Climate Resiliency
Today, residential energy use and low-density land patterns contribute heavily to emissions, intensifying climate hazards. These hazards not only impact our environment but also strain housing supply and affordability. Families are left to bear the financial and social burdens of damage, recovery and displacement. By advancing climate-resilient housing, Next Step is creating stable, affordable homes that protect both residents and our planet.
We designed our Next Step Home to meet ENERGY STAR® V3 standards—the highest ENERGY STAR® standard available. Thanks to a partnership with Clayton Homes, Next Step can also provide DOE-certified Zero Energy Ready Manufactured Homes (ZERMH) in certain markets.
What is Climate-Resilient Housing?
Climate-resilient housing is designed to withstand and recover from the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. The goal of these homes is to provide a space that keeps families safe and comfortable during severe and unpredictable weather while also minimizing environmental impact. It prioritizes sustainable building practices and resilient designs that support both people and the planet. The most common types of climate-resilient housing are ENERGY STAR®-certified and Zero Energy Ready homes.
Key Characteristics
- Increased Structural Integrity: Homes are built with materials and designs that can withstand natural forces like flooding, high winds or seismic activity.
- Solar-Ready Construction: Homes are built with the connections necessary for installing a solar panel system, expediting the process for homeowners.
- Location-Specific Design: Homes are designed to withstand the extreme weather conditions of their location. They may be built on stilts to protect them from flooding or incorporate building materials that can withstand wind speeds up to 110 MPH.
Benefits of Climate-Resilient Housing
- Widespread Cost Savings: Homes are built to withstand disasters and experience less damage, which can reduce repair and rebuilding costs. They prioritize energy efficiency and can lower monthly utility costs by 30-50%. When connected to solar, energy costs can be completely eliminated!
- Improved Health & Well-Being: High-quality, all-electric comfort systems produce better indoor air quality and improved water and sanitation. Climate-resilient housing can protect lives and provide peace of mind during disasters.
- Lower Environmental Impact: Every part of these homes was designed to help homeowners be better environmental stewards. Climate-resilient homes produce fewer emissions, decrease reliance on non-renewable resources and encourage additional green practices.
Climate-Resilient Features in Next Step Homes
- HUD Title II Permanent Foundations: All Next Step Homes are built on foundations that meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requirements, making them eligible for FHA loans. This foundation system includes anchors and tie-downs that prevent shifting and movement.
- Wind Zone 3 Construction: Our homes, regardless of location, are built to wind zone 3 standards, which require them to withstand sustained winds of up to 110 MPH and forces of up to 47 pounds per square foot.
- All-Electric: Next Step is playing an active role in moving the factory-building sector toward a zero-energy future. Our homes are all-electric, and incorporate renewable energy technologies when available.
Learn More About Climate-Resilient Housing
Are you interested in purchasing your own climate-resilient factory-built home? Would you like to learn more about leveraging factory-built housing in development projects? Do you want to explore factory-built homes as an affordable housing solution? Complete the form below, and we’ll connect you with the right team member!