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.
Because these are new requirements for ZERH certification in 2022, there are currently no DOE-recognized ZERH Certification Organizations. Until the DOE-recognized ZERH Certification Organization process has been fully implemented, DOE is recognizing EPA-recognized ENERGY STAR certification organizations, as applicable. For example, under ZERH Version 1 Rev. 8, raters must work under an EPA-recognized Home Certification Organization (HCO).
Beginning in 2023, DOE will recognize three different types of ZERH Certification Organizations.
- For ZERH Version 2 for Single Family Homes, all certifications must be overseen by a Home Certification Organization for the Zero Energy Ready Home program (HCO for ZERH).
- For ZERH Multifamily Version 2, certifications using the Energy Rating Index path must be overseen by an HCO for ZERH, and certifications using the Prescriptive path must be overseen by a Multifamily Review Organization for the Zero Energy Ready Home program (MRO for ZERH).
- For ZERH Manufactured Homes Version 1, plant and field verifications must be overseen by Quality Assurance Providers for the Zero Energy Ready Home program (Manufactured Homes 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 Manufactured Homes QA Providers for ZERH. Qualifying organizations that wish to become DOE-recognized ZERH Certification Organizations may apply according to the processes described below.
DOE-recognized ZERH Certification Organizations will be listed on this webpage as they are reviewed and recognized, beginning in 2023.
Apply to Become an HCO for ZERH
To apply for recognition as an HCO for ZERH, please complete and submit the following documents by email to DOE at ZERH@doe.gov.
HCO for ZERH Certification System
HCO for ZERH Certification Protocol
Other Resources for HCOs for ZERH
HCO for ZERH Quality Assurance Checklist and Certification Review
Apply to Become an MRO for ZERH
To apply for recognition as an MRO for ZERH, please complete and submit the following documents by email to DOE at ZERH@doe.gov.
The MRO for ZERH application is under development by DOE and will be released soon.
Other Resources for MROs for ZERH
The Quality Assurance Checklist and other supporting documents that will be used by MROs for ZERH are under development by DOE and will be released soon.
Apply to Become a Manufactured Homes QA Provider for ZERH
To apply for recognition as a Manufactured Homes QA Provider for ZERH, please complete and submit the following documents by email to DOE at ZERH@doe.gov.
The application documents are under development by DOE and will be released soon.
Other Resources for Manufactured Homes QA Providers for ZERH
For information regarding the ZERH certification, enforcement, and reporting process and requirements for manufactured housing plants, see the DOE ZERH Manufactured Homes V1: Certification, Enforcement, and Reporting Guide.