considered
niche. But Estemerwalt chose differently. They believed that renewable resources,
if managed wisely, offered long-term security.

That foresight turned into real savings, [real environmental impact](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/09/real-environmental-and-health-impacts-of-styrofoam/),
and real customer value.

### Lessons for Other Businesses

What can other companies learn from Estemerwalt’s success?

 1. Think long-term. Short-term [costs may push you toward fossil fuels](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/01/renewable-power-costs-plummet-many-sources-now-cheaper-than-fossil-fuels-worldwide/),
    but long-term stability lies in renewables.
 2. Use what you have. Waste streams often hide opportunities. Sawdust, food scraps,
    even wastewater can become resources.
 3. Align values with operations. Customers notice when your practices match your message.
    That alignment builds loyalty.

Other industries—from [green building to sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2025/08/green-building-licensing-standards-for-sustainable-practices/)
transportation—have followed the same principle. If you can cut costs, reduce emissions,
and strengthen your brand in one move, why wouldn’t you?

![A cozy log cabin with a welcoming front porch surrounded by trees and greenery
featuring a stone chimney and a warm glow from the windows](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/IMG_5700.webp?resize=400%2C300&quality=50&ssl=1 "
IMG_5700 - The Green Living Guy")

A picturesque log home showcasing sustainable design and craftsmanship

### A Blueprint for the Future

The story of [Estemerwalt](https://greenlivingguy.com/2026/08/pandas-arent-endangered-anymore-success-story/)
is more than a local business success. It’s a blueprint for how industries can transition
toward cleaner energy without losing financial footing. With growing emphasis on
climate action, examples like this prove that small companies can lead by example.

Estemerwalt didn’t wait for policy mandates. They didn’t rely on subsidies or tax
breaks. They saw the bigger picture and acted. Today, their decision looks visionary.

For communities, customers, and future generations, these choices matter. Every 
gallon of fuel oil not burned is a step toward cleaner air, healthier forests, and
stronger rural economies.

### Conclusion: Waste Into Wealth

Estemerwalt Log Homes turned waste into wealth. The company took sawdust, a simple
byproduct of construction, and transformed it into a powerful energy source. Instead
of burning costly oil, they used what they already had. As a result, they saved 
more than a million gallons of fuel.

At the same time, they cut emissions. By avoiding oil, they reduced pollution and
protected the air. Moreover, they strengthened their bottom line in a tough market.
Fuel costs no longer dictated their future. Waste became opportunity.

Meanwhile, the choice was more than financial. It became a statement of values. 
Customers saw a builder who walked the talk on sustainability. Communities saw a
company that cared about renewable resources. As a result, Estemerwalt built not
only homes but also trust.

Furthermore, the innovation showed what is possible when businesses think differently.
Turning sawdust into fuel was not complicated. Yet it created ripple effects: lower
costs, cleaner air, and a stronger reputation. Even more, it set a benchmark for
others.

Therefore, Estemerwalt’s success stands as proof. Environmental responsibility and
business strength can go hand in hand. Waste can become wealth. Sustainability can
become strategy. And every company, no matter its size, can make choices that inspire
customers and protect the planet.

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
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Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
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