Builders Challenge Quality Criteria (BCQC) at a Glance
The Builders Challenge Quality Criteria (PDF 127 KB) are intended to ensure that qualifying homes not only are the most energy-efficient homes available, but also address issues of building durability, indoor air quality, environmental stewardship, and occupant health, safety, and comfort. Download Adobe Reader.
The BCQC:
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Were developed by leading industry experts under DOE leadership and are based on years of research of DOE's Building America program
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Are a mix of prescriptive and performance-based requirements. Some are merely code requirements while others are very similar to provisions in ENERGY STAR® homes and other building performance programs
- Are required for ALL Builders Challenge homes, regardless of the compliance path used
The table below lists the required criteria for builders to qualify homes for the Builders Challenge, as well as recommended criteria. The number next to each criterion refers to the order in which it is found in the BCQC.
| REQUIREMENTS | RECOMMENDATIONS |
|---|---|
| 1. Project Documentation | 3. Material Efficient Framing |
| 2. Building Envelope Moisture Management | 4. Construction Waste Management |
| 5. Space Conditioning Design (Manual J) | 6. Space Conditioning Design (Manual D) |
| 10. ENERGY STAR® Windows | 7. Dehumidification |
| 11. Whole-Building Mechanical Ventilation | 8. Space Conditioning System Installation (meets Air Conditioning Contractors of America specification) |
| 12. Kitchen Ventilation | 9. Building Envelope Pressurization Testing |
| 13. Bathroom Ventilation | 20. Carbon Monoxide Alarms (All) |
| 14. Clothes Dryer Venting | 21. Garage Exhaust Ventilation |
| 15. Minimal Duct Leakage | 24. ENERGY STAR® Equipment/Appliances |
| 16. Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity (ENERGY STAR® Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist) |
25. Whole-Building Mechanical Ventilation per ASHRAE 62.2 |
| 17. High Quality Air Filtration | 26. Pressure Balancing |
| 18. Combustion Safety | 27. Low VOC Interior Coatings |
| 19. Carbon Monoxide Alarms (Some) | 28. Low VOC Adhesives |
| 22. Air Handler Isolated from Garage | 29. Low Emission Cabinets |
| 23. Moisture Management — Field Verification |
For more information, a corresponding support document (PDF 24 MB) details the requirements and criteria in depth. (The Builders Challenge Quality Criteria Support Document is a living document. We welcome your comments on an ongoing basis and will consider input from readers as we periodically update the document to keep it current with the latest in building science research and the Builders Challenge. Please submit your comments to Michael Baechler.)


















