Builders Challenge

 RECOGNIZING ENERGY LEADERSHIP IN HOMEBUILDING

Builders Challenge

Quality Criteria Support Document 

U.S. Department of Energy

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R

Building America Best Practices Series Volume 8 | Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009
This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States Government. Neither the United States 

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BUILDING AMERICA BEST PRACTICES SERIES

VOLUME 8.

Builders Challenge

Quality Criteria Support Document

PREPARED BY

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Michael C. Baechler, Rosemarie Bartlett, and Theresa L. Gilbride

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Pat M. Love

Rev. 1.1 December 2008

Rev 1.2 November 12, 2009

Rev. 1.3 November 16, 2010

Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy

under Contract DE-AC05-76RLO 1830

PNNL-18009
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDING AMERICA 

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria

REQUIREMENTS

1. Project Documentation

2. Building Envelope Moisture Management 

– Design Phase

5. Space Conditioning Design

10. Windows

11. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I

12. Kitchen Ventilation

13. Bathroom Ventilation

14. Clothes Dryer Venting

15. Duct Leakage

16. Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity

17. Filtration

18. Combustion Safety

19. Carbon Monoxide

22. Air Handler Location

23. Building Envelope Moisture Management 

– Field Verification

RECOMMENDATIONS

3. Material-Efficient Framing

4. Construction Waste Management

6. Space Conditioning Design

7. Dehumidification

8. Space-Conditioning System Installation

9. Building Envelope Pressurization Testing

20. Carbon Monoxide

21. Garage Exhaust Ventilation

24. ENERGY STAR Equipment

25. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation II

26. Pressure Balancing

27. Low VOC Interior Coatings

28. Low VOC Adhesives

29. Low-Emission Cabinets

From Version 1.3, published June 4, 2008.

Summary 

p.i

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has posed a challenge to the 

homebuilding industry—to build a new generation of high-performance 

homes using proven innovations and to work toward the ultimate goal of 

providing cost-neutral, net-zero energy homes by 2030. 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. This document provides guidance to 

U.S. home builders who want to accept the challenge. 

To qualify for the Builders Challenge, a home must score 70 or less on the 

EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale). The E-Scale is based on the wellestablished Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index, developed by 

the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). The E-scale allows 

homebuyers to understand—at a glance—how the energy performance of 

a particular home compares with the performance of others. To learn more 

about the index and HERS Raters, visit www.natresnet.org. The Criteria 

are intended to ensure that qualifying homes not only are the most energyefficient homes available, but also address issues of building durability, 

indoor air quality, and occupant health, safety, and comfort.

Figure S.1. The first EnergySmart Home label was awarded to Palm Harbor Homes in February 

2008, which earned a score of 57, or 43 points better than typical new construction.

Continued on following page

Estimated annual energy usage:

Electric (kWh) 14,258

Natural gas (Therms) 25

Estimated average 

monthly energy bill:

$150

Typical 

existing 

home 

Typical 

new 

home 

Builders 

Challenge 

(70 or lower) 

57

YOUR HOME

Professional Buiders Show Vilage, IBS2008, Orlando, FL

Rating conducted February 11, 2008

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Homes also must meet the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria described in 

this document. To help builders meet the Challenge, guidance is provided 

in this report for each of the 29 criteria. The 29 criteria, which include 15 

requirements and 14 recommendations that builders must meet to qualify for 

the Builders Challenge, are listed in the sidebar. Included with guidance for 

each criteria are resources for more information including references cited 

in the text and lists of relevant codes and standards. Builders should always 

check with authoritative code officials before implementing changes in 

building techniques and measures. 

Two appendices are attached to this guidance. The first, entitled Other 

Considerations for Marketing and Resources, is a summary of opportunities 

and other resources not tied to specific criteria that will be of interest to 

builders. The second is the full Builders Challenge Quality Criteria. 

To learn more about the Builders Challenge and find tools to help market 

your Builders Challenge-certified homes, visit www.buildingamerica.gov/

challenge.

Summary

p.ii
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

1 Project Documentation - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1

2 Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1

3 Material-Efficient Framing- Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1

4 Construction Waste Management - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1

5 Space Conditioning Design - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1

6 Space Conditioning Design - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1

7 Dehumidification - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1

8 Space-Conditioning System Installation - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1

9 Building Envelope Pressurization Testing - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.1

10 Windows - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.1

11 Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.1

12 Kitchen Ventilation - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12.1

13 Bathroom Ventilation - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13.1

14 Clothes Dryer Venting - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.1

15 Duct Leakage - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.1

16 Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.1

17 Filtration - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.1

18 Combustion Safety - Required. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18.1

19 Carbon Monoxide - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19.1

20 Carbon Monoxide - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20.1

21 Garage Exhaust Ventilation - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.1

22 Air Handler Location - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.1

23 Building Envelope Moisture Management – Field Verification - Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23.1

24 ENERGY STAR Equipment - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.1

25 Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation II - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.1

26 Pressure Balancing - Recommended. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.1

27 Low VOC Interior Coatings - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27.1

28 Low VOC Adhesives - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.1

29 Low-Emission Cabinets - Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.1

Appendix I: Other Considerations and Recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-I

Appendix II: Builders Challenge Quality Criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-II

Appendix III: List of Revisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-III

Contents 
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Figures

Figure S.1 The first EnergySmart Home label was awarded to Palm Harbor Homes in February 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

Figure 1.1 Framing and duct plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1

Figure 1.2 Example of “Job Complete” form used for insulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2

Figure 2.1 Optimal drainage patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1

Figure 2.2 Examples of slab insulation and moisture management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2

Figure 2.3 Plastic strip drain is applied to foundation wall over damp proofing below grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2

Figure 2.4 Example of damp proofing and exterior insulation below grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2

Figure 2.5 Example of damp proofing and interior insulation below grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3

Figure 2.6 Example of housewrap strategies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4

Figure 2.7 Window flashing prevents leakage around windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.6

Figure 3.1 Attic trusses aligned with 24-inch wall framing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1

Figure 3.2 Advanced framing techniques can reduce lumber costs while providing more space for insulation. . . . . . 3.3

Figure 3.3 Detailed wall framing layout example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.4

Figure 5.1 Right sizing of HVAC equipment can minimize energy use and save upfront costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1

Figure 6.1 Duct run configurations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1

Figure 6.2 Thoughtful duct design that includes shorter duct runs and properly sealed ducts in conditioned space . . 6.2

Figure 7.1 Map of U.S. climate zones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1

Figure 8.1 Space-conditioning systems should meet the ACCA Quality Installation Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.1

Figure 9.1 A Building America team member conducting a blower door air leakage test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9.1

Figure 10.1 Example of a window label from the National Fenestration Rating Council and ENERGY STAR . . . . . 10.1

Figure 10.2 ENERGY STAR qualified windows, doors and skylights eligibility criteria. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.2

Figure 11.1 Central fan-integrated supply ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11.2

Figure 14.1 Dryer vent exhausts must have a gravity or other backdraft damper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.1

Figure 14.2 Acceptable duct runs averaged across several dryer manufacturers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.1

Figure 15.1 Mastic provides the most reliable duct sealing method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.1

Figure 15.2 Ducts can be placed in a dropped ceiling or in open web trusses between floors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15.3

Figure 16.1 OSB and foam form the air barriers to isolate the garage from living space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.1

Figure 16.2 Sequence framing to install an air barrier between the porch roof cavity and conditioned space . . . . . . . 16.1

Figure 16.3 The intersection of walls, ceilings, and attic trusses must be sealed in non-vented attics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.2

Figure 16.4 Insulation in non-vented attics is applied directly under roof sheathing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.2

Figure 16.5 Conventional interior air barrier. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.3

Figure 16.6 Exterior air barrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.6

Figure 16.7 ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16.8

Figure 17.1 MERV air filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17.1

Figure 21.1 This exhaust fan and electronic controls are designed to ventilate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.1

Figure 22.1 This air handler closet is carved out of the garage space but is isolated with thermal and air barriers. . . 22.1

Figure 22.2 An alternative to a closet located in the garage is an in-house location.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22.1

Figure 24.1 The ENERGY STAR Label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.1

Figure 24.2 The EnergyGuide label helps consumers compare the energy efficiency of appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.1

Figure 24.3 A refrigerator labeled with both the ENERGY STAR label and the Energy Guide label . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24.1

Figure 25.1 Example of a central fan-integrated supply ventilation system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25.1

Figure 26.1 Examples of jump ducts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.1

Figure 26.2 Jump ducts or transfer grilles provide air pressure balancing between rooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26.2

Figure 27.1 Low VOC paints and finishes meet local green building guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27.1

Figure 28.1 Low VOC adhesives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28.1

Figure 29.1 Low-VOC cabinetry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29.1

Figure A.1 Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy – DSIRE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-I.2

Figure A.2 ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package Verification Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-I.3
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

1. Project Documentation – Required: 

Construction/design documentation (e.g., 

plans, details, specifications, job ready and job 

complete checklists, and trade scopes of work 

and/or agreements) will include energy and 

quality provisions needed to meet the Builders 

Challenge criteria.

Develop and store construction/design 

and energy rating documentation in project 

records.

The builder (or builder’s representative) shall 

review the adequacy of the construction/

design documentation for implementing the 

energy and quality provisions, and shall sign 

the completed checklists.

The third-party rater shall review the 

construction documentation and signed 

checklists.

Project Documentation 

p.1.1

1

REQUIRED

Good plans, showing features such as duct sizing and layout, framing 

details, and flashing specifications, are critical to building high-performance 

homes. Plans are important because they show where building elements 

are to be located and how those elements tie together with other building 

components. But construction documents should be more than a set of 

plans and accompanying specifications needed to get building permits and 

planning approval. Scopes of work are needed to communicate expectations 

with trades contractors. Job-ready and job-complete checklists are needed to 

ensure that each trade contractor is handing off a project that is ready for the 

next trade and that jobs are completed as specified.

Plans and Specifications

Plans and specifications are the most familiar parts of construction 

documents. Plans provide elevations, floor plans, and details of many 

elements needed to show codes officials that projects meet code minimums. 

Construction managers and field crews often refer to plans during the 

building process. Plans and materials schedules are important for ordering 

materials. Plans and specifications should address the following building 

features related to energy efficiency:

•	 Provide framing diagrams and details to spell out advanced framing 

techniques and the placement of all framing members, an example is 

shown in Criteria 3. Material-Efficient Framing - Recommended. 

•	 Show duct sizes and layouts on floor plans and elevations, an example is 

shown in Criteria 6. Space Conditioning Design - Recommended.

•	 Indicate methods, materials, and locations where sealing is needed to form 

the house air pressure barrier, as discussed in Criteria 16. Air Barrier and 

Insulation Integrity – Required. Specify the approach to be taken to meet 

vapor barrier code requirements.

•	 Indicate methods, materials, and locations where liquid moisture barriers 

will be installed. Examples may include house wrap, sealing materials, 

flashing systems, gutter systems, and grading requirements as discussed 

in Criteria 23. Building Envelope Moisture Management – Field 

Verification – Required. 

Figure 1.1. 

Full size versions of these examples of plan 

documents can be found in the sections on 

material-efficient framing (Criteria 3) and 

space-conditioning design (Criteria 6)

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

•	 Provide plans and details for all specialized building features, such as 

sealed and conditioned attics and crawlspaces, sealed and insulated air 

handler closets in garages, and radon control measures.

These recommended elements that should be included with construction 

documents are consistent with the 2009 IECC, which states in section 103.2:

Construction documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, 

nature, and extent of the work proposed, and show in sufficient detail, 

pertinent data and features of the building, systems and equipment as 

herein governed. Details shall include, but are not limited to, as applicable, 

insulation materials and their R-values; fenestration U-factors and SHGCs; 

area-weighted U-factor and SHGC calculations; mechanical system design 

criteria; mechanical and service water heating system and equipment types, 

sizes and efficiencies; economizer description; equipment and systems 

controls, fan motor horsepower (hp) and controls; duct sealing, duct and pipe 

insulation and location; lighting fixture schedule with wattage and control 

narrative; and air sealing details.

Scopes of Work 

A scope of work is a description of the specific work that builders expect 

trade contractors to perform. Every contract, including those executed with 

only a nod and a handshake, incorporates a scope of work. After all, if a 

builder didn’t need a task accomplished and didn’t describe that task to a 

trade contractor, there would be no basis to initiate a deal. The issue is that, 

without a clear understanding of the task that can be conveyed to many 

trade contractors, and specifically the installer, the expectations for what 

a task entails can be all over the map. The bottom line is that builders and 

consumers should get what they pay for.

As materials change and techniques evolve, scopes of work must change to 

keep up. Front offices should give construction managers, trade contractors, 

and designers plenty of opportunity to review and update scopes of work. 

These reviews can happen any time but are especially important before big 

trade contracts are initiated and just after projects are completed. 

Scopes of work should take into account sequences of work that are 

unfamiliar to trade contractors. A good example of this situation is the 

installation of duct chases (see Criteria 15. Duct Leakage – Required).

Job-Ready and Job-Complete Checklists

The job-ready checklist (see example on pages 1.4 – 1.7), to be completed 

jointly by the site supervisor and trade contractor, includes all items that must 

be installed or prepared on the jobsite—by other trade contractors—before 

work can begin. Items in the job-ready checklist are not directly under 

the control of the trade contractor getting ready to work, but they directly 

affect his or her ability to successfully and efficiently complete the job. The 

job-ready checklist should be part of the scope of work because it highlights 

the ways in which one trade contractor’s work is connected to another’s and 

encourages trade contractors to think of their individual work as part of a 

larger whole. 

The job-complete checklist (Figure 1.2) is the mechanism by which 

the trade contractor certifies that the work has been completed to the 

1 Project Documentation 

REQUIRED

p.1.2

Figure 1.2. 

Example of “Job Complete” form used for insulation. 

Samples of job ready and job complete checklists 

are included on pages 1.3 – 1.6.
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Want to Learn More?

Sources for developing quality 

management programs include:

NAHBRC. 2000. Quality Assurance System for 

Wood Framing Contractors: National Quality 

Housing. National Association of Home Builders 

Research Center. www.pathnet.org/si.asp?id=478

NAHBRC 2008. Scopes of Work for High Performance 

Homes. Prepared for the National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory by the NAHB Research Center, Upper 

Marlboro, MD.

3D Building Solutions. High Performance Scopes 

of Work. Available at www.3-d-buildingsolutions.

com/projects/hp_scopes.htm

IBACOS. High Performance Scopes of Work, 

Prepared for the U.S. Department of Energy. 

Available at www.ibacos.com/pubs/High_

Performance_Scopes.doc

Related Standards & Procedures

ISO 9000, Quality Management Systems, www.iso.org

2009 International Energy Conservation Code, 

Section 103.2 “Information on Construction 

Documents,” International Code Council (ICC), 

Falls Church, Virginia. Available for purchase as 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

high standard expected and the site supervisor agrees that the work was 

completed satisfactorily. To verify that the high-performance features 

of the home were constructed correctly according to the scope of work, 

performance testing is often part of a job-complete checklist. The 

job-complete checklist holds both the builder and the trade contractor 

responsible for proper implementation and appropriate inspection of 

the scope of work. Properly defined and implemented, the job-complete 

checklist functions both as a part of the job-ready checklist for subsequent 

trade contractors and as a field authorization of payment for the 

completed work.

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria referenced in text above.

Project Documentation 

p.1.3

1

REQUIRED
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Project Documentation 

p.1.4

1

REQUIRED
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Project Documentation 

p.1.5

1

REQUIRED
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Project Documentation 

p.1.6

1

REQUIRED
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Project Documentation 

p.1.7

1

REQUIRED
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

2. Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design 

Phase – Required: In the design phase, include details for 

integrating the weather barrier system with flashing components 

in the construction plans. Specify window and door flashing based 

on the Building America Best Practices (Trades section), or such 

references as the Water Management Guide (EEBA), the latest 

version of ASTM E-2112, the AAMA Installation Standard, or 

manufacturer’s recommendations.

Provide details to provide adequate site and below-grade 

drainage, and to prevent moisture from entering the building from 

below grade by capillary flow. Typically, this would require the 

builder to specify a foundation drainage system with capillary 

breaks below the slab, between the footer and foundation, and 

between the foundation wall and sill plate.

Specify climate-appropriate vapor retarder or barrier per locally 

applicable IECC (reference 2006 IECC, Section 402.5.)

When using water absorptive cladding, including brick, stone 

(real or manufactured), stucco, and fiber cement, provide a 

pathway for bulk water that enters the wall assembly from 

the exterior to drain to the exterior. Typically this involves 

specifying a drainage space or pathway provided by furring 

strips, an air gap, contoured house wrap, or other products 

that create a vertical drainage channel behind the cladding and 

exit the wall horizontally. Cladding installation per manufacturer’s 

recommendations is also permitted.

Develop construction plans with flashing 

details, foundation details, vapor retarder 

specification, and drainage space 

specification (if applicable).

Include requirements for flashing, 

foundation details, and wall system 

details in contractor’s construction/design 

documentation.

Verify that construction plans contain 

specifications.

Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase 

p.2.1

2

REQUIRED

Builders can develop construction plans with flashing details, foundation 

details, vapor retarder specifications, and drainage space specifications (if 

applicable). The following flashing, foundation, and wall system details 

should be included in contractors’ construction/design documentation.

Recommended Excavation, Grading, and Landscaping Measures

•	 Maintain a surface grade of at least 5% (1⁄2 inch per foot) for at least 

10 feet around and away from the entire structure. 

•	 Slope driveways, garage slabs, patios, stoops, and walkways a minimum 

of 1⁄4 inch per foot away from the structure.

•	 Position irrigation systems so that sprinklers do not spray walls, 

foundations, or the ground near the foundations. 

•	 Plantings should be 18 to 36 inches away from the foundation. 

•	 Choose drought-tolerant plants near the house to minimize irrigation.

•	 Decorative ground cover, such as mulch or pea stone, should be no more 

than 2 inches thick in the first 18 inches from the house. Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R

Drain Footings

Drain Site

Drain Roof

Drain Building

Drain Site

Drain Wall Drain Materials

Drain Components

Drain Openings

Figure 2.1. Optimal drainage patterns

Adapted from Lstiburek 2003
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Concrete

slab

Concrete footing below frost depth

INTERIOR INSULATION 

FOR FLOATING SLAB

EXTERIOR INSULATION

PACKAGE

Gravel base

(4-6" deep coarse, no fines) Free draining backfill

(gravel or sand, no fines)

Impermeable backfill

Hold drywall 

1/2” above floor

Polyethylene or damp proofing capillary break

Polyethylene vapor

diffusion retarder

Perforated drainage

pipe embedded

in gravel

Grooved rigid foam or

fiberglass insulation as both a

drainage plane and insulator

Cover insulation

exposed above grade

Rigid foam insulation

(extends under entire slab

and replaces polyethylene 

vapor retarder)

Sill gasket membrane

(also serves as capillary break)

Sill gasket 

membrane

(also serves as 

capillary break)

Metal termite flashing

Landscape

filter fabric

Foundation Systems

•	 Moisture control practices are especially important wherever building 

components touch the ground. Liquid can wick from the ground and be 

carried into building assemblies through capillary flow. 

•	 Specify and show in details that 6-ml polyethylene sheeting is to be placed 

directly beneath concrete slabs. The sheeting should continuously wrap 

the slab as well as footings up to grade. Seams in the sheathing should be 

overlapped 6 to 12 inches.

•	 Place a 4-inch-deep, 3⁄4-inch gravel bed directly beneath the polyethylene 

sheeting to act as a capillary break and drainage pad.

•	 Do not place a sand layer between the vapor retarder and the concrete slab. 

Differential drying and cracking is better handled with a low water-toconcrete ratio and wetted burlap covering during initial curing.

•	 Specify that footings poured independent of slabs or foundation walls are 

to be treated with a bituminous damp-proof coating, masonry capillarybreak paint, or a layer of 6-ml polyethylene sheeting to isolate the footing 

from the remainder of the assembly.

•	 Place a continuous drainage plane over the damp proofing or exterior 

insulation on foundation walls to channel water to the foundation drain 

and relieve hydrostatic pressure. Drainage plane materials include washed 

gravel, sand, special mats, high-density fiberglass insulation, dimpled 

sheets, and grooved rigid insulation. Protect foundation drains and gravel 

drainage backfill with geotextile landscape filter fabric to prevent dirt from 

clogging the drainage channels.

•	 Exterior foundation wall insulation requires a protective coating at 

above-grade applications. Examples of protective coverings for exterior, 

above-grade insulation include flashing, fiber-cement board, parging 

(stucco type material), treated plywood, or membrane material 

(EPDM - ethylene propylene diene terpolymer flexible roofing).

2 Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase 

REQUIRED

p.2.2

Figure 2.3. This appraoch uses a dimpled-plastic 

drainage plane and damp proofing on the wall. 

Landscape filter fabric, horizontal to the foundation, 

keeps soil from clogging the gravel around the 

perforated drainage pipe. A gasket blocks moisture 

from enterring the treated sill plate.

Figure 2.4. Example of damp proofing 

and exterior insulation below grade

Figure 2.2. Examples of slab insulation and moisture management.
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

•	 Damp proof the exposed portion of the foundation with latex paint 

or other sealants. 

•	 Use a sill gasket for air sealing and to block wicking.

•	 Install a protective shield such as metal flashing, a plastic L bracket, 

or a membrane to block capillary water wicking into the wall from the 

foundation. This material can also serve as a termite shield.

•	 Design the house structure with overhangs, gutters, drainage planes, 

and flashing to shed rainwater and conduct it away from the house.

•	 Because of it’s fire rating, exposure rated foil-faced polyisocyanurate 

insulation can be installed uncovered on the interior of basement walls 

but should terminate at least 6 inches above the slab floor to allow for 

moisture dissipation. Expanded and extruded polystyrene used on interior 

basement walls must be covered with 0.5 inch gypsum board for thermal 

protection. This gypsum board should be held 0.5 inches above the slab to 

help prevent wetting from small leaks. Seams on all rigid foams should be 

sealed with foil tape or fiberglass web tape and mastic.

Walls

Rainwater management is provided by using a weather-resistive barrier 

behind the cladding as a drainage plane and integrating this with flashing and 

sheathing to provide drainage plane continuity. A graphic guide to installing 

house wrap is included at the end of this information. 

BE CAREFUL WITH VAPOR BARRIERS

Walls must be able to dry to at least one surface, the inside or the outside, 

or to both surfaces. The placement of a vapor barrier (such as polyethylene 

plastic sheeting, foil or kraft-faced batt insulation, reflective radiant-barrier 

foil insulation, etc) should be in a location to facilitate drying to the proper 

surface. Generally speaking, vapor barriers should be installed on the interior 

side of walls in cold climates; on the exterior side of walls in hot climates; 

and eliminated in mixed climates. Do not specify impermeable coverings, 

such as vinyl wallpaper, on interior walls. 

The 2006 International Energy Conservation Code provides the following 

guidance on installing vapor barriers. According to Section 402.5 “Moisture 

Control (Mandatory),” above-grade frame walls, floors, and ceilings that 

are not ventilated to allow moisture to escape should have a vapor retarder 

that is applied on the warm-in-winter side of the thermal insulation. The 

IECC includes some exceptions to this requirement: for instance if the wall 

is located where moisture and freezing won’t damage the materials; if the 

house is located in climate zones 1 through 4 (see Criteria 7 for a map of 

climate zones); or if some other method for avoiding condensation is used. 

