Energy Star For Modular Homes on The Rise
About a year ago, the Systems Building Research Alliance (SBRA) rolled out a simplified process for modular builders to qualify homes for the ENERGY STAR label. The process, tailored specifically to how modular homes are built and inspected, was approved for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the federal agency responsible for ENERGY STAR Homes.
Both site built and modular homes must meet the same stringent energy targets to earn the label. However, the SBRA modular program allows plants to be officially certified to build homes that meet ENERGY STAR requirements and to use in-house staff to monitor compliance. The one-time plant certification eliminates the need for hiring a third-party rater to inspect homes on the production line, a requirement under the old program rules. And, instead of having to test every home in the field, only a sample of homes built under the SBRA modular program are tested, saving time and expense.
The program continues to gain momentum with more than 40 modular companies registered to build ENERGY STAR homes using the new, plant-friendly process.
SBRA would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and welcome to the family of ENERGY STAR modular builders the following five plants that recently completed the plant certification process:
- Oak Creek Homes, LLP, Fort Worth, TX
- Skyline Homes, Woodland, CA
- Beracah Homes, Inc., Greenwood, DE
- Nationwide Custom Homes, Martinsville, VA
- Pennwest Homes, Emlenton, PA
Learn about the many other advantages of the ENERGY STAR Modular Home program by visiting SBRA on the web at www.research-alliance.org, or by contacting Gwynne Koch, National Director, ENERGY STAR Modular Homes, at (212) 496-0900 x12 or [email protected].
ENERGY STAR Requirements Slated to Change in 2011
EPA has proposed significant changes to the ENERGY STAR New Homes Program that will go into effect January 2011. SBRA is working closely with EPA to evaluate the impact of these changes on the modular home building industry, and will keep the industry abreast of developments. Stay tuned to future newsletters for updates.
If you would like to read about the proposed changes, visit the ENERGY STAR website www.energystar.gov. We encourage you to forward this newsletter to others in the industry that you think may be interested in the ENERGY STAR program.
