This week, the EPA announced new requirements for qualifying site-built and modular homes for ENERGY STAR, which will go into effect beginning next year.

The Systems Building Research Alliance (SBRA) is in the process of revising the modular program to align with the new national ENERGY STAR requirements. The updated protocols will be issued in the coming weeks.

EPA will phase in the new guidelines to help manufacturers and builders transition from the current guidelines (Version 2.0) to the new guidelines (Version 3.0). According to the EPA and SBRA the new phase-in schedule is as follows:

• Single-family homes that are permitted before April 1, 2011 and completed before July 1, 2011 can be qualified under the current v2 guidelines
• Condos and apartments in multi-family buildings that are permitted before April 1, 2011 and completed before January 1, 2012 can continue to be qualified under the current v2 guidelines
• All homes both permitted and completed between April 1, 2011 and December 31, 2011 must be qualified using the new v2.5 guidelines.

Click here to view the chart provided by EPA provides more details on the new implementation schedule.

For more information, MHI members can contact Lois Starkey at (703) 558-0654 or lstarkey@mfghome.org