The passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act marks one of the most significant federal housing reforms for manufactured housing. Designed to increase housing supply and improve affordability, the legislation modernizes federal policy for factory-built housing, expands financing opportunities, and removes regulatory barriers that have historically limited innovation in manufactured homes. Industry experts believe these changes could usher in a new era for modern manufactured housing. As noted by HousingWire, the new policy environment has the potential to ignite a “blue sky era” for manufactured housing as builders embrace innovation, energy efficiency, and modern construction techniques. This evolution makes HERS® Ratings more valuable than ever. RESNET® recently launched its HERS Rating for Manufactured Homes Program to provide a nationally recognized method for measuring and verifying the energy performance of HUD-code manufactured homes. The program gives manufacturers, lenders, retailers, utilities, and homebuyers a trusted, third-party measurement of a home’s expected energy efficiency—bringing the same level of credibility that HERS Ratings have provided to site-built homes for more than two decades. As the manufactured housing industry continues to evolve, HERS Ratings offer several important advantages: Independent verification of a home’s energy performance. Demonstrated quality that differentiates manufacturers in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Eligibility for energy efficiency programs and incentives where HERS Ratings are accepted. Lower utility costs for homeowners. Valuable performance data that can support financing, appraisal, and future market recognition of energy-efficient manufactured homes. The ROAD to Housing Act is expected to accelerate the adoption of innovative factory-built housing solutions. As more manufacturers compete on quality, durability, and efficiency—not simply purchase price—objective performance metrics become increasingly important. HERS Ratings provide the trusted benchmark. With the launch of the HERS Ratings for Manufactured Housing Program, RESNET is helping ensure that the next generation of manufactured homes can be evaluated using the same nationally recognized energy rating system already trusted throughout the residential construction industry. This positions manufacturers to capitalize on growing demand for efficient, high-quality homes while giving consumers greater confidence in one of the largest purchases they will ever make. The future of manufactured housing is not simply about building homes faster—it is about building homes better. As the industry enters this new chapter, HERS Ratings will play an essential role in measuring, verifying, and communicating the energy performance that homeowners, lenders, builders, and policymakers increasingly expect. If you have questions regarding the Manufactured Homes Program, please contact the team at programs@resnet.us
