Partner Requirements

The first step to becoming a Zero Energy Ready Home partner is to register. The Zero Energy Ready Home program offers partnerships for builders, verifiers (raters), architects and designers, and innovation partners (manufacturers and organizations). Once you have registered as a partner, and completed the Zero Energy Ready Home Orientation Webinar, you will be listed on the Partner Locator tool.

What is expected of partners? Every type of partner has its own role. Review the appropriate partnership agreement package for more information on partner expectations:

  • Builder Partners construct single-family homes, multifamily buildings, affordable housing, and/or manufactured homes that meet the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program Requirements.
  • Verifier Partners provide third-party verification that homes meet the applicable DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program Requirements for each project. Beginning with ZERH Version 2 and continuing with all versions released thereafter (including Single Family, Multifamily, and Manufactured Homes), all Verifier Partners must work under the oversight of a Home Certification Organization for the Zero Energy Ready Home Program (HCO for ZERH) or a Multifamily Review Organization for the Zero Energy Ready Home Program (MRO for ZERH). Please visit the Certification Oversight page for more information.
  • Architect and Designer Partners design single-family homes, multifamily buildings, affordable housing, and/or manufactured homes to meet the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Program Requirements.
  • Innovation Partners are leaders who support a national campaign to educate consumers on the benefits of DOE Zero Energy Ready Homes by promoting the Tour of Zero.

*All partners should review and be familiar with the Guidelines for Correctly Using the DOE Zero Energy Ready Home Name and Logo. DOE strongly encourages all partners to include the Zero Energy Ready Home logo on their company website.

Frequently Asked Questions

To become a partner, register online by completing contact information and uploading your company logo. Once you've given your electronic signature and submitted your registration, look for a confirmation by email with your password to access your account.

Take advantage of online training and webinars and browse our other resources.

Active accounts will appear on the partner locator tool making it easy for homebuyers to find you. Log in to your account to download the DOE Zero Energy Home label for use on your certified home; use the partner logo on your website and marketing materials; and print your customized brochure to easily share the benefits of DOE Zero Energy Ready homes to your customers. Find more ideas in the logo use guidelines. For additional recognition for builder partners and to be a part of the Tour of Zero, apply to the Housing Innovation Awards.

To certify homes, work with a registered third-party verifier working under an approved HCO or MRO for ZERH to model and inspect your project.