Cavco anticipates demand for green park models  -  Roaming Times

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Cavco anticipates demand
for 'green' park models

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Cavco Elite park model exterior 
The Cavco Elite park model - currently popular
Cavco "putting green elements into every park model and cabin we build"

Cavco Industries anticipates growing market demand for its “green” park models, which feature recycled materials, low VOC paints, water and energy efficient appliances and fixtures, insulated windows and enough solar panels to make the units energy independent

NAPPANEE, Ind., April 7, 2009 – For 35 years, NTA Inc. has provided design review and inspection services to help RV and park model manufacturers comply with national building and safety codes.
Now, the Nappanee-based consulting engineering firm has taken its design expertise a step further by developing national green building standards for recreational vehicles and park models.
NTA is a product certification agency accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), a subsidiary of the International Code Council (ICC).
“We are committed to helping manufacturers reduce negative impacts on the environment through all phases of construction,” said Andy Crisp, NTA’s director of energy services, adding that Cavco Industries has become the first company in the nation to achieve NTA’s green certification for park models produced at its manufacturing plant in Phoenix, Ariz.
 
“We believe everyone wants to build and buy ‘green’ as much as possible. That’s why we are putting green elements into every park model and cabin we build,” said Tim Gage, vice president of Cavco’s specialty division. He said some of the company’s solar-powered park models have already been delivered to campgrounds in California, including Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, a 163-acre resort in the mountains east of San Diego.
Cavco cabin loft model exterior
A Cavco cabin loft
"Cabin or Cedar Loft style is very popular in that rural mountain, lake or ocean side setting"


Unlike most trailer products, which have to be hooked up to electrical utilities, Cavco’s solar-powered park models have enough panels to generate their own power. The units come equipped with energy-efficient light bulbs and kitchen appliances, including tankless water heaters, as well as maintenance free batteries that are designed to store enough power to last for two days. Gasoline-powered generators are also provided as an emergency backup system.
 

Cedar Creek Cottage destination trailer exterior
Also popular with RoTi readers - the destination trailer
but needs to be hooked up to electrical utilities

 
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Other green features in Cavco park models include recycled tires and axles; an I-beam made from recycled steel; formaldehyde-free fiberglass insulation; water and drain pipes made with recycled materials; recycled carpet padding; water saving toilets, faucets and shower nozzles; and Gypsum panels made from recycled paper.

Crisp said NTA developed its green standards based on its own experience with green building practices, many of which have been influenced by the US Green Building Council, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.
“These agencies have already established green building standards, but they only apply to commercial and residential buildings,” Crisp said, adding, “There are no recognized green building codes for recreational vehicles or park models. So that’s the void we are trying to fill with our new green standard.”
Crisp said NTA’s green standards have been developed in accordance with ISO Guide 65. He added that the standards that NTA has developed are very strict, and apply not only to RV and park model products, but to the manufacturing processes and work environments of the companies that produce these products.
“We look at VOCs in their materials. We look at their manufacturing environment and their level of recycling. We even look at carpooling policies and whether they provide a smoke-free environment,” Crisp said.
Cavco, for its part, scored high marks for its use of recycled materials in construction as well as the high-energy standards of its park models. “Cavco is a very clean and efficient manufacturer,” Crisp said. “They recycle all of their materials. They even use a lot of pre-cut wood to avoid scrap.”
Gage said Cavco was first introduced to the concept of building green by one of its customers, El Capitan Resort near Santa Barbara, Calif. “I remember first meeting with them and thinking, ‘These guys are crazy,’ “ Gage recalled. “They mentioned wanting materials like tankless water heaters, SIPS roofs and walls and recycled barn wood flooring. These building materials seemed so far out of the box for manufacturing park models and cabins. However, we now recognize the need and the reasoning behind building green.”

 
"Green" park models?
"Cavco Industries anticipates growing market demand for its “green” park models, which feature recycled materials, low VOC paints, water and energy efficient appliances and fixtures, insulated windows and enough solar panels to make the units energy independent"

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Scott in CalyI'm amazed that this RV company is always at the front of the pack. From a public company stand point they should be proud of what they accomplish. GREEN is the future.
CJ These guys are always 5 steps ahead of everyone else. I'm talking to Cavco speciality about custom manufacturing Green container living.
SteveWay to go Cavco.
PianotunaHi, Good for this company! With regards to the "ready temp" in RV's--a plain old recirculating pump with a check valve would accomplish the same goal with fair less expense. Just flip the switch to activate 2 minutes before you wish to shower, then turn it *off* when before you step into the shower. Cost would be far less than the $325.00 that ready temp wants to charge.
LukeGreen is great, glad Cavco is on this, they always seem to have the best designs and ideas. I saw their solar model in CA, very nice
RitaWe're park owners and have also considered park models as additions to our RV park. The cost is too great for us and travel trailers are cheaper and easier. Eventually I hope we'll have park models but at the moment we have to settle for trailers. Green is the way to go.
R. KennedyHope they begin including RedyTemp hot water circulators as a standard "Green Friendly" component. A couple we met had one in their coach and they loved it. Not having to wait for hot water was impressive. The install seems pretty straight forward and quick. They liked the fact that their water lasted a lot longer before having to refill.
rt76I think totally green is the way forward and I wish RV manufacturers would start to think that way. Where are the hybrid RVs and environmentally friendly materials?

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