Energy Trust is retiring older, inefficient manufactured homes and replacing them with new energy-efficient manufactured models, easing the strain on residents’ comfort and wallets. Older manufactured homes have less insulation, experience high air leakage and have inefficient windows and heating systems. As a result, residents of these homes spend about 70 percent more on energy per square foot than residents of site-built homes, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Unfortunately, these higher energy costs disproportionately affect people with lower incomes.

Thanks to Energy Trust’s Manufactured Home Replacement pilot, dozens of manufactured home residents in Oregon will gain a pathway to a more cost-effective, energy-efficient home. And the benefits extend beyond energy savings. With a new home, residents also can gain healthier living conditions and greater economic security.

Energy Trust designed the pilot through a collaborative partnership with Oregon Housing and Community Services, St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, CASA of Oregon, NeighborWorks Umpqua and regional Community Action Agencies. With help from these partners, Energy Trust hopes to establish a replicable model that integrates energy, poverty alleviation and affordable housing investments.