DOE-recognized ZERH Certification Organizations implement and maintain the integrity of the ZERH certification process. This includes certification administration and documentation, quality assurance, and education and training of raters. DOE-recognized ZERH Certification Organizations will be listed on this webpage as they are reviewed and recognized. 

DOE has recognized the following organizations as Home Certification Organizations for the Zero Energy Ready Home Program (HCOs for ZERH):

National, except CaliforniaCalifornia Only

Building Science Institute (BSI)

Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)

CHEERS

Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), in partnership with CalCERTS

DOE has recognized the following organizations as Multifamily Review Organizations for the Zero Energy Ready Home Program (MROs for ZERH):

National, except CaliforniaCalifornia Only

CHEERS

Building Efficiency Resources (BER)

CHEERS

For projects certified under ZERH Version 1 Rev. 8, raters must work under an EPA-recognized Home Certification Organization (HCO) rather than an HCO for ZERH. 

DOE recognizes three different types of ZERH Certification Organizations: 

  • Home Certification Organizations for the Zero Energy Ready Home Program (HCOs for ZERH)
  • Multifamily Review Organizations for the Zero Energy Ready Home Program (MROs for ZERH)
  • Manufactured Homes Quality Assurance Providers for the Zero Energy Ready Home Program (MH QA Providers for ZERH) 

Because ZERH program requirements include prerequisite requirements for ENERGY STAR certification, only EPA-recognized HCOs, MROs, or Manufactured Homes QA Providers may apply to DOE for recognition as HCOs for ZERH, MROs for ZERH, or MH QA Providers for ZERH. Qualifying organizations that wish to become DOE-recognized ZERH Certification Organizations may apply according to the processes described below.

Apply to Become a DOE-Recognized ZERH Certification Organization