Vapor barrier requirements will be incorporated into the 2009 International 

Residential Code, which was unavailable at the time of publication of this 

document. Crawl space floor vapor retarders are always required over soil.

2 Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase 

REQUIRED

p.2.3

Sill gasket membrane

(also serves as capillary break)

Metal termite flashing

Concrete footing

below frost depth

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary break

Rigid fiberglass insulation

Polyethylene vapor barrier

Damp proofing

Perforated drainage

pipe embedded in

coarse gravel

Treated wood nailer

(bring vapor barrier

up to grade level)

Cavity insulation

= Sealant or Gasket

Cover insulation

exposed above grade

Rigid Insulation

Continuous

polyethylene

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary break

Rigid insulation

Treated

wood nailer

Sill gasket

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Free draining backfill

(gravel or sand, no fines)

Impermeable backfill

Landscape

filter fabric

Polyethylene or

damp proofing

capillary break

Rigid insulation

Rigid insulation

Continuous

polyethylene

Sill gasket

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Landscape

filter fabric

Dimpled or other

drainage sheet

Sill gasket membrane

(also serves as capillary break)

Metal termite flashing

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary Break

Rigid fiberglass insulation

Polyethylene vapor

diffusion retarder

Damp proofing

Perforated drainage

pipe embedded in

coarse gravel

Radon reduction

3” plastic vent pipe

Cavity insulation

Cover insulation

exposed above grade

Extruded

polystyrene

insulation

Cavity Sill gasket insulation

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Polyisocyanurate

Insulation with

foil facing

Polyethylene or

damp proofing

capillary break

Dimpled or other

drainage sheet

Landscape

filter fabric

Sill gasket membrane

(also serves as capillary break)

Metal termite flashing

Concrete footing

below frost depth

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary break

Rigid fiberglass insulation

Polyethylene vapor barrier

Damp proofing

Perforated drainage

pipe embedded in

coarse gravel

Treated wood nailer

(bring vapor barrier

up to grade level)

Cavity insulation

= Sealant or Gasket

Cover insulation

exposed above grade

Rigid Insulation

Continuous

polyethylene

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary break

Rigid insulation

Treated

wood nailer

Sill gasket

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Free draining backfill

(gravel or sand, no fines)

Impermeable backfill

Landscape

filter fabric

Polyethylene or

damp proofing

capillary break

Rigid insulation

Rigid insulation

Continuous

polyethylene

Sill gasket

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Landscape

filter fabric

Dimpled or other

drainage sheet

Sill gasket membrane

(also serves as capillary break)

Metal termite flashing

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary Break

Rigid fiberglass insulation

Polyethylene vapor

diffusion retarder

Damp proofing

Perforated drainage

Radon reduction

3” plastic vent pipe

Cavity insulation

Cover insulation

exposed above grade

Extruded

polystyrene

insulation

Cavity Sill gasket insulation

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Polyisocyanurate

Insulation with

foil facing

Polyethylene or

damp proofing

capillary break

Dimpled or other

drainage sheet

Landscape

Sill gasket membrane

(also serves as capillary break)

Metal termite flashing

Concrete footing

below frost depth

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary break

Rigid fiberglass insulation

Polyethylene vapor barrier

Damp proofing

Perforated drainage

pipe embedded in

coarse gravel

Treated wood nailer

(bring vapor barrier

up to grade level)

Cavity insulation

= Sealant or Gasket

Cover insulation

exposed above grade

Rigid Insulation

Continuous

polyethylene

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary break

Rigid insulation

Treated

wood nailer

Sill gasket

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Free draining backfill

(gravel or sand, no fines)

Impermeable backfill

Landscape

filter fabric

Polyethylene or

damp proofing

capillary break

Rigid insulation

Rigid insulation

Continuous

polyethylene

Sill gasket

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Landscape

filter fabric

Dimpled or other

drainage sheet

Sill gasket membrane

(also serves as capillary break)

Metal termite flashing

Concrete footing

below frost depth

Polyethylene or damp

proofing capillary Break

Rigid fiberglass insulation

Polyethylene vapor

diffusion retarder

Damp proofing

Perforated drainage

pipe embedded in

coarse gravel

Radon reduction

3” plastic vent pipe

Cavity insulation

Cover insulation

exposed above grade

Extruded

polystyrene

insulation

Cavity Sill gasket insulation

membrane

(also serves as

capillary break)

Polyisocyanurate

Insulation with

foil facing

Polyethylene or

damp proofing

capillary break

Dimpled or other

drainage sheet

Landscape

filter fabric

INTERIOR CRAWLSPACE INSULATION

If depth does not extend two feet below grade, place 

remaining insulation horizontally along the ground.

INTERIOR BASEMENT INSULATION

Figure 2.5. Examples of damp proofing, interior 

insulation below grade, and drainage options.
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

HOUSE WRAP AND DRAINAGE SPACES

Specify and show in elevations building paper, house wrap, or taped insulated 

sheathing (rigid foam insulation) behind the exterior cladding to serve as a drainage 

plane. This drainage plane can also serve as an exterior air barrier. 

House wrap, building paper, or impregnated felt should be part of the exterior 

wall system that protects the building from water penetration. A water 

resistant barrier over studs or sheathing is a code requirement (2006 IRC, 

section 703.2). None of the materials are waterproof, but they are intended to 

shed rainwater that penetrates exterior cladding. The surface formed by these 

materials is called a drainage plane, house membrane, or rain barrier. It’s 

used to shed liquid water that may penetrate siding or roofing and to prevent 

liquid water from wicking through, while remaining sufficiently vapor 

permeable (“breathable”) for outward drying (Straube 2001). By helping to 

keep building materials dry, these membranes improve building durability, 

decrease maintenance costs, and reduce the risk of moisture-related problems 

such as pests, mold, and rot.

Most building paper is UV-resistant, whereas recommended house wrap 

exposure limits may vary by manufacturer. Check with manufacturers if 

outdoor exposure will exceed a month. One person can usually install building 

paper, while house wrap requires two people. However, house wrap is available 

in wide sheets that can cover an entire one-story wall surface in a single pass.

p.2.4

2 Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase 

REQUIRED

Minimize cuts in housewrap and seal all penetrations with tape or caulk

Unroll sideways around house

Fasten flaps of window "T-cut" 

to the inside of the framing.

Seal spigot 

at opening

Tape housewrap according to manufacturers specifications at top plate,

 band joist, and horizontal seams, and secure with plastic-capped nails

Housewrap should 

be overlapped shingle-style

Seal overlap with tape

Overlap and seal housewrap 

to foundation side wall 

or flashing.

Caulk under housewrap 

and seal gap between 

electrical box and 

sheathing

Seal floodlight 

at opening

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

HOUSEWRAP 

CAULK 

CAULK 

CAULK 

WINDOW 

Housewrap

Plastic-capped Nails

Housewrap Tape

Sheathing

Tape

Housewrap Caulk

Sill Gasket

Figure 2.6. Example of housewrap strategies

Want to Learn More?

Lstiburek, Joseph. 2008. Concrete Floor Problems, 

BSI-003, Building Science.com, article available 

at www.buildingscience.com/documents/insights/

bsi-003-concrete-floor-problems, 

Lstiburek, Joseph. 2003. EEBA Water 

Management Guide, available for sale 

on line at: www.eeba.org/bookstore.

Lstiburek, Joseph. 2001. Brick, Stucco, 

House wrap and Building Papers, RR-0105, 

Building Science.com, article available at 

www.buildingscience.com/documents/reports/rr0105-brick-stucco-house wrap-and-building-paper/

Straube, John. 2001 “Wrapping it Up,” Canadian 

Architect. May 2001. www.cdnarchitect.com

IBACOS. 2002. “Moisture Issues in Homes with 

Brick Veneer” article available at www.eere.

energy.gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/

db/36397.pdf

Building Science Corporation. Homeowner 

Information Resources. Available at 

www.buildingscienceconsulting.com/

resources/homeowner.htm

HGTVpro.com. Improved Stucco Systems. Article 

available at www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/bp_exterior_

finishes/article/0,,hpro_20149_4243887,00.html

“House wrap Felt or Paper: Comparing specs on 

weather barriers,” Buildernews Magazine, May 2004, 

www.buildernewsmag.com/viewnews.pl?id=21

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. ENERGY 

STAR Indoor Air Package Specifications, version 2, 

April 19, 2007, available at www.energystar.gov/

index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_iap

Aldrich, Robb and Marc Zuluaga. 2006 

“The Challenge of Basement Insulation,”

Home Energy Jan/Feb 2006.

Zuluanga, Marc. 2006. “Brainy Membrane,” 

Home Energy July/Aug 2006.
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

During construction and operation it is important that house wraps remain 

clean. Surface contaminants interfere with the wrap’s ability to hold out 

water. Once wetting of the house wrap or building paper surface occurs, 

material pores in the house wrap or building paper become filled allowing 

transport of liquid phase water across the house wrap or building paper via 

capillarity or hydrostatic pressure (gravity). 

Some cladding can contaminate wraps if the two are in direct contact. For 

example, water-soluble extractives in wood, such as tannins and wood 

sugars in redwood and cedar, can contaminate the surface of house wraps 

and building papers. Back-priming or back-coating wood clapboards and 

trim helps to isolate the surfactants in the wood from the house wrap or 

building paper surface. Back-priming is also recommended on all wood and 

cementatious cladding systems to avoid water uptake and possible warping.

Stucco should never be installed in direct contact with any of the plasticbased house wraps. A drainage space between stucco and plastic house wraps 

is essential to control liquid phase water penetration. Two layers of building 

paper behind stucco are needed for drainage.

If building paper is used as a drainage plane behind any cladding in areas 

prone to severe storms, use two layers to increase resistance to leakage at 

fasteners and allow for more flexible installation.

Use spacer strips (1x4 furring strips) to create a 3⁄4-inch air space to act as a 

drainage gap behind cladding. Drainage gaps can help stop some materials 

from contaminating house wraps. Gaps are also important in some wall 

assemblies to control vapor. Brick cladding must have a drainage space. 

Bricks and other masonry absorb liquid water from rain and irrigation. 

Solar energy will then drive this moisture in the form of vapor into the wall 

assembly. The gap allows the vapor to dissipate before entering wall cavities. 

SEALING

Tightly seal wall assemblies to avoid vapor movement into walls through 

infiltration. Air sealing is described in greater detail in Criteria 16.

WINDOWS

One critical point of concern is water leakage around windows. Window 

flashing is a code requirement, (2006 IRC, Section 703.8) but durability 

and performance are products of careful installation and compliance with 

standards. The EEBA Water Management Guide offers examples of many 

window flashing applications. The window flashing examples included on 

the following page (p.2.5) are for homes with house wrap and plywood or 

OSB sheathing. Window and door flashing details should be designed to 

match specific wall assemblies and claddings. Flashing systems should be 

designed in accordance with the ASTM standard entitled Standard Practice 

for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors, and Skylights (ASTM 2007).

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria referenced in text above.

p.2.5

2 Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase 

REQUIRED

Related Standards & Procedures

FMA/AAMA 100-07. “Standard Practice for the 

Installation of Windows with Flanges or Mounting 

Fins in Wood Frame Construction.” Available from 

AAMA’s online store at www.aamanetstore.org/

pubstore/ProductResults.asp

ASTM E-2112-07. “Standard Practice for 

Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and 

Skylights.” Available from ASTM at 

www.astm.org/Standards/E2112.htm

2006 International Energy Conservation Code, 

International Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, 

Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html. 

2006 International Residential Code, available for 

purchase at www.iccsafe.org.

ASTM E 2266 “Standard Guide for Design and 

Construction of Low-Rise Frame Building Wall 

Systems to Resist Water Intrusion.” Available for 

purchase at www.astm.org/Standards/E2266.htm

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

2 Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase 

REQUIRED

p.2.6

>12" >10"

Housewrap

Cap Nails 45 ̊ 6"

6"

CAULK

STEP 1 - If Housewrap Has Not Been Installed STEP 1 - If Housewrap Has Been Installed

STEP 2 - Sill Flashing STEP 3 - Jamb Caulking

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Self-adhesive 

Window Flashing

Tape

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

WRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSE

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

The apron should extend at least 10 inches past the sides of the 

window opening, or to the first stud in open wall construction. 

Attach only the apron’s top edge with cap nails.

Apply at least a 12-inch flap, or apron, of building paper 

or housewrap just below the windows sill.

Install self-adhesive flashing to the sill, ensuring that 

flashing extends up jambs at least 6 inches.

One commercial product comes with two removable strips over the adhesive. 

Remove the first strip to expose half the adhesive and apply this area to the 

sill. Begin pressing in the middle of the sill and work towards the sides. 

Remove the second strip to expose the adhesive that will be used to apply 

the flashing below the window to the outside wall. 

Tape down the bottom corners of the flashing

Caulk the outside edges of the head and side jambs

Do not caulk across the sill

Install the window using corrosion-resistant nails and 

following manufacturer's specifications.

If the window sill is close to the sill plate, the apron 

can extend all the way to the sill plate.

Above the window opening, cut a head flap and 

flip up to expose sheathing, and loosely tape in place 

out of the way.

Cut the housewrap covering the rough opening in the 

shape of a modified "Y."

Fold the side and bottom flaps into the window 

opening and secure.

>12" >10"

Housewrap

Cap Nails 45 ̊ 6"

6"

CAULK

STEP 1 - If Housewrap Has Not Been Installed STEP 1 - If Housewrap Has Been Installed

STEP 2 - Sill Flashing STEP 3 - Jamb Caulking

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Self-adhesive 

Window Flashing

Tape

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

WRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSE

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

The apron should extend at least 10 inches past the sides of the 

window opening, or to the first stud in open wall construction. 

Attach only the apron’s top edge with cap nails.

Apply at least a 12-inch flap, or apron, of building paper 

or housewrap just below the windows sill.

Install self-adhesive flashing to the sill, ensuring that 

flashing extends up jambs at least 6 inches.

One commercial product comes with two removable strips over the adhesive. 

Remove the first strip to expose half the adhesive and apply this area to the 

sill. Begin pressing in the middle of the sill and work towards the sides. 

Remove the second strip to expose the adhesive that will be used to apply 

the flashing below the window to the outside wall. 

Tape down the bottom corners of the flashing

Caulk the outside edges of the head and side jambs

Do not caulk across the sill

Install the window using corrosion-resistant nails and 

following manufacturer's specifications.

If the window sill is close to the sill plate, the apron 

can extend all the way to the sill plate.

Above the window opening, cut a head flap and 

flip up to expose sheathing, and loosely tape in place 

out of the way.

Cut the housewrap covering the rough opening in the 

shape of a modified "Y."

Fold the side and bottom flaps into the window 

opening and secure.

>12" >10"

Housewrap

Cap Nails 45 ̊ 6"

6"

CAULK

STEP 1 - If Housewrap Has Not Been Installed STEP 1 - If Housewrap Has Been Installed

STEP 2 - Sill Flashing STEP 3 - Jamb Caulking

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Self-adhesive 

Window Flashing

Tape

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

WRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSE

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

The apron should extend at least 10 inches past the sides of the 

window opening, or to the first stud in open wall construction. 

Attach only the apron’s top edge with cap nails.

Apply at least a 12-inch flap, or apron, of building paper 

or housewrap just below the windows sill.

Install self-adhesive flashing to the sill, ensuring that 

flashing extends up jambs at least 6 inches.

One commercial product comes with two removable strips over the adhesive. 

Remove the first strip to expose half the adhesive and apply this area to the 

sill. Begin pressing in the middle of the sill and work towards the sides. 

Remove the second strip to expose the adhesive that will be used to apply 

the flashing below the window to the outside wall. 

Tape down the bottom corners of the flashing

Caulk the outside edges of the head and side jambs

Do not caulk across the sill

Install the window using corrosion-resistant nails and 

following manufacturer's specifications.

If the window sill is close to the sill plate, the apron 

can extend all the way to the sill plate.

Above the window opening, cut a head flap and 

flip up to expose sheathing, and loosely tape in place 

out of the way.

Cut the housewrap covering the rough opening in the 

shape of a modified "Y."

Fold the side and bottom flaps into the window 

opening and secure.

>12" >10"

Housewrap

Cap Nails 45 ̊ 6"

6"

CAULK

STEP 1 - If Housewrap Has Not Been Installed STEP 1 - If Housewrap Has Been Installed

STEP 2 - Sill Flashing STEP 3 - Jamb Caulking

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Self-adhesive 

Window Flashing

Tape

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

WRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSE

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

The apron should extend at least 10 inches past the sides of the 

window opening, or to the first stud in open wall construction. 

Attach only the apron’s top edge with cap nails.

Apply at least a 12-inch flap, or apron, of building paper 

or housewrap just below the windows sill.

Install self-adhesive flashing to the sill, ensuring that 

flashing extends up jambs at least 6 inches.

One commercial product comes with two removable strips over the adhesive. 

Remove the first strip to expose half the adhesive and apply this area to the 

sill. Begin pressing in the middle of the sill and work towards the sides. 

Remove the second strip to expose the adhesive that will be used to apply 

the flashing below the window to the outside wall. 

Tape down the bottom corners of the flashing

Caulk the outside edges of the head and side jambs

Do not caulk across the sill

Install the window using corrosion-resistant nails and 

following manufacturer's specifications.

If the window sill is close to the sill plate, the apron 

can extend all the way to the sill plate.

Above the window opening, cut a head flap and 

flip up to expose sheathing, and loosely tape in place 

out of the way.

Cut the housewrap covering the rough opening in the 

shape of a modified "Y."

Fold the side and bottom flaps into the window 

opening and secure.

Figure 2.7. Window Flashing prevents leakage around windows 
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

2 Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase 

REQUIRED

p.2.7

CAULK

4" 1"

STEP 4 - Jamb and Head Flashing STEP 5 - Seal Rough Opening Gap

STEP 6 - If Apron was Installed STEP 6 - If Head Flap was Created

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSE

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Self-adhesive 

Head Flashing

Fold Down

Head Flap

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Housewrap

secured to 

window flange 

with tape HOUSEWRA

HOUSEWR

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

If housewrap has been installed, be sure that the head flap, 

when it is folded down, will cover the top of the flashing.

Install self-adhesive jamb flashing extending 4 inches above the top 

of the head flange and even with the bottom of the sill flashing.

If an apron was installed under the window, slip the 

housewrap or building paper under the apron.

Tape the edges where the housewrap meets the window 

flange if housewrap is installed after flashing.

If building paper is used, embed the edges in a bead of 

sealant where the paper meets the window flange.

If headflap was created, fold it over the head flashing 

and tape across the top window flange and the 

45o

 angle seams.

Install self-adhesive head flashing extending 1 inch beyond 

the jamb flashing.

On the interior side of the window, seal gap 

between the window and the rough opening with 

appropriate sealant. 

Self-adhesive 

Jamb Flashing

Existing

Apron

Head flap 

secured with tape

CAULK

4" 1"

STEP 4 - Jamb and Head Flashing STEP 5 - Seal Rough Opening Gap

STEP 6 - If Apron was Installed STEP 6 - If Head Flap was Created

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSE

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Self-adhesive 

Head Flashing

Fold Down

Head Flap

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Housewrap

secured to 

window flange 

with tape HOUSEWRA

HOUSEWR

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

If housewrap has been installed, be sure that the head flap, 

when it is folded down, will cover the top of the flashing.

Install self-adhesive jamb flashing extending 4 inches above the top 

of the head flange and even with the bottom of the sill flashing.

If an apron was installed under the window, slip the 

housewrap or building paper under the apron.

Tape the edges where the housewrap meets the window 

flange if housewrap is installed after flashing.

If building paper is used, embed the edges in a bead of 

sealant where the paper meets the window flange.

If headflap was created, fold it over the head flashing 

and tape across the top window flange and the 

45o

 angle seams.

Install self-adhesive head flashing extending 1 inch beyond 

the jamb flashing.

On the interior side of the window, seal gap 

between the window and the rough opening with 

appropriate sealant. 

Self-adhesive 

Jamb Flashing

Existing

Apron

Head flap 

secured with tape

CAULK

4" 1"

STEP 4 - Jamb and Head Flashing STEP 5 - Seal Rough Opening Gap

STEP 6 - If Apron was Installed STEP 6 - If Head Flap was Created

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSE

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Self-adhesive 

Head Flashing

Fold Down

Head Flap

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Housewrap

secured to 

window flange 

with tape HOUSEWRA

HOUSEWR

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

If housewrap has been installed, be sure that the head flap, 

when it is folded down, will cover the top of the flashing.

Install self-adhesive jamb flashing extending 4 inches above the top 

of the head flange and even with the bottom of the sill flashing.

If an apron was installed under the window, slip the 

housewrap or building paper under the apron.

Tape the edges where the housewrap meets the window 

flange if housewrap is installed after flashing.

If building paper is used, embed the edges in a bead of 

sealant where the paper meets the window flange.

If headflap was created, fold it over the head flashing 

and tape across the top window flange and the 

45o

 angle seams.

Install self-adhesive head flashing extending 1 inch beyond 

the jamb flashing.

On the interior side of the window, seal gap 

between the window and the rough opening with 

appropriate sealant. 

Self-adhesive 

Jamb Flashing

Existing

Apron

Head flap 

secured with tape

CAULK

4" 1"

STEP 4 - Jamb and Head Flashing STEP 5 - Seal Rough Opening Gap

STEP 6 - If Apron was Installed STEP 6 - If Head Flap was Created

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSE

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

OUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Self-adhesive 

Head Flashing

Fold Down

Head Flap

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Housewrap

secured to 

window flange 

with tape HOUSEWRA

HOUSEWR

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

If housewrap has been installed, be sure that the head flap, 

when it is folded down, will cover the top of the flashing.

Install self-adhesive jamb flashing extending 4 inches above the top 

of the head flange and even with the bottom of the sill flashing.

If an apron was installed under the window, slip the 

housewrap or building paper under the apron.

Tape the edges where the housewrap meets the window 

flange if housewrap is installed after flashing.

If building paper is used, embed the edges in a bead of 

sealant where the paper meets the window flange.

If headflap was created, fold it over the head flashing 

and tape across the top window flange and the 

45o

 angle seams.

Install self-adhesive head flashing extending 1 inch beyond 

the jamb flashing.

On the interior side of the window, seal gap 

between the window and the rough opening with 

appropriate sealant. 

Self-adhesive 

Jamb Flashing

Existing

Apron

Head flap 

secured with tape

Figure 2.7. Window Flashing prevents leakage around windows, Continued 
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

3. Material-Efficient Framing – 

Recommended: Design building dimensions 

and layouts to minimize material cuts and waste for 

wall, floor, and roof system structural components 

and sheathing. Size all headers for actual structural 

loads and insulate to the fullest extent possible. To 

the extent possible, use building systems which 

minimize on-site waste, such as panelized 

walls, pre-cut framing packages, and engineered 

wood products. Incorporate these measures in 

the framing layout plan.

Develop framing layout plan and keep in 

project records.

Material-Efficient Framing 

p.3.1

3

RECOMMENDED

Optimal value engineering or advanced framing refers to framing 

techniques that require less lumber than standard framing practices but 

provide all the needed structural strength. These strategies require simple 

modifications to framing practices. By using less framing material, these 

strategies make room for more insulation to be installed while saving 

resources and reducing waste. This recommendation applies to standard 

framing using dimensional lumber. However other techniques, not explored 

here, such as structural insulated panels or steel framing, could also 

possibly be used to build more efficient frames.

