Guidelines to Meet the NEW Challenge

The DOE CHALLENGE HOME is a new and compelling way to recognize builders for their leadership in increasing energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and making homes net zero energy ready.

The program builds upon the comprehensive building science requirements of ENERGY STAR^® for Homes Version 3, along with proven Building America innovations and best practices. Other leading programs are incorporated to help builders reach unparalleled levels of performance for homes designed to last hundreds of years.

DOE CHALLENGE HOMES are verified by a qualified third-party and are at least 40%-50% more energy efficient than a typical new home. This generally corresponds to a HERS Index Score in the 50s, depending on the size of the home and region in which it is built.

Take the NEW Challenge today! Current Builders Challenge partners must register with DOE Challenge Home to participate.

Qualify Homes to Meet the Challenge

Prescriptive Path. To use the prescriptive path, follow the DOE Challenge Home National Program Requirements . A registered verifier should submit the prescriptive compliance report after verification that the home meets the challenge.
Performance Path. Prior to September 2012, a registered verifier must set up the RESNET accredited software using the HERS Index Target Procedure , then follow the National Program Requirements to design the home. After construction, the verifier should submit a performance path spreadsheet to DOE. To receive a copy of the performance path spreadsheet, contact doechallengehome@newportpartnersllc.com or 301-889-0017.

Note: In September 2012, this process will be automated through RESNET accredited software and the RESNET National Registry.

DOE Challenge Homes must:

Meet all DOE Challenge Home National Program Requirements including:
- Comply with ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3 Requirements , including checklists for Thermal Enclosure, HVAC Quality Installation, (Contractor and Rater), and either the Water Management checklist or the Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist. Included in this requirement is the target home/size adjustment factor used by ENERGY STAR.
- Install energy efficient appliances and fixtures using ENERGY STAR qualified products.
- Install high-performance windows that meet ENERGY STAR.
- Meet 2012 International Energy Conservation Code levels for insulation.
- Follow the latest proven research recommendations by installing ducts in conditioned space.
- Conserve water and energy through efficient hot water distribution systems that provide rapid hot water to the homeowner.
- Help improve healthy indoor air quality with EPA Indoor airPLUS construction specifications and checklist .
- Accomplish savings on the cost of future solar installations with EPA Renewable Energy Ready Home (RERH) solar electric guide and checklist as well as the solar thermal systems guide and checklist in climates with significant solar insolation.

Third-party Verifiers must submit DOE Challenge Home Performance Path ratings to the RESNET National Buildings Registry.

DOE CHALLENGE HOME Builders are encouraged to:

Minimize water use by participating in the EPA WaterSense for New Single-Family Homes program.
Embrace disaster resistance by following the FORTIFIED for Safer Living^® provisions for regionally specific natural hazards.
Implement comprehensive quality management practices .
Ask buyers to sign a waiver allowing DOE CHALLENGE HOME access to one year of utility bill data.

Public Review

DOE CHALLENGE HOME draft requirements were published for public review. We received a variety of helpful comments from industry, government, and advocacy organizations. In response to these comments multiple changes were made to the final requirements. DOE's rationale for the program requirements are 1) sound science; 2) sound data to back-up provisions; 3) widespread availability of required products/systems; and 4) reasonable adaptability to typical builder practices. Thus, the comments and responses were viewed through this framework. Interested parties can review DOE's responses PDF to public comments.