U.S. Department of Energy's Builders Challenge

Spearheaded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Builders Challenge is a voluntary effort to provide compelling answers about home performance. Through the Builders Challenge, participating homebuilders will have an easy way to differentiate their best energy-performing homes from other products in the marketplace, and to make the benefits clear to buyers.

DOE's ultimate vision is that, by 2030, a consumer will have the opportunity to buy a cost-neutral, net-zero energy home (NZEH) anywhere in the United States — a grid-connected home that, over the course of a year, produces as much energy as it uses. The Builders Challenge establishes a framework for continuous improvement that will help propel the market toward zero-energy performance.

The Builders Challenge is based on lessons learned from the Building America Research Program — a private/public partnership that develops energy solutions for new and existing homes.

To participate in the Builders Challenge, builders must commit to building homes that meet a 70 on the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale) and a set of quality criteria that ensure occupant safety, health, and comfort, and building durability. For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• energy
• efficiency
• energy efficiency
• green building
• builders challenge
• building america
• e-scale
• energysmart home scale