Designers take note that construction documents should include a detailed 

framing plan that illustrates where framing members are to be placed and the 

type of corners, window jacks, header size and type, and other features to be 

incorporated. Examples of advanced framing techniques include:

•	 Two-foot module design: Starting with the foundation, the house footprint 

should be based on 2-foot increments; this can result in significant savings 

in both framing members and sheathing, with a lot less waste. Sheet 

goods come in 4 ft by 8 ft dimensions. Layouts should be based on the 

fundamental unit dimensions of the materials used. 

Figure 3.1. Attic trusses aligned with 

24-inch wall framing creates more 

space for insulation and reduces 

framing material cost and waste.

(photo courtesy of Artistic Homes)

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

•	 Frame 24-inch on center: Current practice is to frame walls, floors, 

and often roofs at 16-inch on center. However, 24-inch on center are 

structurally adequate for most residential applications. Even when the stud 

size must be increased from 2x4 to 2x6, changing spacing from 16 to 24 

inch can significantly reduce the amount of framing lumber needed. 

•	 Align framing members and use a single top plate: Double top plates 

are used to distribute loads from framing members that are not aligned 

above studs and joists. By aligning framing members vertically throughout 

the structure, the second plate can be eliminated. Plate sections are cleated 

together using flat plate connectors. For multi-story homes that are framed 

with 2x4s, this may increase the stud size on lower floors to 2x6; however, 

there is still typically a net decrease in lumber used.

•	 Size headers for actual loading conditions: Headers are often oversized 

for the structural work that they do – doubled-up 2x6 (or 4x6) headers 

end up in non-load-bearing walls; doubled-up 2x12 (or 4x12) headers end 

up in all-load-bearing walls, regardless of specific loading conditions. 

Nonbearing walls do not need structural headers. Proper sizing may allow 

for the use of insulated headers in which foam insulation is sandwiched 

between lumber.

•	 Ladder-block exterior wall intersections. Where interior partitions 

intersect exterior walls, three-stud “partition post” or stud-block-stud 

configurations are typically inserted. Except where expressly engineered, 

these are unnecessary. Partitions can be nailed either directly to a single 

exterior wall stud or to flat blocks inserted between studs. This technique 

is called “ladder blocking” or “ladder framing.” This also creates room for 

more insulation. 

•	 Use two-stud corners. Exterior wall corners are typically framed with 

three studs. The third stud generally only provides a nailing edge for 

interior gypsum board and can be eliminated. Drywall clips, a 1x nailer 

strip, or a recycled plastic nailing strip can be used instead. Using drywall 

clips also reduces opportunities for drywall cracking and nail popping, 

frequent causes of builder callbacks.

•	 Eliminate redundant floor joists. Double floor joists are often installed 

unnecessarily below non-load-bearing partitions. Nailing directly to the 

sub-floor provides adequate attachment and support. Partitions parallel to 

overhead floor or roof framing can be attached to 2x3 or 2x4 flat blocking. 

•	 Use 2x3s for partitions. Interior, non-load-bearing partition walls can be 

framed with 2x3 (51mm x 76mm) studs at 24-inch on center or 2x4 “flat 

studs” at 16-inch on center (2009 IRC, section R602.5). 

3 Material-Efficient Framing 

RECOMMENDED

p.3.2

Want to Learn More?

NAHB Resource Center. “Advanced Framing 

Techniques: Optimum Value Engineering (OVE),” 

Available at www.toolbase.org/ConstructionMethods/Wood-Framing/advance-framingtechniques, accessed 6-4-08.

IBACOS. 2003. “Best Practices: Optimum Value 

Engineering.” Available on the Building America 

website at www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/

building_america/pdfs/db/35380.pdf accessed 

6-4-08.

Natural Resources Defense Council. 1998. 

Efficient Use of Wood in Residential Construction. 

Washington, DC. www.nrdc.org/cities/building/

rwoodus.asp.

Lstiburek, Joseph, “The Future of Framing Is Here,” 

Fine Homebuilding, November 2005, No. 174, 

p. 50-55.

U.S. DOE. 2002. “Advanced Wall Framing,” 6-page 

fact sheet by the U.S. Department of Energy 

www.nrel.gov/docs/fy01osti/26449.pdf. 

National Home Builders Association (NAHB) Green 

Building Program website: nahbgreen.org

U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes 

website: www.usgbc.org/LEED/homes/

Related Standards & Procedures

2006 International Residential Code, International 

Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, Virginia. 

Available for purchase at www.iccsafe.org/dyn/

prod/3110S061.html

2009 International Residential Code, section 

R602.5, “Interior non-bearing walls.” International 

Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, Virginia. Available 

for purchase at www.iccsafe.org/e/prodshow.

html?prodid=3100L09

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

3 Material-Efficient Framing 

RECOMMENDED

p.3.3

Figure 3.2. Advanced framing techniques can reduce lumber costs while providing more space for insulation

TWO-FOOT MODULE DESIGN: Starting with the 

foundation, the house footprint should be based on 

2-foot increments. Layouts should be based on the 

fundamental unit dimensions of the materials used.

FRAME 24-INCH ON CENTER: 24-inch 

centers are structurally adequate for 

most residential applications. Even when 

the stud size must be increased from 

2x4 to 2x6, 24-inch spacing can reduce 

framing lumber needs significantly. 

ALIGN FRAMING MEMBERS AND USE 

A SINGLE TOP PLATE: Plate sections are 

cleated together using flat plate connectors. 

For multistory homes, this may increase the 

stud size on lower floors to 2x6.

SIZE HEADERS FOR ACTUAL 

LOADING CONDITIONS:

Non-load-bearing walls do not 

need structural headers. Proper 

sizing may allow for the use 

of insulated headers 

in which foam 

insulation is 

sandwiched 

between lumber.

LADDER-BLOCK EXTERIOR WALL 

INTERSECTIONS: Partitions can 

be nailed either directly to a single 

exterior wall stud or to flat blocks 

inserted between studs.

USE TWO-STUD CORNERS: Rather than 

using a third stud as a nailing edge for 

interior gypsum board, use drywall clips, a 

1x nailer strip, or a recycled plastic nailing 

strip. Using drywall 

clips also reduces 

drywall cracking and 

nail popping.

ELIMINATE REDUNDANT FLOOR 

JOISTS: Nailing directly to the 

sub-floor provides adequate 

attachment and support below 

non-load-bearing partitions. 

USE 2X3s FOR 

PARTITIONS: Interior, 

non-load-bearing 

partition walls can be 

framed with 2x3s at 24-

inch on center or 2x4 

“flat studs” at 16-inch 

on center. 

24” 24” 24” 24” 24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24” 24” 24” 24” 24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24” 24” 24” 24” 24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24” 24” 24” 24” 24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24” 24” 24” 24” 24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24” 24” 24” 24” 24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24” 24” 24” 24” 24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

24”

FROM 

ABOVE
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

3 Material-Efficient Framing 

RECOMMENDED

p.3.4

Figure 3.3. Detailed wall framing layout example

Figures courtesy of the 

NAHBRC and prepared by 

Steve Baczek.
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

4. Construction Waste Management – 

Recommended: Develop, post at the jobsite, and 

implement a Construction Waste Management Plan. The plan 

should document the diversion pathways for major waste 

stream components including cardboard, lumber, landclearing debris, and drywall. The plan should also document 

efforts to request minimized packaging from suppliers. Goals 

for waste diversion should be at least 25% (by weight) for 

construction and land-clearing waste.

Develop Construction Waste Management 

Plan and keep in project records.

Construction Waste Management 

p.4.1

4

RECOMMENDED

The National Association of Home Builders Research Center’s “Residential 

Construction Waste Management: A Builder’s Field Guide” recommends 

that a waste management plan include details on waste reduction, contract 

structure (who will haul construction waste—the builder or subcontractors), 

and waste recycling responsibilities. 

NAHB’s Model Green Home Building Guidelines include points for the 

following: 1) posting the construction waste management plan at the 

jobsite, 2) recycling construction waste on-site, e.g., grinding or shredding 

for use on site to reduce transportation-related costs, 3) recycling offsite, 

e.g., sorting and hauling wood, cardboard, metals, drywall, plastics, asphalt 

roofing shingles, concrete, etc., and 4) providing on-site bins for sorting 

scrap building materials for recycle or reuse. 

Want to Learn More?

Information on developing a Construction Waste Management 

Plan is available in the NAHB Research Center’s “Residential 

Construction Waste Management: A Builder’s Field Guide” 

Available at www.toolbase.org/PDF/BestPractices/

wastemngmnt_buildersguide.pdf accessed 6-4-08

NAHB’s Model Green Home Building Guidelines, 

available at www.nahb.org/publication_details.aspx?pu

blicationID=1994&SectionID-155

LEED for Homes MR3: Waste Management, 

www.greenhomeguide.org/documents/leed_for_

homes_rating_system.pdf, page 83

Local and state organizations sponsor green building 

programs and can help with construction waste 

management tips. Examples of these programs are 

listed in the Building America Best Practices and 

Builders Challenge Guides. 

National Home Builders Association (NAHB) Green 

Building Program website: nahbgreen.org

U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes website: 

www.usgbc.org/LEED/homes/

Related Standards & Procedures

LEED for Homes and NAHB criteria are referenced above.

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a series of 

builders guides that provide instructions for construction 

“best practices” that can help builders achieve highperformance homes. These guides can be found at 

www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

5. Space Conditioning Design – 

Required: Right-size space conditioning 

system for heating/cooling loads based on 

ACCA Manual J Version 8 or comparable load 

sizing analysis (reference IRC M1401.3, 2006 

IECC Section 403.6). The maximum over-sizing 

limit for cooling equipment is 15%, with the 

exception of heat pumps in Climate Zones 5-8 

where the maximum over-sizing limit is 25%. 

Outdoor temperatures shall be the 99.0% design 

temperatures as published in the ASHRAE 

Handbook of Fundamentals for the home’s 

location or most representative city for which 

design temperature data are available. Note that 

a higher outdoor air design temperature may 

be used if it represents prevailing local practice 

by the HVAC industry and reflects extreme 

climate conditions that can be documented with 

recorded weather data; Indoor temperatures 

shall be 75°F for cooling; Infiltration rate shall be 

selected as “tight”, or the equivalent term. 

In specifying equipment, the next available size 

may be used. In addition, indoor and outdoor 

coils shall be matched in accordance with 

AHRI standards.

Identify the whole building ventilation strategy 

and equipment in the mechanical system 

design (see the two other Quality Criteria: Whole 

Building Ventilation I and II for requirements).

Analyze load-sizing and duct-sizing and keep 

in project records.

Review the load-sizing and duct-sizing analyses 

to ensure that sizing criteria stated in the 

requirements were used for the home.

Space Conditioning Design 

p.5.1

5

REQUIRED

A well-designed house should have 

an HVAC system properly sized to its 

demands. Equipment sizing ensures a 

comfortable environment and provides 

opportunities to recapture some of the 

expense of constructing an efficient 

building envelope. Rules of thumb 

for equipment sizing do not work in 

modern homes and should not be used. 

The Air Conditioning Contractors of 

America (ACCA) has published simple 

but effective methods for determining 

loads and sizing ductwork and heating 

and cooling equipment. Manual J

tells you how to calculate heating and 

cooling loads. Manual D tells you 

Figure 5.1. Right sizing of HVAC 

equipment using Manual J calculations 

can minimize energy use and save 

upfront costs

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Want to Learn More?

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). 

Descriptions of Manuals D, J, and S, available at 

www.socalgas.com/construction/builders/

Builders%20Resource%20Guide/Air%20

Conditioning%20Contractors%20of%20America.

htm. For more information or to purchase these 

documents, go to www.acca.org

Air-conditioning Heating and Refrigeration Institute 

(AHRI). Directory of Certified Product Performance. 

www.ahridirectory.org/trustedsource/

DOE. “Right-Size Heating and Cooling Equipment,” 

U.S. Department of Energy Technology Fact Sheet, 

available at www.toolbase.org/PDF/DesignGuides/

doe_hvacsizing.pdf

DOE Building Energy Codes Resource Center. “How 

to Size HVAC Systems Correctly,” Article available 

at http://resourcecenter.pnl.gov/cocoon/morf/

ResourceCenter/article/137 

Related Standards & Procedures

Air Conditioning Contractors of America. 

Manual J, Version 8, ACCA, Arlington, VA, 

available for purchase at www.acca.org/store/

product.php?pid=30

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and 

Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). 2005. 

ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals. Available 

at www.ashrae.org/publications/page/158

2006 International Residential Code, International 

Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, Virginia. 

Available for purchase at www.iccsafe.org/dyn/

prod/3110S061.html

2006 International Energy Conservation Code, 

Section 403.6, International Code Council (ICC), 

Falls Church, Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html

Consortium for Energy Efficiency. Residential 

HVAC: CEE-AHRI HVAC Directory. Available at 

www.cee1.org/resid/rs-ac/rs-ac-main.php3

The Building Industry Institute. Procedures for 

HVAC System Installation. Available at 

www.thebii.org/hvac.pdf

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. ENERGY 

STAR Indoor Air Package Specifications, version 2, 

April 19, 2007, available at www.energystar.gov/

index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_iap

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

how to size ducts. Manual S guides you through the selection of appropriate 

heating and cooling equipment to meet identified loads. Manual T gives you 

air distribution basics for small buildings. 

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 6. Space Conditioning Design. 

5 Space Conditioning Design 

REQUIRED

p.5.2
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

6. Space Conditioning Design – 

Recommended: Design and install duct 

system(s) using ACCA Manual D or equivalent. 

Integrate HVAC duct layout with construction 

documentation. Select heating/cooling 

equipment using ACCA Manual S or equivalent.

Space Conditioning Design 

p.6.1

6

RECOMMENDED

Duct layout and air handler location should be shown on construction 

drawings. Ducts and air handlers should be placed in conditioned spaces 

whenever possible, either in the living space, in an insulated and sealed 

crawlspace or attic, or in a sealed conditioned closet in the garage. As an 

alternative to placing ductwork in conditioned space, Building America 

research has shown that in the hot-dry and mixed-dry climates, burying 

attic ducts in insulation is acceptable. California code (Title 24) includes 

provisions for this approach and does not restrict the use of buried ducts 

in that state’s climate. Burying ducts in insulation is not recommended 

in areas of high humidity, because cool air flowing through the ducts can 

cause condensation to form on duct surfaces in hot unconditioned attics 

and crawlspaces. See Criteria 15 for more information.

Make Duct Runs As Short As Possible

An efficient building envelope and efficient HVAC equipment allow for a 

compact air distribution system. Conditioned air may be discharged from 

inside walls or from ceiling diffusers up to 12 feet from the window wall 

in most cases without compromising comfort. Such “inside throw” layouts 

cut ductwork runs, saving money and reducing the amount of ductwork that 

may run in unconditioned space.

Integrate Duct Layout with Construction Documentation

Clearly identify on plans and drawings the locations, sizes, and types 

for all duct work and registers, including the heating and cooling supply 

ducts, passive return air ducts or transfers, the locations for the mechanical 

ventilation air inlet (at least 8 feet away from any exhausts or condensers), 

and all exhaust outlets. If chases or other spaces are to be dedicated to duct 

runs, indicate this on the plans.

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 5. Space Conditioning Design and 

Criteria 15. Duct Leakage, and Criteria 26. Pressure Balancing.

Figure 6.1. Duct Run Configurations

Source: Building Science Corporation

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Space Conditioning Design 

p.6.2

6

RECOMMENDED

Want to Learn More?

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). 

Descriptions of Manuals D, J, and S, available 

at www.socalgas.com/construction/builders/

Builders%20Resource%20Guide/Air%20

Conditioning%20Contractors%20of%20America.htm

California Energy Commission. 2005 Building 

Energy Efficiency Standards Residential Compliance 

Manual, CEC-400-2005-005-CMF, published: April 

2005, Third Quarter Revision October 21, 2005, 

Fourth Quarter Revision May 26, 2006. Available 

at www.energy.ca.gov/title24/2005standards/

residential_manual.html 

Related Standards & Procedures

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). 

Manual D: Residential Duct Systems, ACCA, 

Arlington, VA. www.acca.org

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 6.2. Thoughtful duct design that includes shorter duct runs and properly sealed ducts 

in conditioned space can greatly improve energy savings. Show duct sizing and layout on 

construction documents.
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7. Dehumidification – Recommended: 

Install equipment with sufficient latent capacity 

to maintain indoor relative humidity at or below 

60% in Climate Zones 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A, as 

defined by the 2006 IECC Figure 301.1. This 

requirement can be met with an additional 

dehumidification system or a central HVAC 

system equipped with additional controls to 

operate in dehumidification mode.

Include mechanical specifications for 

dehumidification in construction documents 

and keep in project records.

Dehumidification

p.7.1

7

RECOMMENDED

The desirable range of indoor relative humidity is from 20% in winter to 

65% in summer, with a preferable range of 40% to 50%. One way that 

humidity has been managed in homes is through the inefficient operation 

of air conditioners. The more inefficient the air conditioner, the more it 

operates, and the more moisture it takes out of the air. Building America 

research suggests that energy efficiency measures, combined with 

controlled mechanical ventilation, change the ability of air conditioners 

to control humidity; thus, supplemental dehumidification is suggested for 

humid climates. Research suggests the dehumidification system providing 

the best value involved a standard dehumidifier located in a hall closet 

with a louvered door, in combination with a central fan-integrated supply 

ventilation system with a fan cycling control. 

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 5. Space Conditioning Design. 

Want to Learn More?

Rudd, A.F., J.W. Lstiburek, P. Eng, and K. Ueno. 2005. 

Residential Dehumidification Systems Research for 

Hot-Humid Climates, Building Science Consortium, 

NREL/SR-550-36643. Prepared by the Building 

Science Corporation for the U.S. Department of 

Energy. Available at www.buildingamerica.gov

NAHB Research Center. Central Air Purification/

Ventilation/Dehumidification Systems, available at 

www.toolbase.org/Home-Building-Topics/IndoorAir-Quality/central-air-purification-ventilationdehumidification

Related Standards & Procedures

2006 International Energy Conservation 

Code, International Code Council (ICC), 

Falls Church, Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html

Rudd, Armin. 2006. Ventilation Guide. Building 

Science Press Inc., Energy & Environmental Building 

Association, Minneapolis, MN, available for purchase 

at www.eeba.org/bookstore/default.asp.

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 7.1. Map of U.S. climate zones 

(Climate zones 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A are as defined by the 2006 IECC, Figure 301.1.)

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8. Space-Conditioning System 

Installation – Recommended: 

Space-conditioning system installation 

meets ACCA Quality Installation Specification.

Space-Conditioning System Installation 

p.8.1

8

RECOMMENDED

The Air Conditioning Contractors of America’s Quality Installation 

Specification is available at www.acca.org/quality/. This ANSI-approved 

standard provides precise steps for a quality HVAC installation. According 

to ACCA, proper installation includes correct selection of equipment 

and controls and following all the steps for correct installation. In this 

specification, five core areas are characterized: equipment design, 

equipment installation, duct distribution, system documentation, and 

owner education. 

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 5. Space Conditioning Design and 

Criteria 15. Duct Leakage

Want to Learn More?

Designing and Building Interior Duct Systems, 

FSEC-PF-365-01. Available from the Florida Solar 

Energy Center at http://securedb.fsec.ucf.edu/pub/

pub_show_detail?v_pub_id=4013

Better Duct Systems for Home Heating and 

Cooling, NREL/BR-550-30506; DOE/GO-102004-

1606. Available from Building America at 

www.buildingamerica.gov

Thermal Energy Distribution Website at 

http://ducts.lbl.gov

Related Standards & Procedures

Air Conditioning Contractors of America. 2007. 

ACCA Standard 5, HVAC Quality Installation 

Specification, ANSI/ACCA 5 QI-2007, Air 

Conditioning Contractors of America, 2800 

Shirlington Road, Suite 300, Arlington, Virginia. 

Available at www.acca.org

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 8.1. Space-conditioning 

systems should meet the ACCA 

Quality Installation Specification

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9. Building Envelope Pressurization 

Testing – Recommended 

Test envelope leakage to ≤ 0.35 cfm per square 

foot of building envelope area at a pressure 

differential of 50 Pascals between the house 

interior and outdoors. (See QC provision: Air 

Barrier and Insulation Integrity).

Test envelope leakage to be below specified 

limit, using a RESNET-approved testing protocol.

Building Envelope Pressurization Testing 

p.9.1

9

RECOMMENDED

The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) provides a database 

of certified home energy raters who are trained and qualified to perform 

whole house air leakage (“blower door”) tests. To find a RESNET certified 

home energy rater near you, see www.resnet.us/directory/raters_builders.

aspx. Energy raters must also be approved to certify homes as meeting the 

Builders Challenge criteria. For more information on Builders Challenge, 

see www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/challenge/. 

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 16. Air Barrier and 

Insulation Integrity

Want to Learn More?

The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration 

NEWS. 2006. “Blower Doors: The Next Most 

Important Contribution to HVAC,” available online 

at www.achrnews.com/Articles/Technical/

d9aaa7bc7126a010VgnVCM100000f932a8c0

Blower Door Testing, Builder Brief BB0201, The 

Pennsylvania Housing Research/Resource Center; 

www.pct.edu/wdce/wtc/pdf/Blower-Door-FINAL.pdf

Related Standards & Procedures

RESNET Standard 2004-03 “Blower Door Test 

Procedures”, http://resnet.us/rater/roundtable/

Gauge_Calibration.ppt 

ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007 Ventilation for 

Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise 

Residential Buildings can be previewed at 

www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 9.1. A Building America team 

member conducting a blower door 

air leakage test of a new home in 

Gainesville, Florida

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10. Windows – Required: 

Specify ENERGY STAR qualified windows 

or better.

Include in specification and keep in 

project records.

Verify installation of ENERGY STARqualified windows.

Windows

p.10.1

10

REQUIRED

ENERGY STAR qualifies specific windows and makes distinctions based 

on climate zone. ENERGY STAR divides the United States into four 

climate zones, which are not identical to the climate zones of DOE’s 

Building America and Building Codes programs. For ENERGY STAR’s 

south/central climate region, all windows and doors qualifying for the 

ENERGY STAR label must have a U-factor rating of 0.40 or below and an 

SHGC rating of 0.40 or below; skylights must have a U-factor of 0.60 or 

below and an SHGC rating of 0.40 or less. 

Want to Learn More?

ENERGY STAR Efficient Windows Collaborative 

www.efficientwindows.org/energystar.cfm

Carmody, John, Stephen Selkowitz, Dariush 

Arasteh, and Lisa Heschong. 2000. Residential 

Windows: A Guide to New Technologies and Energy 

Performance. W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., New York.

National Fenestration Rating Council. www.nfrc.org

ENERGY STAR. Residential Windows, Doors, 

and Skylights. www.energystar.gov/index.

cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows

ASTM. ASTM E2112 - 07 Standard Practice 

for Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and 

Skylights, www.astm.org/Standards/E2112.htm

Related Standards & Procedures

ENERGY STAR window product criteria 

www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_

doors.pr_crit_windows

American Architectural Manufacturers Association. 

