The E-Scale visually shows the energy performance of the labeled home.
Homes need to score a 70 or less on the E-Scale to qualify for the Builders Challenge.
The E-Scale ends at zero, which equates to the Builders Challenge goal to provide a "net zero energy home (NZEH) anywhere in the United States - a grid-connected home that, over the course of a year, produces as much energy as it uses" [2] The Builders Challenge program and E-Scale requirements are based on years of research results from the United States Department of Energy's Building America program.
Building America research "is expected to achieve cost-neutral Net-Zero Energy Homes by 2020.
While the Building America program develops and field-tests the technologies needed to cost-effectively move to higher levels of efficiency, the Builders Challenge will promote the implementation of proven strategies that builders can implement in any climate region.