Archinect tells MHProNews as part of a settlement between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act, the University of Kentucky College of Design in cooperation with two non-profits will build four more energy efficient modular homes with photovoltaic generated energy systems. Following up on a story we published April 19, 2012 about houseboat builder Stardust Cruisers converting to modular homes construction as the watercraft business declined with the economy’s downturn, the $504,000 the College of Design receives will go towards researching and building the new dwellings. Two modular homes built last year were sold to area residents who met low income guidelines. The Houseboat to Energy Efficient Residences (HBEER) initiative is creating green jobs and bringing back some of the 575 employees who originally worked in the southeastern Kentucky marine industry. Future projects will include energy efficient multifamily housing and classrooms to replace outdated portable units.

(Photo credit: Whitney Hale/UKNowNews)