New Energy Star Program for Modular Homes

In conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, the Manufactured Housing Research Alliance will be demonstrating a new pilot program that changes the implementation of Energy Star standards in modular home development.

Among the features are the ability for EPA approval to be made in the factory, rather than on the site.  In the new system, the plant is then required to make sure that it continues to meet the Energy Star guidelines in the assembly of its homes.

Under the new system, a plant is given an Energy Star certification.  That new “Quality Assured” certification is displayed on each home, along with the current Energy Star symbol.

The Pilot Program Registration Form is available online.  This is a pdf.  The endeavor will go on a pilot program throughout 2008.

This will certainly appeal to builders.   At the same time, its very possible that certifying plants, and not individual homes, will desensitize the process of consumer protections.  Some variability in the build that occurs from home to home will not be caught.