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 contains links to the required criteria for builders to qualify homes for the Builders Challenge, as well as to 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 (PDF 128 KB) | 3. Material Efficient Framing (PDF 128 KB) |
| 2. Building Envelope Moisture Management (PDF 128 KB) | 4. Construction Waste Management (PDF 128 KB) |
| 5. Space Conditioning Design (Manual J) (PDF 128 KB) | 6. Space Conditioning Design (Manual D) (PDF 128 KB) |
| 10. ENERGY STAR® Windows (PDF 128 KB) | 7. Dehumidification (PDF 128 KB) |
| 11. Whole-Building Mechanical Ventilation (PDF 128 KB) | 8. Space Conditioning System Installation (meets Air Conditioning Contractors of America specification) (PDF 128 KB) |
| 12. Kitchen Ventilation (PDF 128 KB) | 9. Building Envelope Pressurization Testing (PDF 128 KB) |
| 13. Bathroom Ventilation (PDF 128 KB) | 20. Carbon Monoxide Alarms (All) (PDF 128 KB) |
| 14. Clothes Dryer Venting (PDF 128 KB) | 21. Garage Exhaust Ventilation (PDF 128 KB) |
| 15. Minimal Duct Leakage (PDF 128 KB) | 24. ENERGY STAR® Equipment/Appliances (PDF 128 KB) |
| 16. Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity (ENERGY STAR® Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist) (PDF 128 KB) |
25. Whole-Building Mechanical Ventilation per ASHRAE 62.2 (PDF 128 KB) |
| 17. High Quality Air Filtration (PDF 128 KB) | 26. Pressure Balancing (PDF 128 KB) |
| 18. Combustion Safety (PDF 128 KB) | 27. Low VOC Interior Coatings (PDF 128 KB) |
| 19. Carbon Monoxide Alarms (Some) (PDF 128 KB) | 28. Low VOC Adhesives (PDF 128 KB) |
| 22. Air Handler Isolated from Garage (PDF 128 KB) | 29. Low Emission Cabinets (PDF 128 KB) |
| 23. Moisture Management — Field Verification (PDF 128 KB) |
For more information, the corresponding Builders Challenge Quality Criteria Support Document (PDF 24 MB) provides extensive technical advice, based on proven building science, on how builders can implement the requirements of the BCQC. (This guide 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.)