What is a “Green Certified” RV and is it the future? – author unknown.

“Going green” is a popular phrase being bandied about these days. Chances are, you have heard it referred to quite a lot. But what does going green mean? In essence, it refers to using various everyday methods to help save the world and its environment.

Living a green lifestyle – or going green – can begin in small, easy to manage ways. Recycling is a huge, obvious part of helping to save the world through green living. Reducing one’s reliance on oil-based energy sources is another popular method employed in trying to save the world. Purchasing only all organic, chemical free products is another way that many people begin going green, and is considered a very effective method at trying to save the world and all of its resources. Green living is infiltrating all parts of daily life…including the RV world!

Who’s heard of a Green Certified RV before? Not many of us. I’m sure… However times are a changing my friend.  Many RV manufacturer’s have incorporated some sort of ‘going green’ procedure into the production line.

I found an article on RV.net  written by a gentleman by the name of Mark Polk, after he attended this year’s RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky.  This is his take on the Green Certified RV:

Green Certified RV’s

Something else that caught my eye was the “Green Certified” label adorned by many of the new RV’s on display in Louisville. I asked a couple of the manufacturer reps what this green certification badge entailed, but I didn’t  get the response I was looking  for so I decided to look into it further.  The green certification labels posted on the RV’s indicated the RV was certified by TRA Certification. After some research I discovered TRA Certification Inc. is an independent third-party green certifier. Using well established consensus standards TRA analyzes, evaluates, measures and certifies RV manufacturers on energy efficiency and environmental friendliness.

In an attempt to “go green” some RV manufacturers started building RV’s to these consensus standards used in the modular and manufactured housing industries. When an RV gets the “Certified Green” badge it means that TRA certified the manufacturer is capable of building green, and uses their process, materials and components to assemble a green RV. The certification also involves verification of materials and components suppliers used in the production process of the RV.

Note: Another company involved with “green certification” for Recreation Vehicles is NTA Inc. The NTA approved green program is based upon recognized green practices and award points to Recreation Vehicle Manufacturers that demonstrate stewardship in these areas.

But, what does a green RV really mean?

Six key factors are taken into account when building and certifying a green RV. These factors are:

1) Resource Efficiency

2)  Energy Efficiency

3)  Indoor Environmental Quality

4)  Water Efficiency

5)  Operation & Maintenance

6) Innovative Practices.

For a better understanding of what each of these categories involve here is a TRA green certification label with more information on what goes into building and certifying a green RV.

At some point soon, I believe the RV Industry will really embrace these ideas and philosophies.  And the technology of trying to develop a greener way to RV…after all, these are our roads and this is our adventure, let us do our best to keep it in the same conditions for our children and grandchildren to experience. Lerch RV supports any initiative to help our environment.

At the same time, the RV industry has been getting greener in a number of ways. RVs are using more aerodynamic designs and lighter weight materials to reduce fuel consumption. Motor-homes are using more fuel efficient engines. RV and park model suppliers have catered to the green demand with items such as low-flow fixtures and more efficient appliances. “There are many ways in which a company can tout its greenness,” says Tom Arnold, president of TRA Certification.  “Often a company may not even realize what product or practices can be called green. That’s where we can help. Products like awnings, for example, not only provide campsite shade for RVers, but also for their RV, thereby reducing cooling loads.”

So when you are thinking about the purchase of your next RV, make sure that the manufacturer incorporates some sort of green procedures or are truly TRA Green Certified.