A2 Efficiency

Early-design performance guidance for architects and owners, defining what building systems need to do before the MEP engineer is hired. A2 Efficiency provides constructible basis-of-design documentation across design-build, design-assist, and traditional delivery methods.

• Early-Stage Energy & Comfort Modeling

  Rapid design comparison and envelope-systems integration analysis, including thermal comfort, zoning, and layout feedback, and daylight and glare optimization for usability.

• Mechanical System Concept & Basis of Design

  Evaluation of DOAS, VRF, hydronic, and heat pump systems with sizing logic and system configuration recommendations, controls strategy and sequencing concepts, and high-level BOD documentation for engineers and contractors.

• Code & Incentive Alignment

  Compliance pathway strategy for Title 24 (CA), IECC, ASHRAE 90.1, and LEED, including performance pathway strategy, utility incentive navigation and documentation, and custom modeling for stretch goals.

• Peer Review & Bid Support
• Heat Stress Assessment

  Physics-based overheating analysis for California multifamily housing, unit by unit and hour by hour. Covers power-on and grid-outage scenarios, and supports LEED v5 and Enterprise Green Communities documentation and LA County 2027 indoor temperature compliance planning.

California Title 24, Part 6 energy code compliance from code strategy through permit submission. A2 Efficiency navigates prescriptive and performance compliance pathways with a design-first lens, serving California architects, engineers, and owners.

• Code Strategy Review

  Early-design evaluation identifying the compliance pathway -- prescriptive versus performance -- that best fits design intent, schedule, and budget, with early risk identification before MEP design begins and 2025 code cycle impact assessment.

• Preliminary Evaluation

  Formal preliminary compliance check at schematic or design development, including a preliminary energy model or prescriptive checklist, gap analysis against Title 24 requirements, and a written compliance memo for the design team.

• Full Permit Package

  Complete Title 24 compliance documentation package for permit submission, including CF1R, CF2R, and CF3R forms, energy model output, coordination with the permitting agency, and Certificate of Compliance preparation.

• AHJ Support & Plan Check Response

  Direct coordination with authority-having-jurisdiction reviewers on plan check energy comments, with written technical responses, revised calculations, and updated documentation as required.

• Change Order & Substitution Review

  Review of equipment substitution requests and change orders for Title 24 compliance impact, with updated CF forms and field change documentation when systems change during construction.

Work with agencies and utilities to define how building performance is measured, incentivized, and scaled -- from technology assessment to compliance pathway design. Clients include the California Energy Commission, New Buildings Institute, NEEA, Southern California Edison, and Seattle City Light.

• Technology Research
• Code Change Development
• Program Ideation
• Energy Efficiency Analysis
• Workforce Education