“Product Certification. – Search now for AAMACertified Products (windows and doors).” Available 

at www.aamanet.org/general.asp?sect=2&id=127

Insulating Glass Manufacturers Alliance. 

www.igmaonline.org/content.php?sec=1 IGMA 

certified products. 

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 10.1. Example of a window label from the National Fenestration 

Rating Council and ENERGY STAR. 

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Windows

p.10.2

10

REQUIRED

Figure 10.2. ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows, Doors and Skylights Eligibility Criteria (Version 5.0, 04/07/2009, effective 01/04/2010)
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11. Whole Building Mechanical 

Ventilation I – Required: Design and 

install a mechanical system(s) to provide outside 

air to the indoor environment through either 

exhaust, supply, or balanced ventilation. Equip 

outside air intakes for ventilation with filters and 

shutoff dampers. (Also see QC Provision: Whole 

Building Mechanical Ventilation II – which is a 

recommended measure).

Include in mechanical plans and keep 

in project records.

Verify the installation of a whole 

building MV system.

Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I 

p.11.1

11

REQUIRED

In 2007, the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning 

Engineers (ASHRAE) updated the standard for indoor ventilation in 

residences. The standard is ASHRAE 62.2, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor 

Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 2007). The 

following is information adapted from the forward published with the standard:

The three primary requirements in indoor air quality involve whole-house ventilation, local 

exhaust, and source control. Whole house ventilation is intended to dilute the unavoidable 

contaminant emissions from people, materials, and background processes. Local exhaust 

is intended to remove contaminants from specific rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms. 

Source control measures are included to deal with other anticipated sources. The standard 

also includes secondary requirements that focus on properties of specific items, such as 

sound and flow ratings for fans and labeling requirements. While the standard may seem 

to be principally about mechanical ventilation, the purpose of ventilation is to provide 

acceptable indoor air quality.

To meet the whole-building ventilation requirement, ASHRAE 62.2 specifies 

a continuous ventilation rate of 1 cfm (cubic feet per minute) per 100 sq ft 

of building area plus 7.5 times the sum of the number of bedrooms plus 1 as 

indicated in the following equation:

(Total house square footage/ 100) + (7.5 * (# bedrooms + 1)) = Specified ventilation rate (cfm) 

A compliant 1000 square foot house with 2 bedrooms would have the following ventilation rate:

(1000/100) + (7.5 *3) = 32.5 cfm

For comparison, bath fan capacities tend to be from 30 cfm to 150 cfm. 

An intermittent fan can meet this requirement if it operates at least one 

hour out of every twelve and provides the same volume of outdoor air as a 

continuous scenario plus an additional volume of air to make up for a loss in 

ventilation effectiveness by the intermittent fan.

Exhaust fans help to improve indoor air quality by removing air contaminants 

near their source, such as moisture from a shower. However, be cautious 

about using exhaust-only ventilation systems. Exhaust systems, including 

bath fans, kitchen range fans, clothes dryers, and other exhaust fans, draw air 

out of the home and that air must be replaced. 

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Want to Learn More?

Aldrich, Robb and Gayathn: Vijaya Kumer, 2006. 

“Ventilating Small Chicago Houses,” Home Energy

Jan/Feb 2006.

Rudd, Armin. 1999. “Air Distribution Fan and Outside 

Air Damper Recycling Control,” Heating Air Conditioning 

and Refrigeration News, 5 July 1999, pg. 45. Edited 

version of article available at www.buildingscience.com/

resources/mechanical/fancycling/air_distribution.pdf

NAHB Research Center. “Whole-House Mechanical 

Ventilation Strategies,” www.toolbase.org/TechnologyInventory/HVAC/whole-house-mechanical-ventilation

Building Energy Codes Resource Center “Whole-House 

Mechanical Ventilation – Code Notes,” 

U.S. Department of Energy, http://resourcecenter.pnl.

gov/cocoon/morf/ResourceCenter/article/1467

U.S. Department of Energy. 2002. “Whole-House 

Ventilation Systems,” Technology Fact Sheet, 

December 2002. www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/info/

documents/pdfs/26458.pdf

Rudd, Armin. 2006. Ventilation Guide. Building Science 

Press Inc., Energy & Environmental Building Association, 

Minneapolis, MN, available for purchase at 

www.eeba.org/bookstore/default.asp

Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy 

Information Center. June 23, 2008. “Maintain home 

ventilation systems to provide healthy air supply.” 

Available at www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.

do?id=-536881350&subchannel=-536881511&sc2=-

536892313&sc3=null&contentid=536912088&

contenttype=EDITORIAL&programid=536912110&

agency=Commerce

Rudd, Armin, Joseph Lstiburek, 2001. “Clean Breathing 

in Production Homes.” Home Energy Magazine, May/

June, Energy Auditor & Retrofiter, Inc., Berkeley, CA.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. 

Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications, available at

www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html

Related Standards & Procedures

ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007 Ventilation for Acceptable 

Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings can 

be previewed at www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548

ENERGY STAR. Ventilating Fans Key Product Criteria. 

Available at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=vent_

fans.pr_crit_vent_fans

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions for 

construction “best practices” that can help builders 

achieve high-performance homes. These guides 

can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/

building_america/

In an inefficient, leaky home, outside air is pulled in through cracks around 

doors and windows, etc. to repressurize the house. In a high-performance 

home, those air leaks have been sealed up so a fresh air intake must be 

added to the home to supply fresh air. Using exhaust equipment to expel 

air from indoors but failing to bring in outside air to replace (or make up) 

this air can cause air pressure to drop in the home. In a depressurized home, 

standard combustion (fuel-burning) equipment can backdraft dangerous 

gases (including carbon monoxide) into the house rather than letting them be 

expelled out the chimney. In humid climates, a depressurized house can draw 

in humid outside air, leading to moisture problems. For this reason, some 

building codes limit the conditions under which exhaust equipment can be 

used without bringing in an equal amount of fresh air, either through passive 

inlets or by powered intake.

Central fan-integrated supply ventilation can be an easy and inexpensive way 

to provide outside air to the HVAC unit. This system provides fresh, filtered, 

outside air in a controlled amount using the existing HVAC delivery unit 

for even distribution and mixing. The system involves exterior air intakes, 

ductwork running to the return air side of the HVAC air handler, dampers 

to allow control of the air intake, and electronic controls to ensure that the 

HVAC fans operate frequently enough to draw in adequate fresh air. These 

outdoor air inlets should be located at least 10 feet from any contamination 

sources. In humid climates care should be taken in drawing in outside air. 

Dehumidification may be needed to control relative humidity levels. See 

Criteria 7 for information on controlling humidity. Variable speed motors 

can be a significant source of energy savings.

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 25. Whole Building Mechanical 

Ventilation II.

11 Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I 

REQUIRED

p.11.2

Figure 11.1. Central fan-integrated supply ventilation
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12. Kitchen Ventilation – Required: Provide 

mechanical kitchen ventilation with an exhaust fan(s) that 

can provide at least 100 cfm intermittent (reference 2006 

IRC M1507.3) or airflow equivalent to 5 air changes per 

hour based on the kitchen volume (continuous use). Fans are 

vented to exhaust kitchen air to outdoors. Refer to Section 

6.4 of ASHRAE 62.2-2007 “Combustion and Solid-Fuel 

Burning Appliances” for information on providing for adequate 

combustion air for combustion appliances.

Include kitchen ventilation requirements in 

construction documents.

Verify the installation of kitchen ventilation 

system which exhausts air to outdoors.

Kitchen Ventilation

p.12.1

12

REQUIRED

Builders should provide local exhaust fans for kitchen range hoods that are 

ducted to the outdoors via the most direct path. According to the 2006 IECC, 

Section 403.5 “Mechanical ventilation,” outdoor air intakes and exhausts 

should be equipped with automatic or gravity dampers that close when the 

ventilation system is not in operation.

It is important for the ventilation system to operate quietly. A sone is a 

cumulative sound rating. Two sones is twice as loud as one sone. A noise 

level of 1.0 is equivalent to the sound of a newer refrigerator running. Some 

bathroom fans have a rating as low as 0.3. The maximum sone rating for an 

ENERGY STAR-rated exhaust fan, including bath, utility room, and kitchen 

exhausts, is 2 sones.

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 11. Whole Building Mechanical 

Ventilation I.

Want to Learn More?

“Oversized Kitchen Fans – An Exhausting Problem” 

in Home Energy Magazine Online, January/February 

1999. www.homeenergy.org/archive/hem.dis.anl.gov/

eehem/99/990113.html

Rudd, Armin. 2006. Ventilation Guide. Building Science 

Press Inc., Energy & Environmental Building Association, 

Minneapolis, MN, available for purchase at 

www.eeba.org/bookstore/default.asp

HVI. 2006. “Fresh Ideas in Residential Ventilation.” 

Home Ventilating Institute. Wauconda, IL.

Russell, Marion, Max Sherman and Armin Rudd, 2007. 

“Review of Residential Ventilation Technologies. “HVAC&R 

Research, Vol. 13, No. 2, March. ASHRAE.

Related Standards & Procedures

ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007 Ventilation for Acceptable 

Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings can be 

previewed from www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548

2006 International Residential Code, International 

Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, Virginia. Available for 

purchase at www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3110S061.html

2006 International Energy Conservation Code, Section 

403.5 “Mechanical Ventilation,” International Code 

Council (ICC), Falls Church, Virginia. Available for 

purchase at www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html

ENERGY STAR. Ventilating Fans Key Product Criteria. 

Available at www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=vent_

fans.pr_crit_vent_fans

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a series of 

builders guides that provide instructions for construction 

“best practices” that can help builders achieve highperformance homes. These guides can be found at 

www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/

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REQUIREMENTS

13. Bathroom Ventilation – Required: 

Include mechanical ventilation for all bathrooms 

with a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source 

of moisture with an exhaust fan(s) that can 

provide at least 50 cfm (intermittent use) or 20 

cfm (continuous use). For bathrooms without 

a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source of 

moisture, exhaust ventilation is provided at 

these same rates, or the room has a window 

with an openable area of at least 4% of the floor 

area and no smaller than 1.5 square feet. All 

bathroom fans are vented to outdoors.

Include in construction documents. Verify the installation of bathroom ventilation 

equipment which exhausts air to outdoors.

Bathroom Ventilation 

p.13.1

13

REQUIRED

Provide local exhaust fans for bathrooms that are ducted to the outdoors via 

the most direct path.

According to 2006 IECC, Section 403.5 “Mechanical ventilation,” outdoor 

air intakes and exhausts should be equipped with automatic or gravity 

dampers that close when the ventilation system is not in operation.

It is important for the ventilation system to operate quietly. A sone is a 

cumulative sound rating. Two sones is twice as loud as one sone. Exhaust 

fans with a sone rating of 1.0 or less are considered very quiet. Ventilation 

experts prefer quiet fans because they are less intrusive and occupants will be 

more likely to leave them on. Bathroom exhaust fans should have a maximum 

sound rating of 1.0 sone. A noise level of 1.0 is equivalent to the sound of a 

newer refrigerator running. Some 

fans have a rating as low as 0.3. 

The maximum sone rating for 

an ENERGY STAR-rated 

exhaust fan, including bath, 

utility room, and kitchen 

exhausts, is 2 sones. 

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and 

references for Criteria 11. 

Whole Building Mechanical 

Ventilation and Criteria 12. 

Kitchen Ventilation.

Want to Learn More?

ENERGY STAR. “Ventilation Fans Purchasing and 

Procurement Language,” www.energystar.gov/

index.cfm?c=vent_fans.pr_proc_vent_fans

ENERGY STAR. “ENERGY STAR-Approved 

Ventilation Fans,” available at www.energystar.

gov/ia/products/prod_lists/vent_fan_prod_list.pdf

Rudd, Armin. 2006. Ventilation Guide. Building 

Science Press Inc., Energy & Environmental 

Building Association, Minneapolis, MN, available for 

purchase at www.eeba.org/bookstore/default.asp

Related Standards & Procedures

2006 International Energy Conservation 

Code, Section 403.5 “Mechanical Ventilation,” 

International Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, 

Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html

ENERGY STAR. Ventilating Fans Key Product 

Criteria. Available at www.energystar.gov/index.

cfm?c=vent_fans.pr_crit_vent_fans

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

ad seaat

parimeter and seams

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Rigid insulation

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

CAULK

EXHAUST FAN If fan exhausts or 

draws air through 

sidewall, install hood

with louvered 

damper

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed, inside seam 

taped, and mudded

GARAGE

ex

Thin sheet goods 

as draft stop behind

tub or enclosure

Blocking

Solid air barrier

material sealed

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BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

14. Clothes Dryer Venting – Required: 

Clothes dryer vented directly to the outdoors. 

(reference 2006 IRC M1502.1) Condensing 

dryers are exempt.

Provide for ducting to the outdoors for 

clothes dryers.

Verify the installation of a clothes dryer exhaust 

port to outdoors.

Clothes Dryer Venting 

p.14.1

14

REQUIRED

Vent clothes dryers and central vacuum cleaners directly outdoors. According 

to 2006 IECC, Section 403.5 “Mechanical ventilation,” outdoor air intakes 

and exhausts should be equipped with automatic or gravity dampers that 

close when the ventilation system is not in operation. The IECC specifically 

covers clothes dryer exhuasts in Section MIS-2.1

A fully loaded conventional clothes dryer exhausts several pounds of water 

vapor during a typical drying cycle. A 20-pound load of clothes coming 

out of a top-loading washer can hold as much as 8 pounds of water. Loads 

coming from ENERGY STAR washers tend to hold less water. Most dryers 

use heat to turn liquid water to vapor and fans to exhaust the vapor outdoors. 

The code requires that all conventional gas and electric dryers exhaust water 

vapor to the exterior of the house.

The dryer’s fan can only move so much air. The amount of air that makes 

it outside is determined by the fan capacity, ducting type and layout, and 

vent type. Installers need to review manufacturers’ specifications for 

specific dryers to know how well the fan will work with different ducting 

configurations. The more 90-degree turns (elbows) the vent duct has, the 

closer the dryer must be to the vent. Smooth metal ducts work better than flex 

metal. Louvered vents tend to have more clear area than a 21⁄2-inch vent with 

a single hinged door.

The following table shows how, on average, these factors work together. 

These numbers are based on average duct distances for several manufacturers 

and dryer models. More than two elbows can be used with most models, but 

manufacturer specifications must be consulted. In short, smooth, rigid metal 

ducts with louvered vents and straight runs provide the most efficient ducting 

systems. Vinyl, nylon, and foil ducts do not meet code. Code may limit the 

length of dryer vent duct runs.

Figure 14.2. Duct run distances averaged across several dryer manufacturers

DUCT & VENT HOOD COMBINATIONS NO ELBOWS 1 ELBOW 2 ELBOWS

Rigid metal with louvered vent 57 feet 45 feet 35 feet

Rigid metal with 21⁄2 inch hood vent 44 feet 34 feet 25 feet

Flex metal with louvered vent 30 feet 23 feet 16.5 feet

Flex metal with 21⁄2 inch hood vent 28 feet 21 feet 15 feet*

*Some dryers cannot support 2 elbows with a 21⁄2 inch hood vent.

gravity damper

with hood

louvered damper

with hood

Figure 14.1. Dryer vent exhausts must have 

a gravity or other backdraft damper. A single 

hinged door with a 21⁄2-inch effective opening 

is not as effective as a louvered damper.

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14 Clothes Dryer Venting 

REQUIRED

p.14.2

Other considerations when installing dryer vents include the following:

•	 In warm climates or in houses with air conditioning, insulate the ducts to 

avoid condensation forming on interior surfaces. Condensation can run 

back to the dryer or leak from duct joints.

•	 Mount ducts with no sags to avoid points where condensation can pool.

•	 Do not use screws to connect duct sections. Screws will catch lint that may 

build up and will make duct cleaning difficult. Use clamps and foil faced 

duct tape sold for heating and cooling ducts.

•	 Do not conceal flexible ducts inside walls or other framing.

•	 Flash and caulk penetrations through the building envelope for all vents.

Not all dryers require exhaust fans and ducts. Condensing dryers, common 

in Europe for years, are energy efficient and condense water into liquid 

rather than exhausting it to the outside. Some of these appliances use small 

blowers to circulate air across a heat-exchanger inside the dryer. Some 

draw in room air to cool the interior air and condense the water. Others use 

an internal water-cooling system to condense the water vapor. Whatever the 

particular design, the condensate is either pumped to a drain or is emptied 

by hand at the end of the drying cycle. Some condensing dryers are actually 

combination washers and dryers. 

Condensing dryers can be useful in situations where the laundry room is 

located a significant distance from an exterior wall to which it can vent. If a 

condensing dryer is specified, verify that the proper drainage or an adjacent 

sink has been provided to remove the condensate.

Want to Learn More?

Building Energy Codes Resource Center “Ventilation 

Requirements for Condensing Clothes Dryers 

– Code Notes,” U.S. Department of Energy, 

http://resourcecenter.pnl.gov/cocoon/morf/

ResourceCenter/article/132

Related Standards & Procedures

2006 International Residential Code, “Section 

M1502.1 Clothes Dryer Exhaust – General,” 

International Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, 

Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3110S061.html

2006 International Energy Conservation 

Code, Section 403.5 “Mechanical Ventilation,” 

International Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, 

Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

15. Duct Leakage – Required: 

Comply with 15A or 15B, and 15C.

15A. Duct leakage to outdoors is less than 5% of 

conditioned floor area when measured at 25 Pascals using 

duct pressurization measures.

OR

15B. All duct work is located within the conditioned envelope 

(meaning the air barrier and thermal barrier) of the house.

AND

15C. Total duct leakage is less than 10% of conditioned 

floor area when measured at 25 Pascals using duct 

pressurization methods.

Test duct leakage to outdoors to be 

below specified leakage limits, using a 

RESNET-approved testing protocol.

Verify that ducts are located within 

the thermal envelope of the house, if 

Option 15B is selected.

Duct Leakage 

p.15.1

15

REQUIRED

Leaky duct systems cause energy losses and may also result in indooroutdoor pressure imbalances that force significant air leakage through the 

building envelope. Extensive duct sealing is typically required. The target for 

total duct leakage is 5% of conditiond floor area – cooling airflow in cfm, as 

tested at 25Pa reference pressure. 

Duct Sealing

Seal all ductwork seams and connections to air handlers with UL181-approved 

water-based mastic and seal drywall connections with caulk or foam sealant. 

Sealing ductwork is very important. Leaky ductwork in an unconditioned 

attic or crawlspace can draw unhealthy air into the air distribution system. 

Sealing ducts with mastic is desirable even for ducts located in conditioned 

spaces. Properly sealing ducts ensures air gets to the spaces intended, rather 

than leaking into a plenum space. It also minimizes the chances of creating 

pressure differentials from space to space that would induce airflow through 

the envelope. The process of sealing each joint also reduces the chances of 

unconnected ductwork, a surprisingly common mistake. 

Mastic provides the most reliable duct sealing method for new construction. 

All ductwork, including fixed seams in the air handler compartment (which 

typically has many leaky joints), should be sealed with water-based mastic. 

DOE research has found that some tapes perform adequately for sealing 

ducts, particularly fiberglass duct board. However, good performing tapes 

may be difficult to identify and traditional duct tape (cloth-backed rubber 

adhesive tape) should never be used to seal ducts, even if it meets UL ratings. 

Do not use sealing tapes for structural purposes. Tapes have low tensile 

strength and should not be used to mechanically support ducts. 

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL) publishes several standards that relate 

to duct sealants, the most important of which is UL 181. It deals with ducts 

Figure 15.1. Mastic provides the most 

reliable duct sealing method. Ducts should 

be located in conditioned space.

Photo courtesy of FSEC Photo courtesy of IBACOS

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Want to Learn More?

Sherman, M, and I. Walker. 1998. Can Duct Tape 

Take the Heat? Home Energy, Berkeley, California. 

http://homeenergy.org/archive/hem.dis.anl.gov/

eehem/98/980710.html

California Energy Commission. 2005. 2005 

Residential Compliance Manual. Sacramento, CA 

www.energy.ca.gov/2005publications/CEC-400-

2005-005/CEC-400-2005-005-CMF.pdf

Walker, I.; M. Sherman; M. Modera; and J. Siegel. 

1998. Leakage Diagnostics, Sealant Longevity, 

Sizing and Technology Transfer in Residential 

Thermal Distribution Systems. Lawrence Berkeley 

National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA. 

http://ducts.lbl.gov/Publications/lbl-41118.pdf

HGTVPro.com. “How to Seal Ductwork”, available 

at www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/bp_mechanical/article/

0,,HPRO_20151_4583390,00.html

Oikos Green Building Source. “Mastic Gives Ducts 

the Treatment,” available at www.oikos.com/

library/ducts/index.html

Related Standards & Procedures

2006 International Residential Code, Section 

403.2.2 and Section M1601.3.1, “Sealing,” 

International Code Council (ICC), Falls 

Church, Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3110S061.html

2006 International Energy Conservation 

Code, International Code Council (ICC), Falls 

Church, Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html

UL 181, “Factory-Made Air Ducts and Air 

Connectors,” Underwriters Laboratory, 

http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/scopes/

scopes.asp?fn=0181.html

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

in general, with UL 181A covering field-assembled duct-board, and UL 

181B covering flex duct systems. Each standard includes test procedures for 

sealants. Duct tapes and packing tapes that pass UL 181B are labeled “UL 

181B-FX.” Mastics can pass 181A or B and are labeled “UL 181A-M” or 

“UL 181B-M.” Foil tapes are designated with a P. 

California Title 24 residential building standards requires that duct sealants 

meet UL 181, UL 181A, UL 181B, or UL 723 (for aerosol sealants). The 

California Energy Commission has approved a cloth-backed duct tape with a 

special butyl adhesive (CEC 2005).

Duct Location

The best practice is to locate the ducts in conditioned space, so that any leakage 

that does occur will send air to or draw air from conditioned space, and to make 

duct runs as short as possible. Conditioned air may be discharged from walls or 

from ceiling diffusers up to 12 feet from the window wall in most cases without 

compromising comfort. Such “inside throw” layouts cut ductwork runs, saving 

money and reducing the amount of ductwork that may run in unconditioned 

space. There are several options for locating the ducts in conditioned space:

•	 Place ducts within framing systems, e.g., open-web truss system between floors. 

•	 Use a main duct line running through a dropped-ceiling chase in the hallway 

with vents to rooms off the hall. This keeps ducts in conditioned space 

and minimizes duct length for more even and efficient air distribution. See 

Figure 15.2 for help with chase design and installation.

•	 Locate ducts and air handlers within an insulated, non-vented, conditioned 

crawl space or basement.

•	 Locate ducts and air handlers within a “cathedralized” non-vented attic 

(i.e., insulated along roof line for conditioned attic space).

•	 Develop chase walls to accommodate duct risers.

Keeping ducts and air handlers inside conditioned space typically impacts 

architectural design and should be considered early in the design process. 

Duct chases or dropped soffits may require thinking through the sequence 

of how trade contractors will do the installation. For example, framers may 

need to install the ceiling and side wall gypsum board around the chase, then 

frame the chase sides and base. The gypsum board may be needed to provide 

a seal from the attic above and the wall cavities on the sides. Once the chase 

is built, and especially after the ducts are installed, these ceiling and wall 

surfaces may become inaccessible. After the initial gypsum board is installed 

and the chase is framed in, the HVAC contractor can then install the actual 

sealed duct work. Sheetrockers can finish off the exposed surfaces.

