The DOE Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program

Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) Program is a certification by US DOE for single, multi-family, and manufactured homes that are high-performance, healthy, and energy efficient.  These homes are so energy efficient that a renewable energy system could offset most or all the home’s annual energy use. The homes must meet rigorous criteria set forth in the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home National Program Requirements that serve as a roadmap for builders and developers to create high-performance homes. If they are certified by a DOE-recognized third-party certification organization, they become eligible for federal tax credits and utility company rebates. Wisconsin builders use the requirements for cold & very cold climates.