Zero Energy Certified - GreenHome Institute

Zero Energy

Certified

GHI Zero Energy Capable is now Zero Energy Certified!

A Zero Energy Certified Home requires

1. An energy model that shows the home or building produces as much more energy than it is estimated to use over an average year.

2. Be all electric*

3. Achieve a baseline green building certification such as GreenStar Homes Certification, LEED, or etc.

Below are several projects that have achieved GHI zero energy certification.

What are the requirements?

Submit a model for a home or building using an approved energy modeling tool. The model must show a zero or negative energy usage over a typical year, including all energy consumption and all energy production from renewable energy sources local to the site. The energy consumption and production modeling must be completed by qualified professionals. Consumption from the following items can be excluded: Vehicles, special farm or manufacturing energy consumption (submit an explanation of proposed exclusions with the modeling).
Build or renovate to the modeled standards and use 3rd party energy testing & inspections to ensure performance. These are specified by the chosen model in step 1. (Minimum tests required include 1. Air leakage of the building envelope; 2. Duct leakage to the outdoors; 3. Total duct leakage; 4. Worst Case Combustion Spillage)
Have energy rating certified by the appropriate certification body
The project must be all electric with some exceptions. See below
Project must be GreenStar Homes Certified or an equivalent baseline level of a relevant green building program*

Approved Modeling Tools

DOE Home Energy Score
Approved 301 Energy Rating Index Tools
1. HERS index
  1. REMrate
  2. Ekotroupe
  3. Florida Energy Guagge
2. BSI House Rater
3. CA – Title 24
90.1 Modeling Software approved
WUFI Passive
Passive House Planning Package

All Electric Exceptions

Project should be all electric with exceptions

Renovation projects in cold weather climate zones of 4 our higher may use dual fuel heatpump systems be certified

Comply with GHI All Electric Living Badge

Requires that all systems in the project are electric with no combustion, with some exceptions:

Allows combustion fireplaces for aesthetics or winter heating backup in single family homes
Multifamily Housing / Attached Townhomes
1. Dryers in nonresident spaces (laundry rooms)
  1. Must be electric in new construction projects
2. Corridor and nonresidential space heaters
  1. Allowed in Climate Zone 6+
3. Central Gas Water Heating
  1. Allowed in Climate Zone 6+
  2. Must investigate heatpump options and provide an acceptable reason to rule them out
4. ERV with gas backup heaters allowed in Climate Zone 6+

Does this cost anything?

This program is free for GHI members or GHI project teams certifying in the same project submission.

Non-Member costs $100 per submission for the first home and an additional $10 per unit for townhomes, developments, or multifamily housing.

Does the home need to show zero utility bills?

No. This is designed + built + tested and modeled to be zero energy and utility bills are not required. Homeowners or tenants can apply for our zero energy hero awards on a yearly basis if the utility bills are zero or negative.

https://greenhomeinstitute.org/zero-energy-hero-award/

What types of projects can certify?

Single family
Neighboorhoods
Multifamily housing
High & Midrise buildings
Mixed use
Any commercial building that can be modeled under ASHREA
New construction
Renovation
Weatherization

Why does it have to be GreenStar Certified? Can I use another certification?

The goal is to ensure the project meets some basic green measures so that that it is healthy, durable, water efficient and utilizes sustainable materials.
Other certifications do meet these goals and include but are not limited to;
- LEED
- National Green Building Standard (NGBS)
- Enterprise Green Communities
- DOE: Zero Energy Ready Home
- Passive House
- Earth Craft
Learn more about each program on our on Demand CE Webinar Making Sense of Green Home Certifications 101

Is there training to help me to do this?

We have many on-demand courses and live tours that cover zero energy

Go here to access them and watch at no charge

Partner Trainings

Heatspring – Leaders in High-Performance Building: Zero Fossil Fuels & Zero Net Energy

EEBA has a great all day hands-on program that may be coming to a town near you. Learn more

The New Net Zero Book.

Do I have to count heavy energy using systems?

Yes.

Your model will need to account for things like

Driveway warmers
Ice dam metlers
Hot tubs
Pumps
Elevators
Etc.

Register your project with us here or learn more below.

Lakeside Net Zero Passive House goes LEED Platinum Passive House Certified

March 20, 2024

The 713 Project: For the Journey Wins the outstanding LEED project award

July 19, 2023

Edge Flats 35 SW Seward Goes LEED Gold

August 2, 2021

LINC UP LEED Silver Affordable Housing

November 7, 2020

Brainerd Park Apartments – LEED Gold + 100% Affordable

August 1, 2018

Doyle Residence LEED Gold All-Electric Solar Rehab

May 23, 2019

Become A Member

The GreenHome Institute is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization funded by members who support the residential green building movement. Becoming a member helps support our mission and keeps us going, and you can also receive several benefits.