Recently, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) announced another delay of
the full implementation of the ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 3 for modular
homes, which was supposed to go into effect on July 1, 2012. Through Dec. 31, 2013, modular homes
can qualify for the ENERGY STAR label under SBRA Modular Program Guidelines: Procedures for
Qualifying Modular Homes for the ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 2.5.
During the wait
The EPA will use this additional time to gather feedback from the modular-home industry and other stakeholders. The feedback will be evaluated and incorporated into a Factory-Built Housing Energy Performance Verification Standard. As of today, this standard has not been released to the modular-home industry for review or comment.
The EPA will use this additional time to gather feedback from the modular-home industry and other stakeholders. The feedback will be evaluated and incorporated into a Factory-Built Housing Energy Performance Verification Standard. As of today, this standard has not been released to the modular-home industry for review or comment.
Here's what I think
In my opinion, the actual implementation process and timeline for code compliance to ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 3 won’t occur until late 2014 or early 2015. In the meantime, what can modular-home builders provide to prospective home buyers who want an ENERGY STAR-compliant home?
In my opinion, the actual implementation process and timeline for code compliance to ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 3 won’t occur until late 2014 or early 2015. In the meantime, what can modular-home builders provide to prospective home buyers who want an ENERGY STAR-compliant home?
What builders can do
Currently, modular-home builders can still build ENERGY STAR homes to the ENERGY STAR Modular Homes Version 2.5 Program. Version 2.5 is a transitional program that allows modular-home builders to build homes that comply with the Prescriptive or Performance design requirements checklist, as well as sections 3 and 5 of the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist.
Currently, modular-home builders can still build ENERGY STAR homes to the ENERGY STAR Modular Homes Version 2.5 Program. Version 2.5 is a transitional program that allows modular-home builders to build homes that comply with the Prescriptive or Performance design requirements checklist, as well as sections 3 and 5 of the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist.
ENERGY STAR Version 2.5 also
allows modular home builders to identify what parts of ENERGY STAR Version 3
they’re not compliant with that will require further preparation and attention.
This is done by completing all mandatory checklists, including, but not limited
to, theHPAV System Installation Checklist and the Water Management System Checklist.
For additional information on
the requirements of Version 2.5, see the SBRA Modular Program Guidelines: Procedures for
Qualifying Modular Homes for the ENERGY STAR Guidelines Version 2.5.
Use the extra time wisely
The delay provides the perfect opportunity for modular-home builders to prepare for the future:
The delay provides the perfect opportunity for modular-home builders to prepare for the future:
o Develop
an ENERGY STAR home construction package.
o Have
their plant certified, thereby demonstrating they have the skills and
construction techniques necessary to build ENERGY STAR modular homes.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.