Company offers environmental label for recreational vehicles

ELKHART, Ind. (AP) - An Elkhart company that specializes in environmentally friendly building practices has created a Certified Green label for the recreational vehicle industry.

The Elkhart Truth (http://bit.ly/28Lul36 ) reports that TRA Certification Inc. developed the new certification in response to a California company that makes the motorhomes. Hollywood Trucks' RVs have an energy system that allows them to be powered by solar and thermal technologies. The RVs' interiors are made with recycled materials.

The designation ratings range from bronze to gold and are earned depending on indoor air quality and resource, energy and water efficiency. There is an emerald rating for manufacturers that have taken extra measures to be environmentally friendly.

TRA Certification also created a special off-grid and solar label for RVs that have factory-installed solar panel systems.

Hollywood Trucks CEO Andre Champagne said that the company applies environmentally friendly standards to all of its products, but does not believe its Ecoluxe solar technology system is the next big milestone in RVs for most consumers. He said the line was designed as a talent trailer for the film industry and is intended to save producers money.

Mandy Leazenby, TRA Certification's green program manager, said that installing the solar-ready systems are very expensive.

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Information from: The Elkhart Truth, http://www.elkharttruth.com