Beyond Efficiency helps building designers, contractors and owners create better buildings. We provide industry-leading technical services including engineering, energy modeling and sustainability consulting, which complement the architect's skill set and give teams confidence to make better decisions. We also provide research, policy development and training services.
We work primarily on multifamily, single-family, and mission-driven non-residential projects throughout the western U.S. We help ensure a client's objectives are achieved by asking insightful questions at project initiation to establish clear goals and performance requirements, and then filling knowledge and skills gaps that often exist in project teams. Our educational philosophy, holistic understanding of buildings, and technical expertise empower teams to create better buildings.
Our broad client base ranges from small locally-focused architecture firms to world-renowned universities to large market-rate and national affordable housing developers. We’re passionate about literally helping our clients “push the envelope” and deliver expert high-value services including:
Consulting + Engineering
- Planning + design charettes / Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
- Whole-building energy modeling, envelope + HVAC systems optimization
- Building enclosure durability analyses + detailing
- Mechanical systems guidance + engineering
- Zero energy calculations + design guidance
- Existing building audits + benchmarking
- Indoor air quality optimization
- Low-water plumbing design / non-potable water potential analyses
- Specialized technical training for building professionals
- Incentives + financing guidance
Program Certifications + Support
- LEED BD+C, ID+C, O+M
- LEED for Homes Mid-Rise / GreenPoint Rated Multifamily / ENERGY STAR Highrise / Enterprise Green Communities
- Passive House / ILFI Net Zero Energy / Living Building Challenge
- California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (TCAC) / California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC)
- Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)
- Title 24, CALGreen, IECC
Approach
Working with people who want the best for their buildings, on projects that excite and challenge our team, enables us to deliver unparalleled results. We have high standards and believe that "good enough" is not good enough. We strive to push the envelope on every project--whether it's a net-zero Passive House office building or modest residential remodel that just wants to be the best it can with limited resources. No matter how ambitious your goals, we'll help educate you and your team about best building practices and make sense of what can be a confusing myriad of options and approaches.
Our clients aren't seeking the "rubber-stamp" energy or green building compliance consultants. While building science isn't quite rocket science, high-performance building development is complex and demands top quality services and keen insight. We're equally comfortable on job sites as in the office and have logged thousands of hours pounding nails, pulling wires, caulking, painting, solving field issues, installing data loggers, and providing jobsite quality assurance on projects ranging from single-family remodels to high-rise commercial façade restoration projects. Our practical experience and pragmatic approach to solving design and engineering challenges set us apart from the rest.
