To be certified under the DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) program, a home must meet all requirements of the applicable version based on building type, the builder/developer/plant must be registered as a ZERH program partner, and the project must be approved by an approved third-party verifier. Click the version icons below to view the requirements documents for each version of the ZERH program. Please note that Version 2 for Multifamily is still under development. A complete list of current and planned Program Versions and Implementation Timelines is provided in the table below. Click this link for more information about 45L Tax Credits for Zero Energy Ready Homes.

Please note that revisions to program versions may optionally be used earlier than the required date, once they are issued by DOE. 

Requirements for Builders and Developers

The first step to building a certified Zero Energy Ready Home is to register as a partner. Please visit the Partner Central page for more information.

Requirements for Third-Party Verification

All Zero Energy Ready Homes must be certified by an approved third-party verifier to meet appropriate ZERH Program Requirements. See DOE-Recognized ZERH Certification Organizations for more details.