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.

Company Expertise

🔬 Technology & Systems Expertise 

  • Mechanical HVAC System Performance and Optimization 

  • Advanced HVAC Control Strategies and Sequences 

  • Thermal Comfort and Heat Stress Mitigation 

  • Passive Design and Climate-Responsive Strategies 

  • High-Performance Building Envelope Design 

  • Equipment and Plug Load Impact Studies 

📊 Modeling, Data, and Operational Analysis 

  • Building Energy Modeling and Simulation (e.g., EnergyPlus, IES-VE) 

  • Parametric Energy Modeling Studies (Modelkit) 

  • Daylight and Glare Analysis (IES-VE) 

  • Operational Performance Analysis and Field Data Measurement 

  • Post-Occupancy Evaluation and Model Calibration 

  • Thermal Energy Storage and Load Flexibility Research 

  • Whole-Building Decarbonization and Electrification Strategies 

📜 Codes, Standards & Certifications Expertise 

  • California Title 24, Part 6 

  • ASHRAE 90.1 and 62.1 

  • LEED (v4 and v4.1; NC and Schools) 

  • Passive House Certification 

  • Living Building Challenge (LBC) 

  • ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager 

  • Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEB) Frameworks 

  • CALGreen and Zero Code 

Market Sectors We Serve

🏢🏠 Design Assistance  

  • K–12 Schools 

  • Higher Education 

  • Corporate Offices 

  • Civic Buildings 

  • Healthcare Facilities 

  • Wellness & Fitness Centers 

  • Research Laboratories 

  • High-Performance Data Centers 

  • Multi-Family Residential Buildings 

  • High-Rise Residential Buildings 

  • Custom Sustainable Homes 

🧭 Policy, Programs, and Research  

  • Energy Program Design and Market Adoption Studies 

  • Technology Characterization and Cost-Benefit Evaluation 

  • Field Measurement and Operational Data Analysis  

  • Grid-Interactive Building Strategies and Demand Management 

  • Occupant Behavior and Systems Interaction Research 

Values

  • Trust - We build confidence through integrity, transparency, and follow-through.

    • Signals: Reliability, honesty, psychological safety, consistency.

    • Why it matters: Trust is the foundation for collaboration, both internally and externally. It’s your relational cornerstone.

  • Leadership - We step forward to define problems, take initiative, and guide toward meaningful outcomes.

    • Signals: Ownership, initiative, influence, courage.

    • Why it matters: Leadership here isn’t about title - it’s about mindset. Everyone is empowered to lead from where they are.

  • Excellence - We hold ourselves to high standards, always aiming to deliver exceptional work.

    • Signals: Craft, quality, thoughtfulness, attention to detail.

    • Why it matters: This value sets the tone for your performance culture. It’s aspirational and measurable.

  • Growth - We are driven by curiosity, reflection, and continuous personal and professional evolution.

    • Signals: Learning, adaptability, self-awareness, improvement.

    • Why it matters: This defines your learning culture. It’s what keeps people evolving instead of stagnating.

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.