Greenwise legislation ushers in the "Green Revolution"

by Sue Frost

Why is the manufactured housing industry well-positioned to increase market share?

Whether you are an environmentally friendly individual or an informed entrepreneur, shades of green are impacting every aspect of our business and personal lives. Greenwise legislative policies are emerging and the pressure is mounting as law makers are escorting us into a "Green Revolution" expected to impact global economy and trump the Industrial Revolution. How does the manufactured housing industry stack up?

Most energy professionals are focused on conserving energy, increasing energy efficiency and saving money. Others extend those efforts to protect the environment by reducing harmful energy by-products and educating the general public on energy saving products and procedures. Some go the distance as they promote "eco-villages" where humans live and work in communities that have no impact on the earth's eco-system. Some save the lives of animals by becoming "Vegan" and dedicating themselves to eliminate animal products from their diet.

In the real estate industry, "Green" can be defined in different ways:

• GREEN - Buildings that are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment. Green is becoming a significant social issue and people are more aware of how their daily choices affect the environment.
• ENERGY EFFICIENT - Energy conservation by reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services. Energy Efficiencies lower our reliance on public utilities.
• SUSTAINABLE ENERGY - Renewable energy that comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and geothermal heat. Sustainable Energy meets our present need without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Manufactured and Modular housing has always had some characteristics that today may be considered eco-friendly… from reduced waste to smaller construction footprint. To prepare for shipping, the factory built homes are built with walls and floors and are held together tightly with screws and glue, rather than just nails. The factory building technologies have naturally resulted in higher energy efficiency due to the extra insulation and tighter, less draft-prone seams. In fact, many modular companies are moving away from less eco-friendly materials such as toxic paints, PVC's and so forth.

The manufactured housing product is inherently green and cost effective. The houses are energy efficient and utilize renewable resources. The construction cycle is short and requires less onsite materials and labor, resulting in fewer trips to work, less gas and lowered carbon footprint. The manufactured homes are more affordable for lower income families. Consumers are beginning to understand the benefits of green energy efficiencies and they are willing to pay a premium for monthly utility cost savings. Many consumers have taken losses on their expected retirement income and they are previewing alternate living arrangements that they may not have been receptive to in the past.

Regardless of how and when this economic downturn ends, the manufactured housing industry is well positioned to increase market share. Now is the time to become educated on residential energy and the impact this will have on building technologies. The key to success in this emerging green economy will be to bring comfort, value and savings to the end consumer while preserving the natural environment. ##

Sue Frost is President of Alliance Mortgage and Marketing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of I.F. Independent Financial Corporation. Mortgage Broker, CA DRE #01002275, WA #510-MB-47498, OR #ML-4905. She is a 26-year veteran to mortgage lending and has a passion for helping people achieve the wealth building opportunity of home ownership. Susan's firm is based in California and is also servicing Oregon (with a forward vision to service the western United States.) Find her firm online at www.ammloans.com or call Sue at Bus. 916-473-1324, Cell 916-207-7960.