U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Building Technologies Program – Builders Challenge

Requirements for Builders

There are three different ways to meet the Builders Challenge:

  1. By taking the performance path

  2. With prescriptive Builders Challenge Technology Information Packages (BC TIPs) that establish high-performance home energy packages for different climates, or

  3. Through a partner program, who has worked with DOE to establish an equivalent level to the Challenge within their program.

The three paths are outlined in the flow chart below (California builders, review this additional information):

The performance path requires that the home:

  • Achieves a HERS Index of 70 or lower based on an energy rating using RESNET-accredited software (this is the number which appears on the E-Scale)

  • Meets the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria (BCQC), a set of best practices for durability, comfort, and indoor air quality in homes (PDF 158 KB). Download Adobe Reader.

  • Undergoes verification by a third-party verifier who is a registered Builders Challenge partner. RESNET-certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) raters and DOE Building Consortia team members qualify as third-party verifiers for the Builders Challenge. Other professionals may be eligible to serve as verifiers, such as licensed engineers and architects or employees or authorized representatives of a utility or local building regulatory authority, if they have been trained by RESNET (or an equivalent organization) to use building performance testing methods and tools. Such professionals will be approved by DOE.

The process for using the performance path is described step-by-step here.

The prescriptive path lays out the most cost-neutral design for a given climate using the BC TIPs and requires that the home:

  • Meets the specifications for the BC TIP in the appropriate climate zone (e.g., 92 AFUE furnace)
  • Meets the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria (BCQC), a set of best practices for durability, comfort, and indoor air quality in homes (PDF 158 KB) Download Adobe Reader.
  • Undergoes verification by a third-party verifier who is a registered Builders Challenge partner.

With the partner path, the builder qualifies homes through a partner program that is equivalent to the Builders Challenge. This level is predetermined by DOE and the partner program. These requirements include the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria (BCQC) and also the process for verifying the home's performance.

All paths require third-party verification by a qualified professional or a clearly documented quality control procedure. Qualified professionals include HERS raters, registered architects, and professional engineers. These professionals will rate the homes, assigning them the appropriate number on the E-Scale.

In addition to committing to build homes to a 70 or better on the E-Scale, builders must commit to following the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria (BCQC) (PDF 158 KB). Download Adobe Reader. An overview of the BCQC can be found here. The BCQC require different parties to conduct, confirm, and/or verify good building practices for Builders Challenge homes.