Zero Energy
Ready Home (ZERH)

Designed for the Future. Built to Perform. Powered for Life.

What Is a Zero Energy Ready Home?

A Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
certified home that meets rigorous energy efficiency, durability, health, and
comfort requirements — ready to support solar energy to achieve net-zero energy use.

Every Certified Build home is built to meet — or exceed — these performance targets, using the latest building science research and recommendations by Dr. Joseph Lstiburek (Building Science Corporation).

Reference: DOE ZERH Official Program

A modern two-story house with white brick and wood siding, large windows, and a front porch. There is a yard with shrubs and flowers, and a wooden fence in the background. A badge in the top right corner indicates the house won a housing innovation award for energy efficiency.

    • Built for Climate Zone 5 (Iowa)

    • Meets or exceeds the 2021 IECC energy code

    • Solar-ready infrastructure included

    • Indoor air quality certified via EPA Indoor airPLUS

    • Durability details proven by building science

    • Tax Credit Eligible – Qualifies for the federal 45L tax credit

    These homes use 40–50% less energy than a typical new home — and when paired with solar, they can reach true net-zero performance.

  • All Certified Build homes follow wall, roof, and foundation assemblies guided by Dr. Joseph Lstiburek’s field-tested research:

    • Walls: 2x6 or 2x4 advanced framing, R-7.5 + continuous exterior insulation, Class II or III vapor retarder, airtight drywall

    • Roofs: Vented or unvented (must be conditioned attic) roof assemblies, minimum R-60 total (e.g. R-25 rigid above + R-35 cavity) Unvented conditioned attics have an added  Vapor Diffusion Port 

    • Slabs & Foundations: R-10  rigid insulation at slab edge and under-slab, capillary breaks, full dampproofing

    • Foundations: R-15 + rigid insulation on basement foundation walls

    • Crawlspaces: Fully sealed, conditioned or vented per Figure 5 in BSI-145

    Reference Assemblies:

  • Every Certified Build home includes:

    • Continuous air barrier and thermal envelope

    • ERV or HRV whole-house mechanical ventilation

    • MERV-13 filtration and air sealing

    • Energy Star-certified appliances and lighting

    • High-efficiency HVAC system sized using ACCA Manual J/S/D

    All homes are blower-door tested and HERS rated.

  • We future-proof your home with solar-ready electrical, advanced insulation packages, and ventilation systems designed to ensure occupant health.

    Our ZERH-compliant homes integrate:

    • DOE Energy Star Certified

    • EPA Indoor airPLUS

    • NGBS Green (Bronze minimum)

    • Optional Passive House upgrades

    Every Certified Build home is a platform for long-term energy independence and unmatched occupant comfort.