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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:

  • Were developed by leading industry experts under DOE leadership and are based on years of research of DOE's Building America program

  • 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.)