Building America researchers have investigated burying ducts in attic 

insulation above ceilings. Based on this research, California Title 24 includes 

provisions for this approach, including the requirement. Building America 

recommends that buried ducts be directly insulated to R-8, apart from the 

piled-on insulation. Building America does not recommend using the buried 

duct approach in climates where the summertime attic dew point temperature 

is often above 60°F, or if the Jul-Aug monthly average outdoor dew point 

temperature is above 60°F (refer to Table 6-3 of ASHRAE Standard 90.2-

1993). The mixed-humid and hot-humid climates often exceed this dew 

point and so buried ducts are specifically not recommended there. In other 

climates, such as cold climates up through the humid river valleys, builders 

and designers should be cautious. All ducts should be sealed with mastic. 

Research on duct location and sealing techniques is ongoing.

15 Duct Leakage 

REQUIRED

p.15.2
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

 Start with a 

framed hallway.

 Install drywall or OSB

or other air barrier 

extending past the 

area to be included 

in chase. Framers 

may install gypsum 

board.

 Framers install cavity 

bottom framing 

using ladder-like 

structure.

 Drywallers finish 

exposed surfaces 

with sealed, caulked, 

taped, and mudded 

drywall and seal 

connection of duct 

boot to drywall.

 HVAC contractor 

installs sealed 

and insulated 

ducts in chase.

 Install register 

and finish.

Ensure adequate 

height for code and 

doors in hallway.

Caulk behind gypsum 

board or OSB

If drywall is used, it 

may extend below the 

bottom of the chase.

Tape and mud seams

p.15.3

Figure 15.2. Ducts can be placed in a dropped ceiling or in open web trusses between floors to keep them in conditioned space. 

15 Duct Leakage 

REQUIRED

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria 6, Space Conditioning Design and Criteria 22. Air Handler Location.
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

16. Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

– Required: Complete the ENERGY STAR 

Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist for the 

home. A link to this checklist is listed on the 

Builders Challenge website http://www1.eere.

energy.gov/buildings/challenge/

Either builder or third-party verifier may 

complete the checklist.

Builder must keep signed copy of the 

checklist in builder’s project records.

Either builder or third-party verifier may 

complete the checklist.

Third-party verifier must confirm that a signed 

checklist has been completed.

Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

p.16.1

16

REQUIRED

The Thermal Bypass Checklist (Figure 16.7) is a comprehensive list of 

building details where thermal bypass, or the movement of heat around or 

through insulation, frequently occurs due to missing air barriers or gaps 

between the air barrier and insulation. 

ENERGY STAR refers to vulnerable spots in the building envelope as 

thermal bypasses, areas where heat (and cold) can be transferred through 

the building envelope due to the lack of adequate insulation, missing air 

barriers, or gaps between the air barrier and the insulation. The ENERGY 

STAR program has prepared a thermal bypass checklist that builders can 

use to verify the integrity of the air barriers in the building envelope. 

Reducing thermal bypasses is important as they can lead to comfort and 

warranty issues as well as higher utility bills.

The Thermal Bypass Checklist identifies 25 points, to inspect throughout 

the home, covering all major components of the building envelope 

including exterior walls, floors, ceilings, attics, and shafts.

The garage should be completely sealed from the conditioned areas of the 

house. This is important from both an energy perspective, because it can be 

a major source of heat gain and heat loss, and from a health perspective, due to 

common pollutants from car exhaust and stored materials. When the garage is 

attached to the house, the gaps created by joists spanning both conditioned space 

and the garage must be blocked off and sealed. 

It can become increasingly difficult to construct air barriers to close gaps 

between the garage and the conditioned space as the joists become more 

irregular at their cross section. This is particularly true for I-joists and 

web-trusses. A simple solution is to plan ahead and align the ends of the 

joists with the wall adjoining the conditioned space to allow for end blocking. 

Building America researchers have worked with three building approaches 

that provide innovative solutions to air barriers and thermal bypasses. These 

approaches push the air barrier towards the exterior of the building shell, making 

it easier to avoid sealing around complex building features. The three approaches are

•	 conditioning crawlspaces and basements, or using slabs

•	 installing insulated exterior sheathing, with sealed seams

•	 conditioning attics.

Figure 16.1. In this figure, OSB and foam 

form the air barriers to isolate the garage 

from living space. 

Figure 16.2. Sequence framing to install an 

air barrier between the porch roof cavity and 

conditioned space.

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These approaches tend to move insulation and air sealing to surfaces that 

are not as interrupted by electrical outlets, plumbing, lights, fireplaces, 

and stairs. Thus the air sealing is easier because there are fewer holes to 

seals. The resulting increase in thermal performance tends to translate into 

improved scores on the Builders Challenge E-scale. 

The installation of high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters can also 

help control air leakage. Natural gas fired condensing furnaces achieve 

combustion efficiency levels greater than 90%. These furnaces and water 

heaters are sealed combustion systems that intake and exhaust air through 

plastic pipes that do not require a vertical chimney. Eliminating the 

chimney (which is designed to move air out of the house) removes the need 

to seal the chimney and its chase from unwanted air and thermal leaks. A 

direct-vent fireplace can also eliminate the heed for a chimney entirely. 

Ducts located in conditioned space also eliminate penetrations through the 

building shell and avoid the intake of unconditioned air that occurs through 

duct leaks.

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria 9. Pressurization Test; Criteria 15. Duct Leakage; Criteria 18. 

Combustion Safety; and Criteria 21. Garage Exhaust Ventilation.

Want to Learn More?

ENERGY STAR. Thermal Bypass Checklist 

Guide, available at www.energystar.gov/ia/

partners/bldrs_lenders_raters/downloads/TBC_

Guide_062507.pdf

Lstiburek, Joseph and Peter Baker. 2005. 

Guide to Insulating Sheathing. Prepared for 

DOE’s Building America Program by the Building 

Science Corporation. www.buildingscience.com/

documents/reports/rr-0501-guide-to-insulatingsheathing/view?searchterm=insulated%20sheathing

Straube, John. 2007. Air Flow Control in Buildings, 

Building Science Digest 014. Building Science 

Press. www.buildingscience.com/documents/

digests/bsd-014-air-flow-control-in-buildings.

Related Standards & Procedures

2006 International Energy Conservation Code, 

Section 403.2.2 “Sealing,” International Code 

Council (ICC), Falls Church, Virginia. Available at 

www.iccsafe.org

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 16.3. The intersection of walls, ceilings, 

and attic trusses must be sealed in non-vented 

attics. This example uses gaskets and canned 

spray foam for the seal. 

Figure 16.4. Insulation in non-vented attics is 

applied directly under roof sheathing. (Photo 

courtesy of Pulte Homes)

Figure 16.5 & 16.6. See pages 16.3-5 for diagrams showing conventional interior vs. 

exterior air barrier approaches.

p.16.2

16 Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

REQUIRED
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009 p.16.3

16 Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

REQUIRED

Figure 16.5. Conventional Interior Air Barrier – Conventional construction (and typical retrofits) requires tracking down and sealing multiple 

penetrations that ultimately lead to or through the exterior shell.

1. Sill Plate & Rim Joist

 2. Stairs

 3. Wall & Ceiling Drywall

 4. Kneewalls

 5. Windows

 6. ICAT Can Light

 7. Electric Circuit Box

 8. Outlets & Switches

 9. Fireplace

10. Plumbing Penetrations

11. Attic Access

12. Doors

13. Cantilever

14. Skylight

15. Crawlspace Access

16. Registers

17. Exhaust Fan 

18. Garage Common Wall

19. Wall Adjoining Cavity

20. Tub

21. Interior Soffit

22. Plywood Floor Panels

12

7

18

4

20

5

13

14

15

21 17

9

11

10

2

3

22

1

6

8 19

16
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Tape

Housewrap Caulk

Sil gasket

Gypsum

board

Structural

sheathing

Tape and joint

compound seal

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to bottom plate

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to top plate

Ceiling drywall taped

to wall drywall

Use rigid foam 

or sheet goods to 

seal joist cavities

Seal

Hardboard

Seal

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Before installing 

the window, caulk 

the outside edges 

of the head and 

side jambs

Do not caulk

across the sill

CAULK

CAULK

On the interior,

seal gap between 

window and rough

opening on interior

Recessed light fixtures 

should be rated for 

Insulated Ceiling Air 

Tight (ICAT).

AIR TIGHTNESS 

LABEL

Airtight wire 

connection from 

junction jox

Airtight

can

Decorative

cover Caulk

or Gasket

Sealant

Support sheathing

Electrical

panel

Seal wire

connection

Nailing

flange Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Attic

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Insulation in permanent

tt ith bfl

Tape

Rim joist Rigid or blown-in

foam insualtion

Housewrap

Sill gasket

CAULK

Tape

Housewrap Caulk

Sil gasket

Gypsum

board

Structural

sheathing

Tape and joint

compound seal

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to bottom plate

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to top plate

Ceiling drywall taped

to wall drywall

Use rigid foam 

or sheet goods to 

seal joist cavities

Seal

Hardboard

Seal

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Before installing 

the window, caulk 

the outside edges 

of the head and 

side jambs

Do not caulk

across the sill

CAULK

CAULK

On the interior,

seal gap between 

window and rough

opening on interior

Recessed light fixtures 

should be rated for 

Insulated Ceiling Air 

Tight (ICAT).

AIR TIGHTNESS 

LABEL

Airtight wire 

connection from 

junction jox

Airtight

can

Decorative

cover Caulk

or Gasket

Sealant

Support sheathing

Electrical

panel

Seal wire

connection

Nailing

flange Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Attic

Install automatic

closer and gasket

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Tape

Rim joist Rigid or blown-in

foam insualtion

Housewrap

Sill gasket

CAULK

Tape

Housewrap Caulk

Sil gasket

Gypsum

board

Structural

sheathing

Tape and joint

compound seal

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to bottom plate

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to top plate

Ceiling drywall taped

to wall drywall

Use rigid foam 

or sheet goods to 

seal joist cavities

Seal

Hardboard

Seal

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Before installing 

the window, caulk 

the outside edges 

of the head and 

side jambs

Do not caulk

across the sill

CAULK

CAULK

On the interior,

seal gap between 

window and rough

opening on interior

Recessed light fixtures 

should be rated for 

Insulated Ceiling Air 

Tight (ICAT).

AIR TIGHTNESS 

LABEL

Airtight wire 

connection from 

junction jox

Airtight

can

Decorative

cover Caulk

or Gasket

Sealant

Support sheathing

Electrical

panel

Seal wire

connection

Nailing

flange Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Attic

Install automatic

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Tape

Rim joist Rigid or blown-in

foam insualtion

Housewrap

Sill gasket

CAULK

Tape

Housewrap Caulk

Sil gasket

Gypsum

board

Structural

sheathing

Tape and joint

compound seal

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to bottom plate

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to top plate

Ceiling drywall taped

to wall drywall

Use rigid foam 

or sheet goods to 

seal joist cavities

Seal

Hardboard

Seal

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Before installing 

the window, caulk 

the outside edges 

of the head and 

side jambs

Do not caulk

across the sill

CAULK

CAULK

On the interior,

seal gap between 

window and rough

opening on interior

Recessed light fixtures 

should be rated for 

Insulated Ceiling Air 

Tight (ICAT).

AIR TIGHTNESS 

LABEL

Airtight wire 

connection from 

junction jox

Airtight

can

Decorative

cover Caulk

or Gasket

Sealant

Support sheathing

Electrical

panel

Seal wire

connection

Nailing

flange Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Attic

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Tape

Rim joist Rigid or blown-in

foam insualtion

Housewrap

Sill gasket

CAULK

p.16.4

16 Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

REQUIRED

Figure 16.5. Conventional Interior Air Barrier – Details (Continued)

7

10

4 5

9

1 2 3

6

8

Sill Plate & Rim Joist

Kneewalls

Electric Circuit Box

Plumbing Penetrations

Stairs

Windows

Outlets & Switches

Wall & Ceiling Drywall

ICAT Can Light

Fireplace

Direct vent fireplace eliminates the chimney; 

but seal fireplace alcove
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009 p.16.5

16 Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

REQUIRED

Figure 16.5. Conventional Interior Air Barrier – Details (Continued)

12

15

18

21

13

16

19

22

11

14

17

20

Attic Access

Skylight

Exhaust Fan

Tub

Doors

Crawlspace Access

Garage Common Wall

Interior Soffit

Cantilever

Registers

Wall Adjoining Cavity

Plywood Floor Panels

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Blocking between joists,

sealed at perimenter

Insulation in permanent

contact with subfloor

Rigid insulation

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

REGISTER

Seal all joints in 

boot and elbow

with mastic

Seal boots to 

sheet goods with 

caulk, mastic, or 

spray foam

CAULK

EXHAUST FAN If fan exhausts or 

draws air through 

sidewall, install hood

with louvered 

damper

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed, inside seam 

taped, and mudded

GARAGE

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

 on interior, exterior,

or both surfaces

Drywall caulked, 

glued or gasketed 

to top plate on interior, 

exterior, or both surfaces 

CAVITY

Continuous bead of

sealant or adhesive

Thin sheet goods 

as draft stop behind

tub or enclosure

Blocking

Solid air barrier

material sealed

at perimeter

CAULK

Use caulk or adhesive to

seal panels to joists at seams

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Blocking between joists,

sealed at perimenter

Insulation in permanent

contact with subfloor

Rigid insulation

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

REGISTER

Seal all joints in 

boot and elbow

with mastic

Seal boots to 

sheet goods with 

caulk, mastic, or 

spray foam

CAULK

EXHAUST FAN If fan exhausts or 

draws air through 

sidewall, install hood

with louvered 

damper

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed, inside seam 

taped, and mudded

GARAGE

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

 on interior, exterior,

or both surfaces

Drywall caulked, 

glued or gasketed 

to top plate on interior, 

exterior, or both surfaces 

CAVITY

Continuous bead of

sealant or adhesive

Thin sheet goods 

as draft stop behind

tub or enclosure

Blocking

Solid air barrier

material sealed

at perimeter

CAULK

Use caulk or adhesive to

seal panels to joists at seams

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Blocking between joists,

sealed at perimenter

Insulation in permanent

contact with subfloor

Rigid insulation

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

REGISTER

Seal all joints in 

boot and elbow

with mastic

Seal boots to 

sheet goods with 

caulk, mastic, or 

spray foam

CAULK

EXHAUST FAN If fan exhausts or 

draws air through 

sidewall, install hood

with louvered 

damper

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed, inside seam 

taped, and mudded

GARAGE

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

 on interior, exterior,

or both surfaces

Drywall caulked, 

glued or gasketed 

to top plate on interior, 

exterior, or both surfaces 

CAVITY

Continuous bead of

sealant or adhesive

Thin sheet goods 

as draft stop behind

tub or enclosure

Blocking

Solid air barrier

material sealed

at perimeter

CAULK

Use caulk or adhesive to

seal panels to joists at seams

g

Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Blocking between joists,

sealed at perimenter

Insulation in permanent

contact with subfloor

Rigid insulation

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

REGISTER

Seal all joints in 

boot and elbow

with mastic

Seal boots to 

sheet goods with 

caulk, mastic, or 

spray foam

CAULK

EXHAUST FAN If fan exhausts or 

draws air through 

sidewall, install hood

with louvered 

damper

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed, inside seam 

taped, and mudded

GARAGE

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

 on interior, exterior,

or both surfaces

Drywall caulked, 

glued or gasketed 

to top plate on interior, 

exterior, or both surfaces 

CAVITY

Continuous bead of

sealant or adhesive

Thin sheet goods 

as draft stop behind

tub or enclosure

Blocking

Solid air barrier

material sealed

at perimeter

CAULK

Use caulk or adhesive to

seal panels to joists at seams
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009 p.16.6

16 Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

REQUIRED

Figure 16.6. Exterior Air Barrier – This figure shows an approach to construction used in some 

Building America homes. Exterior insulated sheathing provides an air barrier for walls. The nonvented attic is sealed and insulated under the roof. Particular attention is paid to the intersection of 

foundations, walls, and the roof. Sealed combustion furnaces and water heaters do not require a 

vertical chimney. Insulated sheathing requires structural elements.

5

3

4

6

7

2

 1. Sill Plate & Rim Joist

 2. Windows

 3. Plumbing Penetrations

 4. Doors

 5. Exhaust Fan 

 6. Garage Common Wall

 7. Tub

Furring strip

Cladding

Tape seams

Caulk edges

CAULK

Insulated

sheathing panels

Insulated Sheathing Detail

1
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009 p.16.7

16 Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

REQUIRED

Figure 16.6. Exterior Air Barrier – Details

Tape

Housewrap Caulk

Sil gasket

Gypsum

board

Structural

sheathing

Tape and joint

compound seal

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to bottom plate

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to top plate

Ceiling drywall taped

to wall drywall

Use rigid foam 

or sheet goods to 

seal joist cavities

Seal

Hardboard

Seal

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Before installing 

the window, caulk 

the outside edges 

of the head and 

side jambs

Do not caulk

across the sill

CAULK

CAULK

On the interior,

seal gap between 

window and rough

opening on interior

Recessed light fixtures 

should be rated for 

Insulated Ceiling Air 

Tight (ICAT).

AIR TIGHTNESS 

LABEL

Airtight wire 

connection from 

junction jox

Airtight

can

Decorative

cover Caulk

or Gasket

Sealant

Support sheathing

Electrical

panel

Seal wire

connection

Nailing

flange Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Attic

Install automatic

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Tape

Rim joist Rigid or blown-in

foam insualtion

Housewrap

Sill gasket

CAULK

Tape

Housewrap Caulk

Sil gasket

Gypsum

board

Structural

sheathing

Tape and joint

compound seal

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to bottom plate

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed to top plate

Ceiling drywall taped

to wall drywall

Use rigid foam 

or sheet goods to 

seal joist cavities

Seal

Hardboard

Seal

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Before installing 

the window, caulk 

the outside edges 

of the head and 

side jambs

Do not caulk

across the sill

CAULK

CAULK

On the interior,

seal gap between 

window and rough

opening on interior

Recessed light fixtures 

should be rated for 

Insulated Ceiling Air 

Tight (ICAT).

AIR TIGHTNESS 

LABEL

Airtight wire 

connection from 

junction jox

Airtight

can

Decorative

cover Caulk

or Gasket

Sealant

Support sheathing

Electrical

panel

Seal wire

connection

Nailing

flange Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Blocking between joists,

sealed at perimenter

Insulation in permanent

contact with subfloor

Seal boots to 

sheet goods with 

lkti

Tape

Rim joist Rigid or blown-in

foam insualtion

Housewrap

Sill gasket

CAULK

Use rigid foam 

or sheet goods to 

seal joist cavities

Seal

Hardboard

Seal

HO

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

Before installing 

the window, caulk 

the outside edges 

of the head and 

side jambs

Do not caulk

across the sill

CAULK

CAULK

On the interior,

seal gap between 

window and rough

opening on interior

c

Nailing

flange Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAU

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Bloc

s

Ins

co

Rigid insulation

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

REG

Drywall caulked, glued 

1 Sill Plate & Rim Joist 2 Windows

HOUSEWRAP

HOUSEWRAP

 the interior,

al gap between 

ndow and rough

ening on interior

Recessed light fixtures 

should be rated for 

Insulated Ceiling Air 

Tight (ICAT).

AIR TIGHTNESS 

LABEL

Airtight wire 

connection from 

junction jox

Airtight

can

Decorative

cover Caulk

or Gasket

Sealant

Support sheathing

Electrical

panel

Seal wire

connection

Seal

 barrier

 sealed at 

er and seams

CAULK

R

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Blocking between joists,

sealed at perimenter

Insulation in permanent

contact with subfloor

pace

lation

REGISTER

Seal all joints in 

boot and elbow

with mastic

Seal boots to 

sheet goods with 

caulk, mastic, or 

spray foam

3 Plumbing Penetrations 4 Doors

Seal

Hardboard

Seal

CAULK

On the interior,

seal gap between 

window and rough

opening on interior

Sealant

Support sheathing

Electrical

panel

Seal wire

connection

Nailing

flange Built-in

sealant

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Blocking between joists,

sealed at perimenter

Insulation in permanent

contact with subfloor

Rigid insulation

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

REGISTER

Seal all joints in 

boot and elbow

with mastic

Seal boots to 

sheet goods with 

caulk, mastic, or 

spray foam

CAULK

EXHAUST FAN If fan exhausts or 

draws air through 

sidewall, install hood

with louvered 

damper

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed, inside seam 

taped, and mudded

GARAGE

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

 on interior, exterior,

or both surfaces

Drywall caulked, 

glued or gasketed 

to top plate on interior, 

exterior, or both surfaces 

CAVITY

6

5

7

Exhaust Fan

Garage Common Wall Tub

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

U

Rigid insulation

Air sea

CAULK

EXHAUST FAN If fan exhausts or 

draws air through 

sidewall, install hood

with louvered 

damper

Continuous bead of

sealant or adhesive

Thin sheet goods 

as draft stop behind

tub or enclosure

Blocking

Support sheathing

Built-in

sealant

sealing to 

 barrier

Select boxes with 

built-in gasket 

and sealant

Seal

Solid air barrier

material sealed at 

parimeter and seams

CAULK

sulation

c

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Baseplate sealed 

to subfloor

Blocking between joists,

sealed at perimenter

Insulation in permanent

contact with subfloor

on

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

REGISTER

Seal all joints in 

boot and elbow

with mastic

Seal boots to 

sheet goods with 

caulk, mastic, or 

spray foam

 fan exhausts or 

raws air through 

dewall, install hood

ith louvered 

amper

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed, inside seam 

taped, and mudded

GARAGE

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

 on interior, exterior,

or both surfaces

Drywall caulked, 

glued or gasketed 

to top plate on interior, 

exterior, or both surfaces 

CAVITY

Solid air barrier

material sealed

at perimeter

CAULK

Use caulk or adhesive to

seal panels to joists at seams

Flange for sealing to 

drywall air barrier

Air seal gasket

between trim

and panel

Rigid insulation

Attic

Use ENERGY STAR

labeled door

Install automatic

closer and gasket

or weatherstripping

Blockin

sea

Insula

cont

Rigid insulation

Air seal gasket

Crawlspace

Rigid insulation

REGIS

CAULK

EXHAUST FAN If fan exhausts or 

draws air through 

sidewall, install hood

with louvered 

damper

Bottom plate caulked

or gasketed to subfloor

Drywall caulked, glued 

or gasketed, inside seam 

taped, and mudded

GARAGE

Bottom plate 

or gasketed to 

 on interior, 

or both s

Drywall c

glued or g

to top plate on 

exterior, or both s

Continuous bead of

sealant or adhesive

Thin sheet goods 

as draft stop behind

tub or enclosure

Blocking

Solid air barrier

material sealed

at perimeter

U

sea
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009 p.16.8

Figure 16.7. ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist 

16 Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity 

REQUIRED

Posted 06/02/08

ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes

Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist 

Home Address: City: State: .

