Fresh look, same BEE team! We're happy to announce the launch of our new brand.
BEE offers a full complement of energy consulting services to developers, architects, sustainability consultants, and MEP engineers. From design development to inspection, testing, verification and energy audit, we are here to help ensure that our client’s buildings achieve compliance with local energy codes and programs, energy conservation tax incentives, sustainability goals, and ultimately pass inspection.
Thermal Envelope Design
Our energy code experts work with architects to ensure their designs deliver building envelope energy code compliance in the most cost-effective way while meeting industry best practice. Throughout design development and during construction as needed, we advise on design drawings and energy forms, material selection and assembly, as well as heating equipment and renewable energy system sizing.
Building Energy Modeling
During design development, BEE’s energy modelers conduct whole-building assessments of energy efficiency to evaluate all building systems and how they impact each other. Using 3D software (eQuest, IES Virtual Environment), our energy modeling reports forecast how much energy a building could potentially use based on construction materials and methods, mechanical systems, site orientation, specific site characteristics, anticipated occupancy, and local climate conditions. The model provides the total cost-effectiveness of each system in those specific conditions and is used for green building standards like Built Green, LEED and others. It is also required by many municipality rebates and financing programs. Energy models often reduce initial investments and result in construction savings. BEE is an approved energy modeling consultant in the State of Washington.
Air Barrier Design
BEE’s team of engineers, inspectors, and testers understand the main requirements for a successful air barrier design. Our designs account for cost impacts, material availability, project specifics, and general contractor experience and knowledge. It is crucial to coordinate the air barrier design with the weatherization barrier, vapor control, thermal boundary, and proper ventilation to avoid potential issues with the building envelope and help prevent ‘sick building syndrome’ from airtight buildings.
Assembly Hydrothermal Modeling
Using THERM® and WUFI Pro®, specialized softwares that measure thermal and moisture conditions, we scan the internal layers of walls and roofs to analyze how they are assembled. Once we have an enlarged, layer-by-layer view, we input a 5-year forecast that considers conditions such as changing seasons, rain, and heatwaves to calculate how drastic weather-induced envelope changes may affect energy loss. Knowing that buildings can pass or fail inspection depending on how they are assembled, our goal is to ensure our clients’ buildings follow an assembly that will achieve optimal energy conservation for each unique design.
On-Site Verification
To meet energy requirements, our field services technicians conduct inspections and quality assurance evaluations to ensure proper equipment and material installation. Any issues are flagged for review with a list of proposed action items. At the end of the project, we provide testing and verification services required by energy programs.
Building Energy Audit
An energy audit is a mandatory step for all buildings that do not meet their energy target. It is a process of inspecting, surveying, and analyzing the energy flows and consumption of a building and identifying potential areas for energy efficiency improvement and cost savings. An energy audit must be conducted and reported by a qualified energy auditor.