Department of Energy E-Scale

A Builders Challenge was issued by the Department of Energy, with an ultimate vision of a net-zero energy home for every American by the year 2030. A number of area builders have agreed to participate in building these grid-connected homes that will produce as much energy as they consume. The Builders Challenge is the first step toward achieving this vision.

Homes that meet the challenge will achieve a rating of 70 or lower on the EnergySmart Home Scale (E-Scale). The typical new home is rated at 100, and a net-zero home would be rated at 0. This means that owners of qualifying homes will save at least 30% in energy usage on their utility bills over the typical new home.

The E-Scale is based on the home energy rating system established years ago by RESNET, to provide clear answers to consumer questions about a home’s energy efficiency.  More and more homebuyers are becoming concerned about a potential homes’ energy rating, so a good E-Scale rating can be a tool to increase a home’s resale value.

Custom builders identified as participants on the DOE Builder Challenge site are Brad Marshall Homes,  Green Builder Homes, Risinger Homes, Sierra Homes, and Blue Heron Builders.  Productions builders in our area that have accepted the challenge are David Weekley Homes and Wilshire Homes.