Thermal Bypass Inspection Guidelines Corrections 

Needed 

Builder

Verified

Rater

Verified N/A 

Requirements: 

Insulation shall be installed in full contact with sealed interior and exterior air barrier except for alternate to interior air barrier 

under item no. 2 (W lls Adjoining Exterior Walls or Unconditioned Spaces) a

All Climate Zones:

1.1 Overall Alignment Throughout Home    

 1.2 Garage Band Joist Air Barrier (at bays adjoining conditioned space)    

 1.3 Attic Eave Baffles Where Vents/Leakage Exist    

Only at Climate Zones 4 and Higher: 

 1.4 Slab-edge Insulation (A maximum of 25% of the slab edge may be 

uninsulated in Climate Zones 4 and 5.)    

Best Practices Encouraged, Not Req’d.:

 1.5 Air Barrier At All Band Joists (Climate Zones 4 and higher)    

1. Overall Air Barrier 

and Thermal 

Barrier Alignment 

 1.6 Minimize Thermal Bridging (e.g., OVE framing, SIPs, ICFs)    

Requirements: 

• Fully insulated wall aligned with air barrier at both interior and exterior, OR

• Alternate for Climate Zones 1 thru 3, sealed exterior air barrier aligned with RESNET Grade 1 insulation fully supported 

• Continuous top and bottom plates or sealed blocking

 2.1 Wall Behind Shower/Tub    

 2.2 Wall Behind Fireplace    

 2.3 Insulated Attic Slopes/Walls    

 2.4 Attic Knee Walls    

 2.5 Skylight Shaft Walls    

 2.6 Wall Adjoining Porch Roof    

 2.7 Staircase Walls    

2. Walls Adjoining 

Exterior Walls or 

Unconditioned

Spaces

 2.8 Double Walls    

Requirements: 

• Air barrier is installed at any exposed fibrous insulation edges 

• Insulation is installed to maintain permanent contact with sub-floor above including necessary supports (e.g., staves for 

blankets, netting for blown-in) 

• Blanket insulation is verified to have no gaps, voids or compression. 

• Blown-in insulation is verified to have proper density with firm packing 

3.1 Insulated Floor Above Garage    

3. Floors between 

Conditioned and 

Exterior Spaces 

3.2 Cantilevered Floor    

Requirements: 

Openings to unconditioned space are fully sealed with solid blocking or flashing and any remaining gaps are sealed with 

caulk or foam (provide fire-rated collars and caulking where required)

4.1 Duct Shaft 

4. Shafts 

  

4.2 Piping Shaft/Penetrations    

4.3 Flue Shaft    

Requirements:

• All attic penetrations and dropped ceilings include a full interior air barrier aligned with insulation with any gaps fully sealed

with caulk, foam or tape 

• Movable insulation fits snugly in opening and air barrier is fully gasketed

5.1 Attic Access Panel (fully gasketed and insulated)    

5.2 Attic Drop-down Stair (fully gasketed and insulated)    

5.3 Dropped Ceiling/Soffit (full air barrier aligned with insulation)    

5.4 Recessed Lighting Fixtures (ICAT labeled and sealed to drywall)    

5. Attic/ Ceiling 

Interface

5.5 Whole-house Fan (insulated cover gasketed to the opening)    

Requirements: 

Gap between drywall shaft wall (i.e., common wall) and the structural framing between units is fully sealed at all exterior 

boundary conditions

6. Common Walls 

Between Dwelling 

Units

6.1 Common Wall Between Dwelling Units    

Home Energy Rating Provider: _______________________ Rater Inspection Date: _______________ Builder Inspection Date: _______________ 

Home Energy Rater Company Name: ___________________________ Builder Company Name: _______________________________________ 

Home Energy Rater Signature: ________________________________ Builder Employee Signature:_____________________________________
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

17. Filtration – Required: 

Equip the central air handler(s) with a MERV 

8 filter or higher. Account for the associated 

pressure drop from the filter in the design and 

sizing of the duct work.

Verify the installation of a MERV 8 or 

higher filter.

Filtration 

p.17.1

17

REQUIRED

For improved indoor air quality in forced air heating, cooling, and 

ventilation systems, the heating or air conditioning return air stream should 

be filtered with a 4-inch-thick standard filter or a new MERV 8 normalthickness filter (MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values). 

Ventilation air should also pass through this filter, if possible. Filters should 

be easily accessible for cleaning or replacement and the filter slot should 

be designed so that there is no air bypass around the filter when the HVAC 

system is operating.

Provide instructions for filter maintenance to home occupants.

Want to Learn More?

“Understanding MERV Ratings,” available online at 

www.furnacefiltercare.com/merv-ratings.php

“MERV-Filter Efficiency Simplified”, available 

online at www.filterair.info/articles/article.

cfm/ArticleID/7AF95A61-EAF8-4C90-

BFA98EE04B0DD02B

Related Standards & Procedures

ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007, “Method of Testing 

General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for 

Removal Efficiency by Particle Size,” available from 

ASHRAE’s bookstore www.ashrae.org

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 17.1. MERV 8 air filter 

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

18. Combustion Safety – Required 

Fossil fuel-fired furnaces or water heaters 

installed in conditioned spaces must be 

sealed combustion, direct vented, or powervented units.

Verify that combustion-based furnaces and 

water heaters are direct vented or power vented, 

if installed in conditioned space.

Combustion Safety 

p.18.1

18

REQUIRED

Do not install atmospheric (standard efficiency) gas heaters and water 

heaters in conditioned space including laundry rooms. These devices are 

recognizable by the high and low combustion air inlets in the combustion 

area and the “hat” or “skirt” around the bottom of the flue (where it meets the 

furnace or water heater). These devices depend on the stack effect to establish 

exhaust draft, but the stack effect can be easily overcome by dryers, exhaust 

fans, or supply duct leakage (which depressurizes the house), causing back 

drafting of exhaust gases.

Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, which becomes 

more common as a piece of equipment ages than at the beginning of service. 

In all homes with combustion appliances or attached garages, steps must be 

taken to prevent accidental death by carbon monoxide poisoning.

With the tight house construction of Builder Challenge homes, all 

combustion appliances in the conditioned space must be sealed combustion 

or power-vented. Any water heater inside conditioned space shall be power 

vented or direct vented. Designs that incorporate passive combustion air 

supply openings or outdoor supply air ducts not directly connected to the 

appliance should be avoided. Water heaters should be either 1) power vented, 

which forcibly discharges the products of combustion in the exhaust and 

draws combustion air from the house, 2) direct vented, which passively 

direct air to the outside through short exhaust runs, while bringing in 

dedicated outside air for combustion, or 3) sealed combustion units that draw 

combustion air from outdoors and use fans to discharge combustion gasses 

to the outdoors.

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria 19. Carbon Monoxide all related to ducts, ventilation, and 

dehumidification and carbon monoxide detector.

Want to Learn More?

U.S. Department of Energy. 2000. “Combustion 

Equipment Safety,” DOE Fact Sheet, May 2000. 

DOE/GO 10099-784. www.earthcrafthouse.

com/documents/factsheets/CES-CombustionSafety%2000-784.pdf

U.S. Department of Energy. “The House as a 

System: Combustion Safety.” www.eere.energy.

gov/buildings/building_america/pdfs/db/31046.pdf

American Lung Association. Health House Tipsheet 

on Backdrafting at www.healthhouse.org/

tipsheets/TS_backdrafting.pdf

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Indoor Air 

Quality Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet” available at 

www.epa.gov/iaq/co.html

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. 

Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications, 

available at www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html

Related Standards & Procedures

“Combustion Safety Test Procedure for Vented 

Appliances,” Building Performance Institute, Inc., 

4/07. www.bpi.org/documents/Gold_Sheet.pdf

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

19. Carbon Monoxide – Required 

For homes with combustion appliance(s) or an 

attached garage, install at least one carbon 

monoxide (CO) alarm in a central location outside 

of each separate sleeping area in the immediate 

vicinity of the bedrooms. Place them according to 

NFPA 720 or manufacturers’ recommendations. 

They must be hard-wired with a battery back-up 

function. The alarm devices shall be certified by 

either CSA 6.19-01 or UL 2034. 

Verify the installation of a CO alarm.

Carbon Monoxide 

p.19.1

19

REQUIRED

Carbon monoxide detectors (hard-wired units) shall be installed (at one per 

every approximate 1,000 square feet) in a central location outside of each 

separate sleeping area in any house containing combustion appliances and/or 

an attached garage.

Of course, no one intends for carbon monoxide to be introduced into the 

house. When it does occur, it is usually the result of an unintentional air 

flow pattern that draws combustion exhaust into the conditioned space. Cars 

should never be run with the garage door closed. Gas water heaters and 

standard efficiency furnaces should never be run in a space with negative 

air pressure; however, these conditions do sometimes occur unpredictably 

so the builder should provide hard-wired CO detectors to alert occupants 

that carbon monoxide is present. Builders should provide home owners 

with guidance on what to do if the CO detector alarm sounds, for example, 

implementing an action plan that advises occupants that a potentially 

life-threatening condition has occurred, to open windows and doors, turn 

off combustion appliances, leave the house, and go to a hospital if anyone is 

experiencing symptoms.

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 18. Combustion Safety.

Want to Learn More?

“Carbon Monoxide Alarms,” Canadian Standards Association, 

www.csa-international.org/consumers/consumer_tips/

default.asp?language=English&load=carbon_monoxide

“UL 2034 History – CO Alarms,” International Code 

Council, Inc., May 4, 2005. www.iccsafe.org/cs/cc/ctc/

CO/CO_UL2034History.pdf

The American Lung Association’s Health House tipsheet 

on carbon monoxide at www.healthhouse.org/tipsheets/

TS_CarbonMonoxide.pdf

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1996. “Protect Your 

Family and Yourself From Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.” 

EPA-402-F-96-005, www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/coftsht.html

Related Standards & Procedures

Canadian Standards Association CSA 6.19-01, 

Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarming Devices. 

www.csa-intl.org/onlinestore/GetCatalogItemDetails.

asp?mat=000000000002414612

UL 2034 Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon 

Monoxide Alarms, Edition 2, October 29, 1996. http://

ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/tocs/tocs.asp?doc=s&fn=2034.toc

NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Carbon 

Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment in Dwelling 

Units. www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.

asp?DocNum=720&Cookie%5Ftest=1

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a series of 

builders guides that provide instructions for construction 

“best practices” that can help builders achieve highperformance homes. These guides can be found at 

www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/

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20. Carbon Monoxide – Recommended 

For all homes, install at least one carbon 

monoxide (CO) alarm in a central location 

outside of each separate sleeping area in the 

immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Place 

them according to NFPA 720. They must be 

hard-wired with a battery back-up function. 

The alarm devices shall be certified by either 

CSA 6.19-01 or UL 2034. 

Verify the installation of a CO alarm.

Carbon Monoxide 

p.20.1

20

This guideline recommends that all homes be equipped with a CO monitor, 

even those without an attached garage or combustion appliance currently 

installed. This is to provide protection for occupants should a combustion 

appliance be installed at some point in the future.

Want to Learn More?

“Carbon Monoxide Alarms,” Canadian 

Standards Association, www.csa-international.org/

consumers/consumer_tips/default.asp?language=

English&load=carbon_monoxide

“UL 2034 History – CO Alarms,” International Code 

Council, Inc., May 4, 2005. www.iccsafe.org/cs/

cc/ctc/CO/CO_UL2034History.pdf

The American Lung Association’s Health House 

tipsheet on carbon monoxide at www.healthhouse.

org/tipsheets/TS_CarbonMonoxide.pdf

Related Standards & Procedures

Canadian Standards Association CSA 6.19-01, 

Residential Carbon Monoxide Alarming Devices. 

www.csa-intl.org/onlinestore/GetCatalogItemDetails.

asp?mat=000000000002414612

UL 2034 Standard for Single and Multiple Station 

Carbon Monoxide Alarms, Edition 2, October 29, 

1996. http://ulstandardsinfonet.ul.com/tocs/tocs.

asp?doc=s&fn=2034.toc

NFPA 720: Standard for the Installation of Carbon 

Monoxide (CO) Warning Equipment in Dwelling Units. 

www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.

asp?DocNum=720&Cookie%5Ftest=1

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

RECOMMENDED

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21. Garage Exhaust Ventilation – 

Recommended: Ventilate attached garages 

with a 100 cfm (ducted) or 80 cfm (un-ducted) 

exhaust fan, venting to outdoors and designed 

for continuous operation. Alternatively, automatic 

fan controls may be installed that activate the fan 

whenever garage is occupied, and for at least 1 

hour after garage is vacated. 

Include in construction plans and contractors’ 

work scopes

Garage Exhaust Ventilation 

p.21.1

21

RECOMMENDED

Ventilate attached garages with a 100 cfm (ducted) or 80 cfm (un-ducted) 

exhaust fan, venting to outdoors and designed for continuous operation. 

Alternatively, automatic fan controls may be installed that activate the fan 

whenever the garage is occupied, and for at least 1 hour after the garage 

is vacated.

For occupant health and safety, pay close attention to sealing shared walls 

and ceilings between attached garages and living spaces. 

One of the most potentially hazardous indoor air quality problems arises 

when return ducts run through garage spaces where the opportunity exists 

to draw CO from automobile exhausts or other pollutants from hazardous 

chemicals often stored in the garage into the duct system and redistribute 

it throughout the house. Locating the HVAC unit in the garage is not 

recommended in the 30% improved houses, but it is not always possible 

to relocate the air-handling unit. 

For air handlers that are located 

in the garage the recommended 

solution is to enclose the handler 

in an insulated sealed closet. Any 

return-air ductwork and the air 

handler should be thoroughly 

sealed with UL 181-approved 

mastic, with a target leakage 

between the duct system and the 

garage of 0 cfm @25Pa. This 

will almost completely eliminate 

the possibility of bringing garage 

air into the supply or return system.

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria 16. Air Barrier and 

Insulation Integrity.

Want to Learn More?

“Five Steps to a Healthier Garage”. http://web.extension.

uiuc.edu/will/factsheets/family116.html

ENERGY STAR Thermal Bypass Checklist Guide, 2008, 

available at www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/bldrs_

lenders_raters/downloads/TBC_Guide_062507.pdf, pg. 13

Florida Solar Energy Center. 2007. “Indoor Air Quality,” 

available at www.fsec.ucf.edu/en/consumer/buildings/

homes/airqual.htm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. The Inside 

Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality, EPA 402-K-93-007, 

available at www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/insidest.html 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. 

Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications, available at

www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html

Related Standards & Procedures

ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007 Ventilation for Acceptable 

Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential Buildings can 

be previewed from www.ashrae.org/technology/page/548

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a series of 

builders guides that provide instructions for construction 

“best practices” that can help builders achieve highperformance homes. These guides can be found at 

www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/

Figure 21.1. This exhaust fan and electronic 

controls are designed to ventilate—and could 

be used to create a slightly negative pressure 

in—the garage. Ventilation carries pollutants 

to the outside, negative pressure helps to stop 

garage air from migrating into attached houses. 

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22. Air Handler Location – Required: 

Central air handler(s) is isolated from the garage 

by a thermal barrier and an air barrier. 

Verify air handler location.

Air Handler Location 

p.22.1

22

REQUIRED

Air handlers and ducts perform 

best when placed within conditioned 

space. Keeping air handlers and ducts 

inside conditioned space typically 

impacts architectural design and should 

be considered early in the design process. 

Strategies may include the following:

•	 Locate air handler and ducts within an 

insulated, non-vented, 

conditioned crawl space or basement.

•	 Locate air handler and ducts within an 

insulated “cathedralized” attic.

•	 Design a closet inside the conditioned 

space for locating the air handler inside 

the house. 

•	 Design a sealed mechanical closet in 

the garage for locating the air handler.

•	 Ensure the air handler closet is well 

air-sealed from the garage.

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for 

Criteria 21. Garage Exhaust Ventilation

and Criteria 16. Air Barrier and 

Insulation Integrity.

Want to Learn More?

“Five Steps to a Healthier Garage”. http://web.

extension.uiuc.edu/will/factsheets/family116.html

ENERGY STAR Thermal Bypass Checklist Guide, 

2008, available at www.energystar.gov/ia/

partners/bldrs_lenders_raters/downloads/TBC_

Guide_062507.pdf, pg. 13

Related Standards & Procedures

2006 International Energy Conservation Code, 

Section 403.2.2 “Sealing,” International Code Council 

(ICC), Falls Church, Virginia. “All ducts, air handlers, 

filter boxes, and building cavities used as ducts shall 

be sealed.” Available for purchase at www.iccsafe.

org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html.

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 22.1. This air handler closet is 

carved out of the garage space but is 

isolated with thermal and air barriers.

Figure 22.2. An alternative to a closet 

located in the garage is an in-house 

location. (Photo courtesy of FSEC)

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23. Building Envelope Moisture 

Management – Field Verification – 

Required: Flashing details, foundation details, 

vapor barrier selection, and water drainage 

space details noted in “Building Envelope 

Moisture Management” are installed per 

construction plans and specifications. 

Builder documents that measures were 

implemented with a checklist or other 

written documentation kept in builder’s 

project records.

Verify that builder has written documentation 

of implementation.

Building Envelope Moisture Management – Field Verification 

p.23.1

23

REQUIRED

Moisture control measures are described in Quality Criteria 2. Field 

verification of the proper installation of these measures will require multiple 

inspections with each of the trade contractors involved at the various stages 

of construction. For example, foundation management measures are likely 

to be installed by the concrete trades contractor, but the wall sheathing and 

drainage plane systems will be installed by framers, siders, or specialized 

contractors. We encourage builders to develop pre-job and post-job checklists 

as described in Quality Criteria 1 to use with their trade contractors in 

verifying that all moisture management practices are properly installed. 

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 2. Building Envelope Moisture 

Management – Design Phase.

Want to Learn More?

Lstiburek, Joseph. 2003. EEBA Water 

Management Guide, available for sale on line at: 

www.eeba.org/bookstore.

Straube, John. 2001 “Wrapping it Up,” Canadian 

Architect. May 2001. www.cdnarchitect.com

IBACOS. 2002. “Moisture Issues in Homes 

with Brick Veneer” article available at 

www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/

pdfs/db/36397.pdf

Related Standards & Procedures

FMA/AAMA 100-07. “Standard Practice for the 

Installation of Windows with Flanges or Mounting 

Fins in Wood Frame Construction.” Available from 

AAMA’s online store at www.aamanetstore.org/

pubstore/ProductResults.asp

ASTM E-2112-07. “Standard Practice for 

Installation of Exterior Windows, Doors and 

Skylights.” Available from ASTM at 

www.astm.org/Standards/E2112.htm

2006 International Energy Conservation 

Code, International Code Council (ICC), Falls 

Church, Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/dyn/prod/3810S06.html.

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

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24. ENERGY STAR Equipment – 

Recommended: For equipment included 

in the sale of the home, use ENERGY STAR 

qualified appliances and equipment (including 

HVAC systems). 

Verify that appliances are ENERGY STARqualified, if included in sale of home.

ENERGY STAR Equipment 

p.24.1

24

RECOMMENDED

When it comes to shopping for energy-efficient appliances and home electronics, 

look for the ENERGY STAR label. The ENERGY STAR label identifies 

products that have been tested to meet energy efficiency and performance criteria. 

Building America recommends using best-in-class products for appliance 

categories that are not currently rated by ENERGY STAR. 

The EnergyGuide label can also be a helpful source of information for 

comparing energy-using products and appliances. The Federal Trade 

Commission requires EnergyGuide labels on most home appliances (except 

for stove ranges and ovens), but not home electronics, such as computers, 

televisions, and home audio equipment. EnergyGuide labels provide 

an estimate of the product’s energy consumption or energy efficiency. 

They also show the highest and lowest energy consumption or efficiency 

estimates of similar appliance models.

Want to Learn More?

ENERGY STAR

www.energystar.gov

Energy Efficient Windows 

www.efficientwindows.org/energystar.cfm

SRP. “Energy Guide Labels help you compare,” 

www.srpnet.com/energy/energyguide.aspx

California Energy Commission Consumer 

Energy Center “EnergyGuide,” available at 

www.consumerenergycenter.org/home/

appliances/energyguide.html

Related Standards & Procedures

ENERGY STAR

www.energystar.gov

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

 Estimated energy consumption on a scale buildings/building_america/

showing a range for similar models

 Estimated yearly operating cost based on the 

national average cost of electricity.

Figure 24.2. The EnergyGuide Label Helps 

Consumers Compare the Energy Efficiency 

of Appliances.

Figure 24.3. A Refrigerator Labeled with 

both the ENERGY STAR Label and the 

Energy Guide Label.

Figure 24.1. The ENERGY STAR Label

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25. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation 

II – Recommended: Install a whole building 

mechanical ventilation system complying with the 

requirements of ASHRAE 62.2-2007. Whole building 

ventilation systems may consist of an exhaust system, 

supply system, or balanced system, and must be 

capable of providing the outside air rates specified in 

Standard 62.2-2007. Refer to Section 6.4 of ASHRAE 

62.2-2007 “Combustion and Solid-Fuel Burning 

Appliances” for information on providing for adequate 

combustion air for combustion appliances. (Also see 

QC Provision: Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I – 

which is a required measure). 

Include mechanical plans which include 

systems for whole building MV in 

project records.

Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation II 

p.25.1

25

RECOMMENDED

Building America recommends that all new homes be equipped with 

whole-house mechanical ventilation that complies with ASHRAE 62.2. 

Mechanical ventilation systems for indoor air quality include exhaust–only 

fans, systems that supply outside air, and systems that do both. 

Most of the Building America teams have designed and field-tested ventilation 

systems that bring outside air to the home’s central air handler. The systems 

involve exterior air intakes, ductwork running to the return air side of the 

HVAC system, dampers to allow control of the air intake, and electronic 

controls to ensure that the HVAC fan operates frequently enough to draw 

in adequate outside air and to time the operation of a motorized damper. 

Advantages to these systems are that the fresh air volume can be adjusted 

to meet ASHRAE 62.2 requirements, outside air is filtered, and fresh air is 

delivered to every space. One such system was estimated to cost $260 in 2005.

Want to Learn More?

Russell, M., M. Sherman, A. Rudd. 2005. 

Review of Residential Ventilation Technologies. 

LBNL 57730. Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley 

National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA.

Rudd, Armin. 2006. Ventilation Guide. Building 

Science Press Inc., Energy & Environmental Building 

Association, Minneapolis, MN, available for purchase 

at www.eeba.org/bookstore/default.asp.

Source: Building Science Consortium

Figure 25.1. Example of a central fan-integrated supply ventilation system

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RECOMMENDED

p.25.2

Continuously operating an exhaust fan located in a bathroom or central 

area of the house provides a lower cost solution. High-quality, efficient fans 

are typically used for this application. Because exhaust fans draw air from 

leaks in the building envelope, air is not filtered and may not be evenly 

distributed. In 2005, costs for this type of system were estimated at $145 

(cost estimates from Russell, Sherman, and Rudd 2005).

Rather than an isolated exhaust fan, another example is to tie all bathroom 

exhaust ducts together and route them through a single, continuously 

operating, high-efficacy axial fan that is vented to the exterior. 

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 11. Whole Building Mechanical 

Ventilation I.

Related Standards & Procedures

ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2007 Ventilation for 

Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise Residential 

Buildings can be previewed from www.ashrae.org/

technology/page/548

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/
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26. Pressure Balancing – Recommended: 

All rooms in the conditioned space of the home 

do not exceed +/- 3 Pascals pressure difference 

relative to the central (open) areas of the home, 

when interior doors are closed and the central air 

handler is operating. Powder rooms and laundry 

rooms are exempt. 

