Building a sustainable future through expert consulting and integrated solutions

Who We Are

A2 Efficiency is an energy efficiency consulting firm, connecting the world of high-performance building design with efficiency research, programs, and policy. 

We are a West Coast-based firm who partners with architects, engineers, researchers, and project teams. We pursue opportunities to drive innovation in projects and buildings that enhance and uplift their communities. 

The team brings together a deep understanding of both building science and building systems, specializing in advanced building energy modeling.

Values

Mastery – Expertise and excellence in craft. 

Growth – Continuous learning and improvement. 

Foresight – Proactive thinking and guidance.  

Empathy – People-centric values and understanding.

Stats

  • LEED Projects

  • Net-Zero Buildings

  • Energy Modeling Projects

  • Publications

About

Neil Bulger established A2 Efficiency in 2023 after recognizing a gap in the building design and research communities regarding the efficient communication and implementation of energy efficiency ideas. The current obstacles in decarbonizing buildings and integrating them into the larger electrical ecosystem demand comprehensive solutions that tackle multiple challenges simultaneously and involve various disciplines to be cost-effective. A2's goal is to act as a catalyst for change in this area.

A2 Efficiency got its name from a past integrated design project that involved weekly meetings with over 100 individuals from various disciplines in one room. During these meetings, any team proposing a change to the building, regardless of their sub-team or trade partner, was required to condense their idea into a single sheet of A2 paper. Although other teams also implemented this approach, A2 Efficiency embraces it as a fundamental concept. Our daily mission is to simplify complex solutions to ensure they are easily understood.

Meet our team

  • Neil Bulger, PE, LEED AP

    Founder, Principal

    Neil Bulger, the founder and principal of A2 Efficiency, is a professional engineer with 15+ years of experience in the building industry. He specializes in low energy HVAC systems, MEP design strategies, and energy simulation and analysis. Neil has extensive experience in Zero Net Energy projects, providing energy analysis and design recommendations for building HVAC systems and architecture. He excels in communicating building energy use to various stakeholders, including owners, developers, architects, and engineers.

    As a building integrated design specialist, Neil has presented over 20 times at regional and national events on sustainability and energy efficiency solutions. He has also published 16 papers and reports on topics such as energy modeling, HVAC systems, and energy codes and standards. Neil's ultimate goal is to drive key innovations from building projects and help them reach larger markets. 

  • Michael Sawford

    Senior Consultant

    Michael brings 16 years of building energy modeling software development and energy simulation expertise to A2 Efficiency. He is experienced in building simulation and data analysis and is adept at presentations of technical information to different audiences: owners, developers, engineers, and architects. He is skilled in strategic project planning and project management to deliver projects and research on time and under budget. 

    Prior to joining A2 Efficiency, Michael worked at EDSL, the maker of Tas energy simulation software where he served many roles over his 14-year career, including software developer/consultant, director of energy analytics, and most recently vice president. Michael volunteers on multiple American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), including ASHRAE SPC 229 on building simulation rulesets, and International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA) committees. 

  • Nick Allen-Sandoz, PE

    Senior Building Performance Engineer

    Nick leverages over a decade of experience in the engineering and energy consulting industries. In his role, Nick is responsible for leading complex energy modeling and performance evaluations of commercial buildings, ensuring that designs not only meet but exceed stringent energy efficiency standards.

    He excels in creating custom Excel analyses for advanced systems such as energy storage, central plant sequencing, and curtailment, which are critical in optimizing building operations and reducing emissions. Nick has a deep knowledge of ASHRAE standards, particularly ASHRAE Standard 90.1, and has a proven track record of applying this expertise across a variety of building types, including healthcare, laboratories, higher education, and data centers. His experience spans multiple countries and diverse climate zones, giving him a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities in building performance.