Re: [GBlist] Green Modular Home -Portland

["Mike Rogers" <rogers.mike@verizon.net>]

I'd like to disagree with several of the posting which have used a rather
broad brush in painting modular homes as bad, almost to the point of mocking
the question.  We should be careful before we automatically trash an entire
industry.  It may have been that modular homes of yesteryear wouldn't hold
up to green building criteria of today.  This does NOT mean that all modular
homes built today are garbage.  And, compared to much of the housing stock
being built, some of them may indeed be "princes".

I don't have the original message, and in all the trashing, I've forgotten
the exact original question.  BUT, if the intent was to learn more about
"green" modular homes, there are good stories to tell.

For example:
*  CARB has worked with Champion, a modular manufacturer, to create a
modular line that meets Energy Star and Altanta EarthCraft House standards.
Perhaps not perfect, but noteworthy nonetheless.  For more info visit:
http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/29122.pdf

*  Building Science Corp worked with Randall Homes in Ohio to create a
modular home that meets Energy Star criteria.  See:
http://www.buildingscience.com/buildingamerica/overview/Randal.htm

*  Was the original question about Portland. OR?  Although not strictly
modular (instead, panelized, I believe) check out the City Life development
http://oikos.com/esb/50/earthsmart.html

*  A solar modular home assembled on the National Mall in DC got a lot of
press last year.  http://www.mcneiltech.com/press%20releases/solarhome.htm

*  Other new concepts in modulars can be see at:
http://www.mfghome.org/industry_award_winners2000.html

*  Some manufacturer's addressing energy-efficiency, and other info:
http://www.worldwidehomes.net/Pages/energy_saving_home.htm
http://www.eren.doe.gov/buildings/building_america/boston.shtml
http://www.pathnet.org/news/981026.html

I also read about one in Energy Design Update last year sometime.  Any
subscribers recall this article?

If the manufactured housing industry can help bring energy-efficiency and
broader green building techniques and materials to affordable housing...or
any housing...more power to 'em.

I hope this helps.

--Mike


----- Original Message -----
From: Ted Shelton <ted655@hotmail.com>
To: <acourtri@linknet.kitsap.lib.wa.us>; <dlombard@earthlink.net>
Cc: <greenbuilding@crest.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2001 4:15 PM
Subject: Re: [GBlist] Green Modular Home -Portland


>              This is how the difference was explained to me by a dealer.
If
> the frame sits "back" under the side of the home it is a MOBILE. The steel
> frame of a modular is on the edge of the walls and is set on a
conventional
> style foundation. Both are built in the same manner, using the same nasty
> urea, formaldehyde, PVCs, foams, glues and VOL ingredients. To get that
cost
> per square, they aren't worrying about our health OR the Earth. Plus, like
a
> auto, they are worth 1/2 the minute they roll off the "lot". They fill a
> need, but you can't kiss em and turn them into a prince.
>
> ted655@hotmail.com



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