OR

Return ducts or transfer grilles are installed in 

every room with a door to which conditioned air is 

supplied, except for bathrooms, closets, pantries, 

and laundry rooms.

Pressure testing record is kept in builder’s 

project records (if measure is implemented)

Pressure Balancing 

p.26.1

26

RECOMMENDED

Testing and balancing of HVAC systems helps to ensure even air pressure 

throughout a building. Pressure imbalances may cause air movement through 

the envelope when the HVAC system is operating, wasting energy and 

potentially causing moisture problems. Imbalanced airflows can also cause 

excessive room-to-room or floor-to-floor temperature differences, leading 

to comfort complaints. Imbalanced airflows can draw unwanted pollutants, 

including humid air, into the house, causing indoor air-quality problems. 

Florida code, for example, requires that the differences in static pressure 

between any two rooms remain below 2.5 pascals at all times.

One key factor in eliminating excessive room-to-room and indoor-tooutdoor pressure imbalances is the adequacy of the return air path to the 

air handler. In homes with individual-room ducted returns, this is generally 

Want to Learn More?

Building Science Consortium. Sizing Heating, 

Cooling and Ventilation Ducts, Trunks, and Runouts 

for Energy Efficient Housing. BSP-050. 

www.buildingscience.com

The Building Science Consortium has produced 

a number of design guides with titles such as 

“Designs that Work,” and “Houses that Work.” 

Each of these guides contains a section on duct 

design and air flow that describes the use of jump 

ducts and transfer grilles.

Figure 26.1. Jump ducts

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RECOMMENDED

p.26.2

not a problem. Individual-room ducted return systems were common 

in colder climates, but are losing favor because of their costs. From a 

cost-effectiveness standpoint, a well-designed central return system with 

individual room pressure relief is considered the best approach. 

A well-designed return system must incorporate adequate relief from 

each room where entry doors may be closed. Return air recommendations 

include the use of ceiling “jump ducts,” or transfer grilles located in the 

walls. Door under-cuts are generally not considered to be acceptable 

because they are often too small and/or are blocked by the installation of 

carpeting. One important consideration in the installation of “jump ducts” 

or transfer grilles is to maintain sound separation between spaces. Sound 

transmission can be controlled by the use of flex duct, duct lining with 

sound-absorbent material, a slightly circuitous path, or some combination 

of these strategies. 

Related Quality Criteria

See guidance and references for Criteria 15. Duct Leakage.

Related Standards & Procedures

Associated Air Balance Council. AABC National 

Standards for Total System Balance 2002. 

www.aabchq.com/resources/national.aspx

National Environmental Balancing Bureau, (NEBB) 

Section 15990 - Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing. 

www.nebb.org/tabspec.htm

Florida Building Code

www.floridabuilding.org

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure 26.2. Jump ducts or transfer grilles provide air pressure balancing between rooms. 

Source: 

Building Science Consortium
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27. Low VOC Interior Coatings – 

Recommended: Paints, coatings, and primers 

applied to interior walls and ceilings have VOC 

levels of no more than 50 g/L (flats) or 150 g/L 

(non-flats). (reference LEED for Homes MR Credit 2.2)

Keep specifications in project record

Low VOC Interior Coatings 

p.27.1

27

RECOMMENDED

Finishes such as paints, sealers, adhesives, fabrics, and surface-covering 

roll goods (i.e., vinyl wall coverings) are all potential sources of indoor air 

pollutants, including various volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Most of 

the liquid-applied materials dissipate rather rapidly as they dry. Leaving 

windows open as they are applied removes the high initial concentrations 

of the VOCs. After this initial “dry-out” period, a properly designed 

ventilation system will continue to bring in fresh air and remove further 

off-gassing of pollutants. Some organizations offer recycled paint, which 

may or may not be low-VOC paint. 

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria 11. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I, Criteria 

25. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation II, Criteria 28. Low VOC 

Adhesives, and Criteria 29. Low Emission Cabinets.

Want to Learn More?

U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes website: 

www.usgbc.org/LEED/homes/

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute’s guide to thirdparty certified low-VOC-emitting interior products at 

www.greenguard.org

The Carpet and Rug Institute’s “Green Label” program 

at www.carpet-rug.com/drill_down_2.cfm?page=8&s

ub=4&requesttimeout=350

“A Word About VOCs,” www.concretenetwork.com/

concrete/finished_basements/a_word_about_vocs.htm

National Home Builders Association (NAHB) Green 

Building Program website: nahbgreen.org

Related Standards & Procedures

U.S. Green Building Council. LEED for Homes. January 

2008. www.greenhomeguide.org/documents/leed_

for_homes_rating_system.pdf

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA’s Environmentally 

Preferable Purchasing Program, www.epa.gov/epp/

California Air Resource Board (CARB), “Regulation for 

Reducing Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from 

Consumer Products,” available online at 

www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regs/cp.pdf

Masco Home Services. Environments for Living 

Program Services. www.environmentsforliving.com

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions for 

construction “best practices” that can help builders 

achieve high-performance homes. These guides 

can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/

building_america/

Figure 27.1. This Building America home used low VOC paints and finishes throughout to 

meet local green building guidelines. 

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28. Low VOC Adhesives – Recommended: Adhesives 

comply with the following maximum limits for VOCs: 

Carpet pad adhesives: 50 g/L (excluding water); 

Indoor carpet adhesives: 50 g/L (excluding water); 

Wood flooring adhesives: 100 g/L (excluding water); 

Subflooring adhesives: 50 g/L (excluding water); 

Multi-purpose construction adhesives: 70 g/L (excluding water) 

(reference LEED for Homes MR Credit 2.2)

Keep specifications in builder’s 

project record.

Low VOC Adhesives 

p.28.1

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RECOMMENDED

Finishes such as paints, sealers, 

adhesives, fabrics, and surfacecovering roll goods (i.e., vinyl wall 

coverings) are all potential sources 

of indoor air pollutants, including 

various volatile organic compounds 

(VOCs). Most of the liquid-applied 

materials dissipate rather rapidly as 

they dry. Leaving windows open as 

they are applied removes the high 

initial concentrations of VOCs. 

After this initial “dry-out” period, a 

properly designed ventilation system 

will continue to bring in fresh air 

and remove further off-gassing of 

pollutants. 

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria 11. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I, Criteria 25. 

Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation II, Criteria 27. Low VOC Wall 

Coverings, and Criteria 29. Low Emission Cabinets.

Want to Learn More?

“Low- or No-VOC Paints, Finishes and Adhesives.” 

www.toolbase.org/Home-Building-Topics/

Indoor-Air-Quality/low-voc-paints

GREENGUARD Environmental Institute’s guide to thirdparty certified low-VOC-emitting interior products at 

www.greenguard.org

Related Standards & Procedures

LEED for Homes. USGBC, January 2008. 

www.greenhomeguide.org/documents/

leed_for_homes_rating_system.pdf

South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule 1168 

– Adhesive and Sealant Application. 

www.arb.ca.gov/DRDB/SC/CURHTML/R1168.pdf

California Air Resource Board (CARB), “Regulation for 

Reducing Volatile Organic Compound Emissions from 

Consumer Products,” available online at 

www.arb.ca.gov/consprod/regs/cp.pdf

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2007. ENERGY 

STAR Indoor Air Package Specifications, version 2, 

April 19, 2007, available at www.energystar.gov/index.

cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.nh_iap

National Home Builders Association (NAHB) Green 

Building Program website: nahbgreen.org

U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes website: 

www.usgbc.org/LEED/homes/

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a series of 

builders guides that provide instructions for construction 

“best practices” that can help builders achieve highperformance homes. These guides can be found at 

www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/

Figure 28.1. Several low VOC adhesives 

are now available. 

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BUILDERS CHALLENGE 

QUALITY CRITERIA

BUILDER DOCUMENTATION 

& VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

THIRD-PARTY VERIFICATION 

REQUIREMENTS

29. Low Emission Cabinets – Recommended: Kitchen and 

bath vanity cabinets are in accordance with one of the following. 

(1) Installed kitchen and bath vanity cabinets comply with the Kitchen 

Cabinet Manufacturers Association Environmental Stewardship 

Program 01-06. 

(2) Installed kitchen and bath vanity cabinets are in accordance with the 

CARB standard for urea formaldehyde emissions in composite wood. 

(3) Installed kitchen and bath vanity cabinets contain no added 

urea formaldehyde or comply with GREENGUARD testing protocol 

and emission standards (ASTM D 6670) or equivalent. (reference 

National Green Building Standard 901.10).

Low-Emission Cabinets 

p.29.1

29

RECOMMENDED

We recommend that builders contact local green building certification 

programs and organizations to find qualifying products. Leaving windows 

open as cabinets are installed removes the high initial concentrations of 

VOCs. A properly designed ventilation system will continue to bring in fresh 

air and remove further off-gassing of pollutants. 

Environmentally friendly cabinets include FSC-certified or salvaged wood, 

recovered-fiber wood products, agrifiber (other names include agfiber and 

biofiber) panels, low-formaldehyde 

or formaldehyde-free wood 

products, and low-VOC finishes. 

The Forest Stewardship Council 

(FSC) provides third-party 

certification, evaluation and 

monitoring of sustainable forestry 

practices. Agrifiber is similar to 

particleboard but agricultural 

fibers, such as straw, are bonded 

together to form the panels 

rather than saw mill waste. 

Formaldehyde-free hardwood 

plywood and particleboard 

products are available. 

Related Quality Criteria

See Criteria 11. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I, Criteria 25. 

Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation II, Criteria 27. Low VOC Wall 

Coverings, and Criteria 28. Low VOC Adhesives.

Want to Learn More?

GreenHomeGuide Product Directory: low-VOC cabinets 

www.greenhomeguide.com/index.php/product/C126

Center for ReSource Conservation. Before you buy...Cabinets. 

www.greenerbuilding.org/buying_advice.php?cid=4

Greenguard Environmental Institute. Product Guide: kitchen 

cabinets. www.greenguard.org/Default.aspx?tabid=12

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Wood Coating Case Studies by 

Company. Available at www.epa.gov/ttn/atw/wood/low/casebyco.html

National Home Builders Association (NAHB) Green Building 

Program website: nahbgreen.org

U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes website: www.usgbc.

org/LEED/homes/

Related Standards & Procedures

KCMA Environmental Stewardship Program 01-06. 

www.greencabinetsource.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Defining.Welcome

California Air Resource Board (CARB) “Airborne Toxic Control Measure 

(ATCM) to Reduce Formaldehyde Emissions from Composite Wood 

Products” www.arb.ca.gov/toxics/compwood/factsheet.pdf

ASTM D6670 – 01 (2007) “Standard for Full-Scale Chamber 

Determination of Volatile Organic Emissions from Indoor Materials/

Products”, www.astm.org/Standards/D6670.htm

National Green Building Standard 901.10, August 10, 2007, pg. 70. 

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a series of 

builders guides that provide instructions for construction 

“best practices” that can help builders achieve highperformance homes. These guides can be found at 

www.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/

Figure 29.1. Some cabinet makers are now 

specializing in low-VOC cabinetry to meet 

growing consumer demand. 

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

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BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Appendix I: Other Considerations and Recommendations

p.A-I.1

ENERGY STAR

Houses that display the E-Scale label (meaning they are Builders Challenge 

certified and meet the quality criteria) should exceed current requirements for 

the ENERGY STAR for New Homes Program. ENERGY STAR can be used 

as an additional means to gain market recognition. See www.energystar.gov

for more information and marketing tools. 

RECOVERY ACT BUILDING CODE REQUIREMENTS

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Pub.L. 111-5) 

requires State governments accepting State Energy Program (SEP) or Block 

grants to implement the latest IECC energy efficiency codes. The 2009 IECC 

would increase energy efficiency levels to about a HERS index rating of 85. 

For comparison, the Builders Challenge stipulates that home meet or do better 

than a HERS index score of 70. ENERGY STAR homes are usually at least 

15% better than code. As homes are tightened up, moisture and combustion 

product issues can increase. Many local code jurisdictions mix and match 

IECC and IRC code requirements, adopting different versions of these codes. 

Thus, energy measures and health and safety measures may not be optimally 

combined. NOTE: All homes, regardless of energy level, should at least meet 

the provisions of the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria that affect moisture 

management, ventilation, and combustion product safety.

QUALITY MANAGEMENT

Builders who establish formal quality management programs are more likely 

to achieve consistent success in meeting the Builders Challenge Quality 

Criteria, as well as reducing costly defects. Quality management programs 

include components like written procedures and checklists, scopes of work, 

and inspections, as well as post-construction air leakage tests, and training 

of staff and subs. There are a number of formal quality programs, such as the 

National Housing Quality Program (www.nahbrc.org/quality) , Quality Built 

(www.qualitybuilt.com), and First Time Quality (firsttimequality.com). These 

programs are based on ISO 9001.

INDOOR AIR QUALITY

In January 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published 

the Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications. Homes meeting these 

specifications can earn the EPA Indoor airPLUS label. These specifications 

are applicable to many of the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria. See Figure 

A-I.2 for the EPA Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist.

Want to Learn More?

Database of State Incentives for Renewables and 

Efficiency. Site managed by the North Carolina 

State University Solar Center. www.dsireusa.org

First Time Quality website: firsttimequality.com

ICC. 2009. 2009 International Energy Conservation 

Code. International Code Council, Washington DC, 

www.iccsafe.org

ISO 9001 2008. Quality Management 

Requirements, published November 15, 2008, by 

the International Organization for Standardization, 

www.iso.org

Masco Home Services. Environments for Living 

Program Services. www.environmentsforliving.com

National Home Builders Association (NAHB) Green 

Building Program website: nahbgreen.org

National Association of Home Builders Research 

Center, Energy Value Housing Award website. 

www.nahbrc.org/evha/

National Housing Quality Program website: 

www.nahbrc.org/quality

Quality Built website: www.qualitybuilt.com

Public Law 111-5. The American Recovery and 

Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed Feb 17, 2009.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. Indoor 

airPLUS Construction Specifications, available at 

www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. National 

Menu of Stormwater Best Management Practices 

(updated Jan 09, 2008). http://cfpub1.epa.gov/

npdes/stormwater/menuofbmps/index.cfm 

U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Homes 

website: www.usgbc.org/LEED/homes/

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Appendix I: Other Considerations and Recommendations

p.A-I.2

BUILDERS CHALLENGE GREEN PARTNERSHIPS

Builders can meet the performance path for Builders Challenge directly, or 

by working through a number of partnerships. Partnering programs include 

the U.S. Green Building Council (www.usgbc.org/LEED/homes/), and the 

National Green Building Standard (www.NAHBgreen.org). Gaining the 

Builders Challenge certification through a green partnership helps builders 

gain market recognition as a green builder.

ENERGYVALUE HOUSING AWARD

The EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) recognizes specifc homes in which 

builders integrate energy efficiency into all aspects of production. The U.S. 

Department of Energy, is a sponsor of the award. The EVHA program judging 

criteria focuses on high levels of residential energy performance through 

building science, new technologies and construction methods, and green 

building. Beginning in the 2010 award cycle, the Builders Challenge criterion 

will be integrated into the EVHA application (www.nahbrc.org/evha/). 

UTILITY INTERFACE ISSUES

Buildings consume about 72% of all electricity produced by utilities, 

with over half that consumption in residences. Because that consumption 

represents a substantial carbon impact, future carbon reduction programs may 

address building energy use. Utilities are increasingly implementing smart 

meters, peak load management, and demand response measures. Building 

design and HVAC equipment selection can substantially reduce peak 

load impacts.

STATE, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND UTILITY INCENTIVES

Builders are encouraged to work with their states, local governments, 

and utilities to determine what local incentives, technical assistance, and 

marketing help might be available for installing energy-efficient appliances 

and lighting, and energy-efficient construction measures. Many utilities or 

public benefits programs offer ENERGY STAR programs and/or training and 

incentives. One place to start your search for local incentives is the Database 

of State Incentives for Renewable Energy, on line at www.dsireusa.org.

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Figure A-I.1. Visit the Database of State 

Incentives for Renewable Energy – DSIRE
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Appendix I: Other Considerations and Recommendations

p.A-I.3

Figure A-I.2. ENERGY STAR Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist – Page 1

Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist

 Address or Div/Lot#: 

 City/State/Zip: Date: Verified by

Section Requirements (see Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications for details) N/A Builder Rater

 Water-Managed Site and Foundation 

 1.1 Site & foundation drainage: sloped grade, protected drain tile, & foundation floor drains o	 o

 1.2 Capillary break below concrete slabs & in crawlspaces (Exception - see specification) o	 o	 o

 1.3 Foundation wall damp-proofed or water-proofed (Except for homes without below-grade walls) o	 o	 o

 1.4 Basements/crawlspaces insulated & conditioned (Exceptions - see specification) o	 o	 o

 Water-Managed Wall Assemblies 

 1.5 Continuous drainage plane behind exterior cladding, properly flashed to foundation o	 o

 1.6 Window & door openings fully flashed o	 o

 Water-Managed Roof Assemblies 

 1.7 Gutters/downspouts direct water a minimum of 5' from foundation (Except in dry climates) o	 o	 o

 1.8 Fully flashed roof/wall intersections (step & kick-out flashing) & roof penetrations o	 o

 1.9 Bituminous membrane installed at valleys & penetrations (Except in dry climates) o	 o	 o

 1.10 Ice flashing installed at eaves (Except in Climate Zones 1 - 4) o	 o	 o

 Interior Water Management 

 1.11 Moisture-resistant materials/protective systems installed (i.e., flooring, tub/shower backing, & piping) 	 	 	 o

 1.12 No vapor barriers installed on interior side of exterior walls with high condensation potential o		 o

 1.13 No wet or water-damaged materials enclosed in building assemblies o		 o

 2.1 Approved radon-resistant features installed (Exception - see specification) o		 o		 o

 2.2 Two radon test kits & instructions/guidance for follow-up actions provided for buyer (Advisory-see specification) o		 o		 o

 3.1 Foundation joints & penetrations sealed, including air-tight sump covers o

 3.2 Corrosion-proof rodent/bird screens installed at all openings that cannot be fully sealed (e.g., attic vents) o		 o

 4.1 HVAC room loads calculated, documented; system design documented; coils matched o

 4.2 Duct system design documented & properly installed OR duct system tested (check box if tested) o o		 		 o

 4.3 No air handling equipment or ductwork installed in garage; continuous air barrier required in adjacent assemblies o

 4.4 Rooms pressure balanced (using transfer grills or jump ducts) as required OR tested (check box if tested) o o		 	 o

 4.5 Whole house ventilation system installed to meet ASHRAE 62.2 requirements o

 4.6 Local exhaust ventilation to outdoors installed for baths, kitchen, clothes dryers, central vacuum system, etc. o

 4.7 Central forced-air HVAC system(s) have minimum MERV 8 filter, no filter bypass, & no ozone generators o

 4.8 Additional dehumidification system(s) or central HVAC dehumidification controls installed (In warm-humid climates only) o		 	 o

 Combustion Source Controls 

 5.1 Gas heat direct vented; oil heat & water heaters power vented or direct vented (Exceptions - see specifications) o		 	 o

 5.2 Fireplaces/heating stoves vented outdoors & meet emissions/efficiency standards/restrictions o		 	 o

 5.3 Certified CO alarms installed in each sleeping zone (e.g., common hallway) according to NFPA 720 o

 5.4 Smoking prohibited in common areas; outside smoking at least 25' from building openings (Multi-family homes only) o		 o		 o

 Attached Garage Isolation 

 5.5 Common walls/ceilings (house & garage) air-sealed before insulation installed; house doors gasketed & closer installed o		 	 o

 5.6 Exhaust fan (minimum 70 cfm, rated for continuous use) installed in garage & vented to outdoors (controls optional) o		 	 o

 6.1 Certified low-formaldehyde pressed wood materials used (i.e., plywood, OSB, MDF, cabinetry) o		 o

 6.2 Certified low-VOC or no-VOC interior paints & finishes used o		 o

 6.3 Carpet, adhesives, & cushion qualify for CRI Green Label Plus or Green Label testing program o		 o		 o

 7.1 HVAC system & ductwork verified dry, clean, & properly installed o

 7.2 Home ventilated before occupancy OR initial ventilation instructions provided for buyer o		 o

 7.3 Completed checklist & other required documentation provided for buyer o		 o

Rater/Provider: Builder: 

 Company: Company: 

 Signature: Signature: Moisture Control Combustion Pollutants Pests HVAC Final Radon Materials
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009 p.A-I.4

Figure A-I.2. ENERGY STAR Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist – Page 2

Guidance for Completing the Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist:

1. Only ENERGY STAR qualified homes verified to comply with these specifications can earn the Indoor airPLUS label. See Indoor 

airPLUS Construction Specifications for full descriptions of the requirements, terms, exceptions, abbreviations, references, and 

climate map used in this checklist. Verification is not complete until this checklist is completed in full and signed.

2. Check one box per line. Check “N/A” for specifications that do not apply for specific conditions (e.g., climate) according to the 

Exceptions described in the Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications. Check either “Builder” or “Rater” for all other items 

to indicate who verified each item. Items may be verified visually on site during construction, by reviewing photographs taken 

during construction, by checking documentation, or through equivalent methods as appropriate. If using a performance testing 

alternative to meet requirement 4.2 or 4.4, the box marked “Tested” must be checked and testing documentation must be provided in the Home Energy Rating System/Builder Option Package (HERS/BOP) file.

3. The rater who conducted the verification, or a responsible party from the rater’s company, must sign the completed verification 

checklist. The builder must sign the checklist if any items in the “Builder” column are checked, and by so doing accepts full 

responsibility for verifying that those items meet Indoor airPLUS requirements.

4. The builder provides one copy of the completed and signed checklist for the buyer. The HERS/BOP provider or rater files a copy 

with HERS/BOP and ENERGY STAR documentation (e.g., Thermal Bypass Checklist) for the home. 

5. The checklist may be completed for a batch of homes using a RESNET-approved sampling protocol when qualifying homes as 

ENERGY STAR. For example, if the approved sampling protocol requires rating one in seven homes, then the checklist will be 

completed for the one home that was rated. 

Note: The Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications are designed to help improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in new homes compared with homes built 

to minimum code. These measures alone cannot prevent all IAQ problems; occupant behavior is also important. For example, smoking indoors would 

negatively impact a home’s IAQ and the performance of the specified Indoor airPLUS measures.

 

Notes: 

For further information on the Indoor airPLUS program, visit epa.gov/indoorairplus.

All Indoor airPLUS qualified homes meet strict 

guidelines for energy efficiency set by ENERGY STAR, 

the nationally-recognized symbol for energy efficiency. 

Qualified homes earn the 

Indoor airPLUS label. 

Place it next to the 

ENERGY STAR label.

Appendix I: Other Considerations and Recommendations
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Appendix II: Builders Challenge Quality Criteria

p.A-II.1

See the following pages for a complete listing 

of the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria. 

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria Guide – Version 1.3 

The Builders Challenge Quality Criteria are designed to promote continuous improvement while ensuring construction quality and effihomeowners alike benefit from reduced callbacks and enhanced comfort, indoor environmental quality, and durability. To qualify for t

homes, regardless of compliance pathway, must comply with the Quality Criteria and the Energy Performance threshold, as well as mThis version of the Quality Criteria is subject to revision. Registered builders will be notified of revisions and all projects built after a r

updated criteria. Items which are not currently listed as “Required” are still Recommended. Technical resources on constructing high available on the Builders Challenge website (www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge). 

