Builders Challenge Technical Resources

Here you will find documents and links to programs that help explain the technical requirements of the Builders Challenge, and the technology and processes needed to build high-performance homes.

Building America Research Program

Building America is the basis of the technical information for the Builders Challenge. The goal of Building America is to develop cost effective solutions that reduce the average energy use of housing by 40% to 100%. The Building America Web site provides developers, builders, manufacturers, and others involved in home construction and remodeling the following:

Information about Building America and the benefits to builders and homeowners
An introduction to the industry Research Teams
A description of the systems engineering approach used by the Research Teams
Access to Best Practices Guides and other publications
Links to key Web sites with information about building energy-efficient homes.

Quality Criteria

Builders must commit to following the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria (BCQC). An overview of the BCQC can be found here and the full criteria are available for download (PDF 158 KB). A comprehensive support document is also available to provide technical guidance on how to meet the BCQC (PDF 24 MB). (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.) The BCQC require different parties to conduct, confirm, and/or verify good building practices for Builders Challenge homes.

Technology Bulletins
The Builders Challenge program was designed to work with and complement existing energy and green building programs. The following technical bulletins provide information on meeting partner requirements.

Dual Certification with the National Green Building Standard^TM
(PDF 2 MB)

Working with the LEED for Homes Program
(PDF 2 MB)

Technology Information Packages

The BC TIPs provide climate-specific guidance for builders wishing to meet the Builders Challenge. The following BC TIPs may be downloaded and used as guidance:

	Cold Climate: Chicago (PDF 1.0 MB)
	Cold Climate: Denver (PDF 1.1 MB)
	Hot-Dry Climate: Phoenix (PDF 1.0 MB)
	Hot-Humid Climate: Houston (PDF 1.1 MB)
	Hot-Humid Climate: New Orleans (PDF 1.1 MB)
	Marine Climate: Seattle (PDF 1.1 MB)
	Mixed-Humid Climate: Atlanta (PDF 1.1 MB)

Case Studies

The following case studies highlight builders who've taken the Builders Challenge, in a variety of different climate zone locations, home styles, and price points.