Beyond Efficiency is highly motivated to solve the nation’s housing crisis and planet’s climate crisis through our technical work, but the traditional building consulting model isn’t going to cut...
Energy Optimization
We specialize in energy modeling as an optimization strategy. The first step is to minimize demand. We'll demonstrate how heat losses and heat gains are distributed between various components or mechanisms in your building. By tackling the biggest pieces of the pie first, you'll make the most headway towards minimizing heating and cooling demands. This both reduces equipment requirements and eliminates the saved energy from ever having to be used over the building's lifetime--who can argue with that!
Other demand reduction strategies include daylighting, compact design of plumbing systems, on-demand hot water circulation, low-flow water fixtures, and last but certainly not least: occupant education and engagement.
The second step is to provide for the energy demand as efficiently as possible. This is where high-efficiency HVAC and water heating equipment and distribution, high-efficiency lighting and appropriate controls, and high-efficiency appliances come in. Lastly, the third step is to produce the energy as efficiently as possible. Solar PV panels, solar thermal, ground source (geothermal or geoexchange), wind, fuel cells - now it's your turn.
Whole-Building Energy Modeling + Specialty Analyses
It's easy to go wrong with building simulations; the mantra "Garbage In = Garbage Out" is no joke. We understand the fundamental science and calculations of heat, air and moisture transfer and that knowledge is reinforced with decades of real-world observations of building performance and failures. This is critical to be able to fully leverage the capabilities of building energy simulation and hygrothermal analysis tools while also understanding their limitations.
We're adept with a range of energy modeling software, from whole-building simulation tools such as EnergyPlus and Passive House Planning Package (PHPP) to specialty programs such as THERM for two-dimensional heat flow modeling, WUFI for dynamic moisture modeling and Radiance for daylighting and glare. Finally, we have extensive experience with Title 24 code compliance software—EnergyPro, CBECC-COM and CBECC-RES.
Financial Incentives
We've facilitated dozens of applications for submittal to local or IOU incentives programs such as the Savings By Design, California Multifamily New Homes (CMFNH) and California Advanced New Homes (CAHP) programs. This involves preparing energy models and reports, gathering equipment specs and other required documentation, submitting to the program administrator, and addressing any requested revisions. Integrated into our standard service is the providing of additional computer runs to analyze potential alternate measures’ impacts on energy performance and resulting incentives.
Title 24 Energy Compliance
As part of our typical energy optimization scope we'll provide Title 24 energy models and compliance documentation as required for building permit submittal. Need training on new standards and the fine print of the code? Explore our training services.
How to Work with Us
Please contact us so we can discuss the scale of your project and goals and create a customized scope of work.
