Today’s topic is a confluence of two types of efficiency discussed often in this blog: construction efficiency and energy efficiency. The former involves reducing cost to build and embodied energy, either by choosing a smaller building size or by using techniques like modular construction. The latter involves reducing the building’s environmental impact over its lifetime, through improved insulation and airflow and/or producing power on-site Now Vermont has a program to champion both strategies together. Not surprisingly, the organization involved is smart-building advocate Efficiency Vermont.

The Zero Energy Modular (ZEM) Program targets mobile home owners specifically, encouraging them to replace their current home with a high-performance modular home like those built by Vermod. Efficiency Vermont provides prospective buyers with an energy consultant for one-on-one guidance, as well as financing options that take advantage of the new house’s payback period to make the price competitive with traditional manufactured homes.

Read more here or here.

Saturday, May 5 is Green Up Day. Grab a bag from your town clerk and pick up litter in your Vermont community!