Zero Energy Ready Home Program
Aspects of the Zero Energy Home System:
The DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) program is an established certification program that defines a bar just above Stretch Code, but below Passive House, with the right priorities. By achieving the ZERH label, the home is verified not only to be energy efficient, but also to be healthy, well-designed, and ready for a low-carbon future. ZERH does not require cost increases over homes built to code. The guideline directly from the Department of Energy can be found here: DOE ZERH Specs Rec07
Inflation Reduction Act ….. $5,000 Tax Credit - The updated 45L Tax Credit as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, awards $5k for homes completed from 2023>2033 that achieve the ZERH certification . Multi-family project tax credits are also available, $1000 > $5000 per unit.
Important ZERH resources and quick links:
DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program Requirements and overview
Download the detailed program requirements here
To become certified, the home must:
Comply with ENERGY STAR 3.1 program requirements
Provide comprehensive indoor air quality through EPAs Indoor airPLUS program
Complete the PV-Ready checklist (PV not required)
Meet 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) Code Levels of Insulation
Conserve water and energy through best practice hot water systems and fixtures, meet listed criteria
Feature ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and fixtures
Zero Energy Ready Home requirements compared to other certification programs.
The certification process requires:
Design with energy performance and healthy home features
Oversight by the general contractor to ensure subcontractors are following through with program standards
Administrative work - program standards must be understood and verified
3rd party verification - greater oversight by the HERS Rater
Healthy building systems and materials