That’s right. Beginning this fall, government rebates will be available for the purchase of energy efficient household appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators. After the huge success of the cash for clunkers program in breathing life back into the auto-industry, as well as into our commitment to cleaner air, we should be hopeful that this program will have a similar effect.
As part of the 2009 federal economic stimulus bill, congress has authorized $300 million dollars for the program with rebates that are expected to reach up to $200, depending on the appliance. The primary requirement is that the appliance bear an Energy Star rating provided by the EPA and Department of Energy. But the program differs pretty significantly from cash for clunkers, in that it doesn’t require you to turn in your old appliance to be eligible.

How do you go about getting your own rebate? That information is not available quite yet. The federal government divided the $300 million among states according to the number of households, and states are to submit program plans by October 15. So you will have to wait a few more months, than contact your state government for further details.

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Perhaps we can’t credit Warren Buffet specifically for the good news, but Clayton Homes, a subsidiary of Buffet’s Berkshire Hathaway, announced earlier this month that they will be rolling out a line of LEED Platinum rated prefab houses. These new prefabs, titled “i-houses,” appear to offer the best in affordability and sustainability. The base, 1 bed 1 bath, 723 sq. foot model starts around a reasonable $75,000, and moves up to a 4 bed/2bath, 1643 sq. foot model with sundeck and Energy Star appliances model for only around $135,000.

Core2 Flex2 LayoutD. A spacious 4 bed/2 bath.

For that price, Clayton Homes throws in a bevy of green features like a tankless water heater, dual flush toilets, low-flow faucets, low –e windows, high-efficiency heat pumps, and rainwater catchment. The truly dedicated can also upgrade to Energy Star appliances, bamboo flooring, and energy saving solar panels.

In terms of design, the i-house is aptly named. It shares the same passion for compact design and sleek, modern lines of other i-products that will not be named. The floorplans are open, simple, and clean, and the classic lines of the interior rival the finest of Ikea models. Although the house will arrive on the back of a truck, it remains spacious and modern.

However, despite all these great features, it still seems a risky endeavour. With the housing market struggling, sustainable housing still taking root, and prefab housing unproven in the U.S., Clayton Homes is putting a lot of faith in America’s dedication to down-sizing and greening. It will be interesting to see if Americans are willing to grab hold of this and other great, but perhaps foreign, solutions for sustainable living.

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