Three lighting manufacturers have stepped up to become the first companies in the lighting industry to join the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as Innovation Partners in its Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) program.
MaxLite, West Caldwell, N.J., Nora Lighting, Commerce, Calif., and ETI Solid State Lighting, Vernon Hills, Ill., are taking part in DOE’s project to help consumers and prospective home buyers identify the homes so efficient that a small renewable energy system could offset most or all of its annual energy consumption. To earn the ZERH label, a home must meet all of the criteria found in the DOE’s program requirements; be verified by a qualified third party; and be at least 40 to 50 percent more energy-efficient than a typical new home.
As Innovation Partners, the companies support the ZERH program by manufacturing LED lighting products that can be used to build or create zero energy homes as well as other forms of support.
“MaxLite is proud to be one of the first LED lighting manufacturers to join the ZERH initiative and help further the Department of Energy’s efforts to bring more zero energy homes to market,” said MaxlLite President and CEO Yon Sung. “We are committed to developing innovative, ENERGY STAR certified lighting products that aid in the building and certification of ZERH homes, as well as educating consumers on the environmental and cost saving benefits that may be achieved through superior energy efficiency.”
The DOE's ZERH web pages include a DOE Tour of Zero, where visitors can find builders with ZERH model homes, divided by climate zone. Go to their site to learn more: Zero Energy Ready Home