After challenging some of the largest production builders in the US to meet its voluntary Builders Challenge, more than 10,000 high performance homes have been built, says the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
In responding to the challenge, builders advanced the industry by integrating construction with a whole-house energy-saving approach.
These homes are equipped with highly efficient walls and windows, and heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. They also feature Energy Star certified lighting products and appliances.
Homes built under this initiative have generated an estimated energy cost savings of nearly $15 million and slashed 71,000 tons of carbon emissions since 2008.
In response to more stringent local building energy codes and proven innovations and best practices emerging from DOE research, the Department is launching a new version of the Builders Challenge to raise the bar for energy efficiency in homes and in the wider market.
The updated Builders Challenge program will increase energy efficiency requirements for new homes in step with the national ENERGY STAR program and challenge builders to construct homes that save up to 40% more energy compared with 2009 energy codes.
Builders Challenge 2 homes will:
- Achieve more than 40% energy savings-generally a HERS Index Score of 60 or lower.
- Align with ENERGY STAR for Homes Version 3 Requirements, including checklists for Thermal Enclosure, HVAC Quality Installation, and Water Management.
- Honor smaller homes with the ENERGY STAR Size Adjustment Factor.
- Reach new performance levels with ENERGY STAR windows and 2012 IECC levels for insulation.
- Follow the latest research with requirements for ducts in conditioned space.
- Conserve water with EPA WaterSense single-family new home specifications and checklist.
- Create 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 and solar thermal systems in climates with significant solar insolation.
- Encourage maximized durability with recommendations for disaster resistance and quality management.
- Take advantage of market forces with the HERS Index Score.*
Here’s more on the Builder’s Challenge:
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