Zero Energy Ready Home Requirements

In looking to build a house that was net zero, one that would support itself in the environment with a net zero carbon footprint, we needed to find a standard.   There are a few out there but the one that made the most sense to us was the Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home.   https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/zero-energy-design-designation

To qualify as a DOE Zero Energy Ready Home, a home shall meet the minimum requirements specified below, be verified and field-tested in accordance with HERS Standards by an approved verifier, and meet all applicable codes.  

Those Requirements Include:

Certified under Energy Star Qualified Homes

Fenestration shall meet or exceed latest Energy Star requirements

Ceiling, wall, floor and slab insulation shall meet or exceed 2018 IECC levels

Ducts shall be located within the home's thermal and air barrier boundary

Hot water delivery systems shall meet efficient design requirements

All installed refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers are Energy Star qualified

80% of lighting fixtures are Energy Star qualified or Energy Star lamps in minimum of 80% sockets.

All installed bathroom ventilation and ceiling fans are Energy Star qualified

Indoor Air Quality will be certified under EPA airPlus

Shall be Renewable Ready under Consolidated Renewable Energy Ready Home (RERH) Checklist

AFUE 90%

SEER 15

HSPF 9

Infiltration 2.5

Windows

SHGC 0.27

U value .3 (R 3.3)

Insulation levels shall meet the 2018 IECC , Grade 1 installation per RESNET standards

In Climate Zone 4, insulation level are required to be:

Basement Walls R23 continuous

Basement Slab R10

Exterior Walls R29

Roofs R60

Note:   All homes at Forest Trace meet or exceed these requirements.