Challenge Home

 

The Building Technologies Program (BTP) offers recognition to leading edge builders meeting extraordinary levels of excellence through the DOE CHALLENGE HOME program. By taking the challenge, builders gain competitive advantage in the marketplace by providing their customers with unparalleled energy savings, quality, comfort, health, durability, and much more.  The Challenge Home is leading the way on the “March to Net-Zero” homes.

DOE CHALLENGE HOMES are verified by a qualified third-party, and typically achieve more than a 40% improvement in energy savings. This generally corresponds to a HERS Index Score of 60 or lower, depending on the size of the home and region in which it is built.

DOE Challenge Homes must:

  • Meet all DOE Challenge Home National Program Requirements PDF including:
    • Comply with ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3 Requirements PDF, including checklists PDF 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 PDF and checklist PDF.
    • Accomplish savings on the cost of future solar installations with EPA Renewable Energy Ready Home (RERH) solar electric guide PDF and checklist PDF as well as the solar thermal systems guide PDFand checklist PDF in climates with significant solar insolation.
    • Green Building Authority is a DOE Challenge Home Verifier and ensures that the best whole-house energy solutions developed in the laboratory are translated and installed properly in the field.
    Contact Us today for more information about DOE Challenge Home.