US Department of Energy Builders Challenge

US homebuilders of all sizes, from all areas of the country, report growing buyer interest in energy efficient houses. Yet they also find that many homebuyers want help in making informed decisions.

How can homebuyers tell exceptional energy performers from average energy performers or up-to-code homes? How do they figure out just what that difference will mean in their energy bills?

Spearheaded by the US Department of Energy (US DOE), the Builders Challenge is a voluntary effort to provide compelling answers. 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.

US DOE's ultimate vision is that, by 2030, a consumer will have the opportunity to buy an energy efficient home anywhere in the United States—ultimately, 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 maximum energy efficient performance.

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

Builders Challenge Case Study

Discover how a Syracuse Project Team—led by CDH Energy—designed an energy efficient affordable home for Home HeadQuarters at 113 Woodland Ave., Syracuse NY. Click here for more.