The Benefits of Green RVs

Find out how you can benefit from purchasing an Eco-Rated Trailer or Motorhome.

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Words by Jan Lee

Approximately a decade ago, finding and purchasing a third-party eco-certified RV would have been a monumental challenge. While “green certification” has existed for homes and appliances for decades, a rating system that rewards and recognizes RV manufacturers (and by extension, buyers) for using environmentally-friendly construction practices has been slow to catch on. Until now.

A few years ago, I visited several RV dealers in eastern Washington as I wanted to find out what new trailers and motorhomes were available. I asked a sales representative at one of the larger dealers for a tour of their newest, eco-friendly RV models. I intended to get a peek at the many ways manufacturers were sizing up the challenge of ‘going green.’ What kind of models were eco-certified? Would there be better, lighter construction materials? Were there more environmentally-friendly cooking appliances or smarter systems for water storage and usage?

The sales rep looked at me confused as if he was trying to understand what I was asking. “Sure,” he said finally and turned to his assistant, who then asked me to repeat the question. After a few minutes of discussing some of the models on the market and getting blank stares in response to my questions, it became clear to me that they didn’t have any.

“May I ask why you don’t offer these types of RVs?” I rolled off some of the attributes I was looking for. His answer was quick and memorable. “It’s not that we wouldn’t sell them, ma’am, but that’s not what buyers want.”

Nowadays, a growing number of RV manufacturers not only offer eco-certified models but they tout their benefits. Manufacturers like Airstream, Coachman, Lance, and Forest River have signed on to third-party eco-certification as a way of demonstrating to their customers that they align with environmentally friendly values.

What is Eco-Certification?

Certification processes help ensure that manufacturing practices are standardized. Many appliances in Canada and the US are UL-certified to prove they have been properly tested, made with sound materials, and safe to use. Similarly, many of the materials in 2021-constructed homes are certified by the Canadian Green Building Council (CAGBC in Canada) or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED in the US) and meet certain environmental standards during production. 

The Certified Green label by TRA Certification Inc. is the equivalent rating system for RVs. Manufacturers apply for certification based on the materials and practices they use in their manufacturing facility and products. Much like the LEED rating system, the Certified Green program drills down to every level: Is the particular RV model energy efficient? Does it have water-efficient components? Does the manufacturer use environmentally sound construction practices?

Eco-certification even considers materials that are used for flooring, cabinetry, and bulkheads. Were they third-party certified at the manufacturing facility? Are the air vents located off the floor so dirt isn’t trapped and recirculated in the air system? Are the tires nitrogen-filled and is there an awning to reduce heat during the summer? Just as importantly, how lightweight is the RV? Is it manufactured to reduce weight and fuel costs at the pump?

However, good certification programs recognize that not all manufacturers can meet the same eco-friendly benchmarks at the same time. For example, some companies are great at building energy-efficient campers but are still relying on adhesives and materials that contain formaldehyde, which is considered less safe for the environment than other similar products. Eco-certification encourages transparency and allows customers to decide what benchmarks are important to them, and which RVs meet the criteria. 

The Certified Green rating system is based on a checklist of standards. Products can qualify for one of four ratings including Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Emerald, which is based on how many standards it meets. Like LEED, the Certified Green program considers production methods, the components of the RV, and if the company supports recycling practices.

Why Does Eco-Certification Matter?

Better manufactured RVs can translate to fewer costs for owners. A trailer that has been built with lighter materials and designed for better towing can mean big savings at the gas pump. It can also mean less wear-and-tear on the engine, the brakes, and other automotive components thus providing a safer ride. Depending on the certification rating, it can also mean fewer carbon emissions at the manufacturing facility, on the road, and at the landfill.

Another benefit of environmentally friendly RVs is that many (though not all) of the products are more ergonomically designed. For example, the Class B vans of today are worlds away from the 1980 models when heavy, fibreglass camper tops were all the rage. The newer class B’s are not only lighter but ergonomically designed for maximum livability. And they often contain better-rated materials and products. 

Third-Party-Certification VS. Self-Certification

It’s important to note that just because an RV model isn’t third-party eco-certified doesn’t mean it may not have been designed with environmental considerations. Many RV manufacturers make it their responsibility to integrate better construction practices into their facilities. But they may not feel that it’s the right time to apply for third-party certification. There can be many reasons for this, including whether their supply chain is ready to meet the rigorous demands of third-party certification. That being said, third-party certification by experts is still considered the gold standard when it comes to verifying quality. 

“Third-party verification is important because it’s someone other than the maker of the product that is making that claim and verifying it,” explained Amanda Leazenby, president of TRA Certification, Inc. The Green Certified is based on standards set by the LEED and the US National Association of Home Builders.

“It is really important for someone other than the manufacturer of the product or RV to say, yes, we verify the claim,” says Leazenby.

For more information about third-party eco-certification of RVs visit  https://www.certifiedgreenrvs.com. Information about TRA Certification Inc. and other certification services it provides can be found at https://tragreen.com.