ENERGY STAR Update - January 25, 2006

EPA has proposed significant changes to the ENERGY STAR New Homes Program that will go into effect January 2011. SBRA has been working closely with EPA to evaluate the impact of these changes on the modular home building industry.

SBRA will keep the industry abreast of developments. Stay tuned to future newsletters for updates.

New Requirements for ENERGY STAR
Qualified Windows, Doors and Skylights

Effective January 4, 2010, windows, doors and skylights must meet new performance requirements to qualify for ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR qualified windows are required for modular homes to comply with the national builder option package. Visit EPA's website www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows to learn more about the new requirements. (This change does not impact ENERGY STAR manufactured (HUD-code) homes.)

Tax Credits for Energy Efficient Homess

Senator Snowe (ME) has introduced legislation that, if passed, will provide a federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for homes that exceed the requirements of the IECC by 50%. SBRA is working on an option that would tie the new requirements to ENERGY STAR compliance. If the proposed legislation passes, ENERGY STAR manufactured homes would qualify for a $1,500 tax credit, an increase from the current $1,000 credit. Watch this space for developments.

Sign up for the ENERGY STAR Modular Home Program

As EPA's designated National Quality Assurance Provider for modular homes, SBRA now oversees the program for qualifying modular homes for the ENERGY STAR label. The simplified compliance process developed by SBRA, in cooperation with EPA and industry stakeholders, is tailored specifically to modular building and quality control practices. Joining the ENERGY STAR Modular Home program is easy. Visit SBRA's website
www.research-alliance.org/pages/es_mod.htm to learn about the many advantages of the ENERGY STAR Modular Home program.

For more information about the ENERGY STAR program for modular homes, contact Gwynne Koch, SBRA ENERGY STAR Program Coordinator, at (212) 496-0900 x12 or gkoch@research-alliance.org.

We encourage you to forward this newsletter to others in the industry that you think may be interested in the ENERGY STAR program. To subscribe to ENERGY STAR Update, send an email to energystar@research-alliance.org with Subscribe in the subject line.

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