Charles Thomas Homes built this 4,353-square-foot custom home in Omaha, Nebraska, to the performance criteria of the U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) program.

In keeping with the requirements of the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home program, the home also meets the EPA’s Indoor airPLUS and ENERGY STAR criteria and is expected to give its homeowners more than $1,200 per year in energy savings compared to a home built to the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code.

Advanced solid-state lighting technology is installed throughout the home.

The high-efficiency ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher helps to conserve energy and water.

Professionally installed high-performance windows let in daylight while retaining heat in the winter and blocking unwanted solar heat gain in the summer.

Low-VOC paints and finishes help limit contaminants in the home while high-efficiency ceiling fans can help make occupants feel cooler.

EPA WaterSense-rated fixtures provide energy and water savings.

The high-efficiency lighting display is one of many placed throughout the model home to educate homebuyers.

The high-efficiency gas furnace and air conditioner are housed in the unfinished, insulated basement.

The electric panel has home performance program labels, including the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score, ENERGY STAR Certified Home, and EPA Indoor airPLUS.

The home’s interior comfort system includes ducts installed between the basement and first floor. In contrast, many homes have been constructed with the comfort system effectively located "outdoors" in unconditioned attics, crawl spaces, and basements.