Relationship to Codes & Manufacturer Requirements The Quality Criteria are not intended to supplant safety, health, or environmental requirements contained in other applicable codes or 

applicable codes apply. In cases where a locally applicable code requirement is more stringent or is in conflict with a quality criterionMany of the provisions noted below are basic code requirements in the most current energy codes. By including these items as QuaChallenge is focusing attention on their proper implementation. Additionally, where a quality provision is in conflict with the manufacturer’s requirements for a product – the manufacturer’s requireme

Roles and Responsibilities The Quality Criteria require different parties to conduct, confirm, and/or verify good building practices for Builders Challenge homes. 

Builders must establish the expectations for quality practices, oversee their implementation, and keep records to confirm wh

responsibilities are noted below. Third-party verifiers must verify the implementation of the Quality Criteria (QC) either directly, by means of an actual measu

confirming that the builder implemented the QC. RESNET-certified HERS raters and DOE Building Consortia team members for the Builders Challenge. DOE will work with the NAHB Research Center to establish a process by which NAHB third-party QC inspections for homes qualifying for the Builders Challenge. Other professionals may be eligible to serve as verifiers, sucarchitects or employees or authorized representatives of a utility or local building regulatory authority, if they have been traine

organization) to use building performance testing methods and tools. Such professionals will be approved by DOE. 
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Trade contractors must implement quality practices in accordance with their scope of work. More information on quality traChallenge website. 

ResourcesA technical resource guide with background on each of the QC provisions below, based on the Building America Best Practice Guide

development. Links to the Building America Best Practice Guides, as well as other technical resources, are posted on the Builders CQuality Criteria The Quality Criteria are listed in three phases: 

The Design Phase requires design, planning and documentation before construction. The Construction Phase frequently requires the builder/superintendent to visually inspect and document proper installation The Verification Phase requires a third-party verifier to review and measure criteria after construction. 

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria 

Builder Documentation & Verification Requirements 

Third-PRequire

1. Project Documentation – RequiredConstruction/design documentation (e.g., plans, details, specifications, job ready and job complete checklists, and trade scopes of work and/or agreements) will include energy and quality provisions needed to meet the Builders Challenge criteria. 

Develop and store construction/design and energy rating documentation in project records. 

The builder (or builder’s representative) shall review the adequacy of the construction/design documentation for implementing the energy and quality provisions, and shall sign the completed checklists. 

The thirconstrucsigned c

2. Building Envelope Moisture Management – Design Phase - RequiredIn the design phase, include details for integrating the weather barrier system with flashing components in the construction plans. Specify window and door flashing based 

Develop construction plans with flashing details, foundation details, vapor retarder 

Verify thcontain 
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria 

Builder Documentation & Verification Requirements 

Third-PRequire

on the Building America Best Practices (Trades section), or such references as the Water Management Guide (EEBA), the latest version of ASTM E-2112, the AAMA Installation Standard, or manufacturer’s recommendations. Provide details to provide adequate site and below-grade drainage, and to prevent moisture from entering the building from below grade by capillary flow. Typically, this would require the builder to specify a foundation drainage system with capillary breaks below the slab, between the footer and foundation, and between the foundation wall and sill plate. Specify climate appropriate vapor retarder or barrier per locally applicable IECC. (Reference IECC Section 402.5) When using water absorptive cladding, including brick, stone (real or manufactured), stucco, and fiber cement, provide a pathway for bulk water that enters the wall assembly from the exterior to drain to the exterior. Typically this involves specifying a drainage space or pathway provided by furring strips, an air gap, contoured house wrap, or other products that create a vertical drainage channel behind the cladding and exit the wall horizontally. Cladding installation per manufacturer’s recommendations is also permitted. 

specification, and drainage space specification (if applicable) Include requirements for flashing, foundation details, and wall system details in contractor’s construction/design documentation. 

3. Material Efficient Framing – RecommendedDesign building dimensions and layouts to minimize material cuts and waste for wall, floor, and roof system structural components and sheathing. Size all headers for actual structural loads, and insulate to the fullest extent possible. To the extent possible use building systems which minimize on-site waste, such as panelized walls, pre-cut framing packages, and engineered wood products. Incorporate these measures in the framing 

Develop framing layout plan and keep in project records. 
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria 

Builder Documentation & Verification Requirements 

Third-PRequire

layout plan. 4. Construction Waste Management – RecommendedDevelop, post at the jobsite and implement a Construction Waste Management Plan. The plan should document the diversion pathways for major waste stream components including cardboard, lumber, land-clearing debris, and drywall. The plan should also document efforts to request minimized packaging from suppliers. Goals for waste diversion should be at least 25% (by weight) for construction and land-clearing waste. 

Develop Construction Waste Management Plan and keep in project records. 

5. Space Conditioning Design 

– Required

Right-size space conditioning system for heating/cooling loads based on ACCA Manual J Version 8 or comparable load sizing analysis (reference 2006 IRC M1401.3, 2006 IECC Section 403.6). The maximum over-sizing limit for cooling equipment is 15%, with the exception of heat pumps in Climate Zones 5 - 8 where the maximum over-sizing limit is 25%. Outdoor temperatures shall be the 99.0% design temperatures as published in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals for the home’s location or most representative city for which design temperature data are available. Note that a higher outdoor air design temperature may be used if it represents prevailing local practice by the HVAC industry and reflects extreme climate conditions that can be documented with recorded weather data; Indoor temperatures shall be 75 F for cooling; Infiltration rate shall be selected as “tight”, or the equivalent term. In specifying equipment, the next available size may be used. In addition, indoor and outdoor coils shall be matched in accordance with ARI standards. Identify the whole building ventilation strategy and equipment in the mechanical system design (see the 2 other Quality Criteria: Whole Building Ventilation I and II for requirements). 6. Space Conditioning Design 

– Recommended

Analyze load-sizing and duct-sizing and keep in project records. 

Review sizing asizing crequirehome. 
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria 

Builder Documentation & Verification Requirements 

Third-PRequire

Design and install duct system(s) using ACCA Manual D or equivalent. Integrate HVAC duct layout with construction documentation. Select heating/cooling equipment using ACCA Manual S or equivalent. 7. Dehumidification – RecommendedInstall equipment with sufficient latent capacity to maintain indoor relative humidity at or below 60% in Climate Zones 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A, as defined by the 2006 IECC Figure 301.1. This requirement can be met with an additional dehumidification system or a central HVAC system equipped with additional controls to operate in dehumidification mode. 

Include mechanical specifications for dehumidification in construction documents and keep in project records. 

8. Space-Conditioning System Installation - RecommendedSpace-conditioning system installation meets ACCA Quality Installation Specification. 9. Building Envelope Pressurization Testing – RecommendedTest envelope leakage to 

≤ 0.35 cfm per square foot of building envelope area at a 

pressure differential of 50 Pascals between the house interior and outdoors. (See QC provision: Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity). 

Test enspecifieapprov

10. Windows – RequiredSpecify ENERGY 

STAR qualified windows or better. 

Include in specification and keep in project records. 

Verify iqualifie

11. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I - RequiredDesign and install a mechanical system(s) to provide outside air to the indoor environment through either exhaust, supply, or balanced ventilation. Equip outside air intakes for ventilation with filters and shutoff dampers. (Also see QC Provision: Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation II – which is a recommended measure). 

Include in mechanical plans and keep in project records. 

Verify tbuilding 

12. Kitchen Ventilation – RequiredProvide mechanical kitchen ventilation with an exhaust fan(s) that can provide at least 100 cfm intermittent (reference 2006 IRC M1507.3) or airflow equivalent to 5 air changes per hour based on the kitchen volume (continuous use). Fans are vented to exhaust 

Include kitchen ventilation requirements in construction documents. 

Verify tventilatair to o
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria 

Builder Documentation & Verification Requirements 

Third-PRequire

kitchen air to outdoors. Refer to Section 6.4 of ASHRAE 62.2-2007 “Combustion and Solid-Fuel Burning Appliances” for information on providing for adequate combustion air for combustion appliances. 13. Bathroom Ventilation – RequiredInclude mechanical ventilation for all bathrooms with a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source of moisture with an exhaust fan(s) that can provide at least 50 cfm (intermittent use) or 20 cfm (continuous use). For bathrooms without a bathtub, shower, spa, or similar source of moisture, exhaust ventilation is provided at these same rates, or the room has a window with an openable area of at least 4% of the floor area and no smaller than 1.5 square feet. All bathroom fans are vented to outdoors. 

Include in construction documents. 

Verify tventilatexhaus

14. Clothes Dryer Venting – RequiredClothes dryer vented directly to the outdoors. (reference 2006 IRC M1502.1) Condensing dryers are exempt. 

Provide for ducting to the outdoors for clothes dryers. 

Verify tdryer e

15. Duct Leakage – RequiredComply with 15A or 15B, and 15C. 15A. Duct leakage to outdoors is less than 5% of conditioned floor area when measured at 25 Pascal using duct pressurization methods. OR 15B. All duct work is located within the conditioned envelope (meaning the air barrier and thermal barrier) of the house. AND 15C. Total duct leakage is less than 10% of conditioned floor area when measured at 25 Pascals using duct pressurization methods. 

Test dubelow susing a protocoVerify tthe theif Optio

16. Air Barrier and Insulation Integrity - RequiredComplete the ENERGY 

STAR Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist for the home. A link to 

Either builder or third-party verifier may complete the checklist. 

Either bmay com
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria 

Builder Documentation & Verification Requirements 

Third-PRequire

this checklist is listed on the Builders Challenge website www.buildingamerica.gov/builderschallenge Builder must keep signed copy of the 

checklist in builder’s project records 

Third-paa signed complet

17. Filtration - RequiredEquip the central air handler(s) with a MERV 8 filter or higher. Account for the associated pressure drop from the filter in the design and sizing of the duct work. 

Verify thor highe

18. Combustion Safety - RequiredFossil fuel-fired furnaces or water heaters installed in conditioned spaces must be sealed combustion, direct vented, or power-vented units. 

Verify thfurnaces direct veinstalled 

19. Carbon Monoxide - RequiredFor homes with combustion appliance(s) or an attached garage, install at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in a central location outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Place them according to NFPA 720 or manufacturers recommendations. They must be hard-wired with a battery back-up function. The alarm devices shall be certified by either CSA 6.19-01 or UL 2034. 20. Carbon Monoxide - RecommendedFor all homes, install at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm in a central location outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms. Place them according to NFPA 720. They must be hard-wired with a battery back-up function. The alarm devices shall be certified by either CSA 6.19-01 or UL 2034. 

Verify talarm. 

21. Garage Exhaust Ventilation – RecommendedVentilate attached garages with a 100 cfm (ducted) or 80 cfm (un-ducted) exhaust fan, venting to outdoors and designed for continuous operation. Alternatively, automatic fan 

Include in construction plans and contractors’ work scopes 
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria 

Builder Documentation & Verification Requirements 

Third-PRequire

controls may be installed that activate the fan whenever garage is occupied, and for at least 1 hour after garage is vacated. 22. Air Handler Location - RequiredCentral air handler(s) is isolated from the garage by a thermal barrier and an air barrier. 

Verify a

23. Building Envelope Moisture Management – Field Verification - RequiredFlashing details, foundation details, vapor barrier selection, and water drainage space details noted in “Building Envelope Moisture Management” are installed per construction plans and specifications. 

Builder documents that measures were implemented with a checklist or other written documentation kept in builder’s project records 

Verify tdocum

24. Energy Star Equipment - RecommendedFor equipment included in the sale of the home, use ENERGY 

STAR qualified appliances 

and equipment (including HVAC systems). 

Verify tSTAR qhome 

25. Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation II - RecommendedInstall a whole building mechanical ventilation system complying with the requirements of ASHRAE 62.2-2007. Whole building ventilation systems may consist of an exhaust system, supply system, or balanced system, and must be capable of providing the outside air rates specified in Standard 62.2-2007. Refer to Section 6.4 of ASHRAE 62.2-2007 “Combustion and Solid-Fuel Burning Appliances” for information on providing for adequate combustion air for combustion appliances. (Also see QC Provision: Whole Building Mechanical Ventilation I – which is a required measure). 

Include mechanical plans which include systems for whole building MV in project records 

26. Pressure Balancing - RecommendedAll rooms in the conditioned space of the home do not exceed +/- 3 Pascals pressure difference relative to the central (open) areas of the home, when interior doors are closed and the central air handler is operating. Powder rooms and laundry rooms are exempt. OR Return ducts or transfer grilles are installed in every room with a door to which 

Pressure testing record is kept in builder’s project records (if measure is implemented) 
Builders Challenge Quality Criteria V1.3 – June 4, 2008 

For more information on the Builders Challenge, visit: www.buildingamerica.gov/challenge

Builders Challenge Quality Criteria 

Builder Documentation & Verification Requirements 

Third-PRequire

conditioned air is supplied, except for bathrooms, closets, pantries, and laundry rooms. 27. Low VOC Interior Coatings - RecommendedPaints, coatings, and primers applied to interior walls and ceilings have VOC levels of no more than 50 g/L (flats) or 150 g/L (non-flats). (reference LEED for Homes MR Credit 2.2)

Keep specifications in project record 

28. Low VOC Adhesives - RecommendedAdhesives comply with the following maximum limits for VOCs: Carpet pad adhesives: 50 g/L (excluding water) Indoor carpet adhesives: 50 g/L (excluding water) Wood flooring adhesives: 100 g/L (excluding water) Subflooring adhesives: 50 g/L (excluding water) Multi-purpose construction adhesives: 70 g/L (excluding water) (reference LEED for Homes MR Credit 2.2) 

Keep specifications in builder’s project record. 

29. Low Emission Cabinets - RecommendedKitchen and bath vanity cabinets are in accordance with one of the following. (1) Installed kitchen and bath vanity cabinets comply with the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association Environmental Stewardship Program 01-06 (2) Installed kitchen and bath vanity cabinets are in accordance with the CARB standard for urea formaldehyde emissions in composite wood (3) Installed kitchen and bath vanity cabinets contain no added urea formaldehyde or comply with GREENGUARD testing protocol and emission standards (ASTM D 6670) or equivalent. (reference National Green Building Standard 901.10)
BUILDERS CHALLENGE

QUALITY CRITERIA SUPPORT DOCUMENT 

Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

Appendix III: List of Revisions

p.A-III.1

Revisions made November 12, 2009

p 2.1, 2nd bullet:

Slope driveways, garage slabs, patios, stoops, and walkways a minimum of 1⁄4 inch per foot 

away from the structure.

P 2.2, 2nd bullet:

Specify and show in details that 6-ml polyethylene sheeting is to be placed directly beneath concrete 

slabs. The sheeting should continuously wrap the slab as well as footings up to grade. Seams in the 

sheathing should be overlapped 6 to 12 inches. 

p 3.2 last bullet:

Use 2x3s for partitions. Interior, non-load-bearing partition walls can be framed with 2x3 (51mm x 

76mm) studs at 24-inch on center or 2x4 “flat studs” at 16-inch on center (2009 IRC, section R602.5).

P 3.2 Sidebar “Related Standards... 2nd ref added:

2009 International Residential Code, section R602.5, “Interior non-bearing walls.” 

International Code Council (ICC), Falls Church, Virginia. Available for purchase at 

www.iccsafe.org/e/prodshow.html?prodid=3100L09

P 5.1 In Quality Criteria box, 1st column, 1st paragraph, last line:

AHRI

P 11.2, 2nd paragraph:

Central fan-integrated supply ventilation can be an easy and inexpensive way to provide outside air to 

the HVAC unit. This system provides fresh, filtered, outside air in a controlled amount using the existing 

HVAC delivery unit for even distribution and mixing. The system involves exterior air intakes, ductwork 

running to the return air side of the HVAC air handler, dampers to allow control of the air intake, and 

electronic controls to ensure that the HVAC fans operate frequently enough to draw in adequate fresh 

air. These outdoor air inlets should be located at least 10 feet from any contamination sources. In humid 

climates care should be taken in drawing in outside air. Dehumidification may be needed to control 

relative humidity levels. See Criteria 7 for information on controlling humidity. Variable speed motors 

can be a significant source of energy savings. 

P 11.2 Sidebar “Want to Learn More,” last reference changed from EPA 2007 

EStar Indoor Air Package Specs to:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications,

available at www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html

P 16.5 detail #12, Add words:

Install automatic closer and gasket or weather stripping.

P 16.7 detail #4, Add words:

Install automatic closer and gasket or weather stripping.

P 18.1 Sidebar “Want to Learn More,” last reference changed from EPA 2007 

EStar Indoor Air Package Specs to:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications, 

available at www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html

P 21.1 Sidebar “Want to Learn More,” last reference changed from EPA 2007 

EStar Indoor Air Package Specs to: 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications, 

available at www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html

Building America Best Practices

The U.S. Department of Energy has produced a 

series of builders guides that provide instructions 

for construction “best practices” that can help 

builders achieve high-performance homes. These 

guides can be found at www.eere.energy.gov/

buildings/building_america/

Builders Challenge

Recognizing Energy Leadership 

in Homebuilding

R
Version 1.3 | November 2010 | PNNL-18009

On Appendix I, page A.1, change the last paragraph as follows:

Replace this paragraph:

Indoor Air Quality

The U.S. EPA has published an Indoor Air Package, dated April 19, 2007. Homes meeting these 

specifications can earn the ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package label. These specifications are applicable 

to many of the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria. See Figure A-I.2 for the ENERGY STAR Verification 

Checklist, which can serve as a handy checklist for air quality- Related Quality Criteria. The ENERGY 

STAR website also includes the Indoor Air Package Specifications.

With this paragraph:

Indoor Air Quality

In January 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published the Indoor airPLUS Construction 

Specifications. Homes meeting these specifications can earn the EPA Indoor airPLUS label. These 

specifications are applicable to many of the Builders Challenge Quality Criteria. See Figure A-I.2 for the 

EPA Indoor airPLUS Verification Checklist. 

P A.1 In Sidebar “Want to Learn More,” delete 11th and 12th refs (EPA 2007 Indoor Air Package 

Specs and verification...) insert the following reference: 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2009. Indoor airPLUS Construction Specifications, available at 

www.epa.gov/indoorairplus/index.html

On page A-1.3 and A-1.4:

Replace ENERGY STAR Indoor Air Package Verification Checklist with the EPA Indoor airPLUS 

Verification Checklist.

Revisions made November 2010

Title Page:

A title page was added to the report.

p. 10.2:

The ENERGY STAR Qualified Windows, Doors and Skylights Eligibility Criteria was updated to show 

Version 5.0, 04/07/2009, effective 01/04/2010.

Appendix III: List of Revisions

p.A-III.2
Bringing you a prosperous future where energy is clean, abundant, reliable, and affordable

A Strong Energy Portfolio 

for a Strong America

Energy efficiency and clean, renewable 

energy will mean a stronger economy, 

a cleaner environment, and greater 

energy independence for America. 

Working with a wide array of state, 

community, industry, and university 

partners, the U.S. Department of 

Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency 

and Renewable Energy invests in a 

diverse portfolio of energy technologies.

Research and 

Development of Buildings

Our nation’s buildings consume more 

energy than any other sector of the 

U.S. economy, including transportation 

and industry. Fortunately, the opportunities to reduce building energy use—

and the associated environmental 

impacts—are significant.

DOE’s Building Technologies Program 

works to improve the energy efficiency 

of our nation’s buildings through innovative new technologies and better 

building practices. The program

focuses on two key areas:

• Emerging Technologies 

Research and development of 

the next generation of energyefficient components, materials, 

and equipment

• Technology Integration

Integration of new technologies 

with innovative building methods 

to optimize building performance 

and savings

For more information contact:

EERE Information Center

1-877-EERE-INF (1-877-337-3463)

www.eere.energy.gov

An electronic copy of this publication is 

available on the Building America Web 

site at www.buildingamerica.gov

Building America Program

George S. James • New Construction • 202-586-9472 • fax: 202-586-8134 • e-mail: George.James@ee.doe.gov

Lew Pratsch • Existing Homes • 202-586-1512 • fax: 202-586-8185 • e-mail: Lew.Pratsch@ee.doe.gov

Building America Program • Office of Building Technologies, EE-2J • U.S. Department of Energy • 1000 Independence Avenue, S.W. • 

Washington, D.C. 20585-0121 • www.buildingamerica.gov

Building Industry Research Alliance (BIRA)

Robert Hammon • ConSol • 7407 Tam O’Shanter Drive #200 • Stockton, CA 95210-3370 • 209-473-5000 • fax: 209-474-0817 • 

e-mail: Rob@consol.ws • www.bira.ws

Building Science Consortium (BSC)

Betsy Pettit • Building Science Consortium (BSC) • 70 Main Street • Westford, MA 01886 • 978-589-5100 • fax: 978-589-5103 • 

e-mail: Betsy@buildingscience.com • www.buildingscience.com

Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB)

Steven Winter • Steven Winter Associates, Inc. • 50 Washington Street • Norwalk, CT 06854 • 203-857-0200 • fax: 203-852-0741 • 

e-mail: swinter@swinter.com • www.carb-swa.com

Davis Energy Group

David Springer • Davis Energy Group • 123 C Street • Davis, CA 95616 • 530-753-1100 • fax: 530-753-4125 •

e-mail: springer@davisenergy.com • deg@davisenergy.com • www.davisenergy.com/index.html

IBACOS Consortium

Brad Oberg • IBACOS Consortium • 2214 Liberty Avenue • Pittsburgh, PA 15222 • 412-765-3664 • fax: 412-765-3738 •

e-mail: boberg@ibacos.com • www.ibacos.com

Industrialized Housing Partnership (IHP)

Subrato Chandra • Florida Solar Energy Center • 1679 Clearlake Road • Cocoa, FL 32922 • 321-638-1412 • fax: 321-638-1439 • 

e-mail: subrato@fsec.ucf.edu • www.baihp.org

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center

Tom Kenney • National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center • 400 Prince George’s Boulevard • 

Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 • 301-430-6246 • fax: 301-430-6180 • toll-free: 800-638-8556 • www.nahbrc.org 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Ren Anderson • 1617 Cole Boulevard, MS-2722 • Golden, CO 80401 • 303-384-7433 • fax: 303-384-7540 • 

e-mail: ren_anderson@nrel.gov • www.nrel.gov

Tim Merrigan • 1617 Cole Boulevard, MS-2722 • Golden, CO 80401 • 303-384-7349 • fax: 303-384-7540 • 

e-mail: tim_merrigan@nrel.gov • www.nrel.gov

Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Pat M. Love • P.O. Box 2008 • One Bethel Valley Road • Oak Ridge, TN 37831 • 865-574-4346 • fax: 865-574-9331 • 

e-mail: lovepm@ornl.gov • www.ornl.gov

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Michael Baechler • 620 SW 5th, Suite 810 • Portland, OR 97204 • 503-417-7553 • fax: 503-417-2175 • 

e-mail: michael.baechler@pnl.gov • www.pnl.gov

Produced for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Contract DE-AC05-76RLO 1830.

Version 1.3 • November 2010 • PNNL-18009

Printed with a renewable-source ink on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste.

Visit our Web sites at:

www.buildingamerica.gov www.pathnet.org www.energystar.gov

R