The most efficient systems are ones that are off.

Our design team uses a  Design for Off ^TM strategy to use mechanical systems only when they are necessary. With this approach we design some of the most energy efficient buildings in the country.

High Performance Building Design

Building systems should represent right-sized, simple, solutions to design problems. We practice a holistic design approach aimed at producing the most efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective buildings possible. Our designs are nationally recognized for achieving exceptional performance within modest budgets and tight construction timelines. When presented with a new challenge, we consistently seek innovative ways to implement emerging technologies, while relying on a knowledge base of tried-and-true HVAC and plumbing design concepts. Our designs are informed by our long history of developing and using building modeling software to accurately identify the best efficiency measures. This approach allows us to communicate the long-term implications of decisions made by the design team throughout a project’s life cycle.

Portfolio and Building Decarbonization

Ecotope supports building decarbonization strategies with all-electric, high performance system design to maximize building performance. As a leader in central heat up water heater (CHPWH) system design, we specialize in efficient, low-carbon solutions for multifamily and commercial buildings. Our services include existing building evaluations and design solutions that drive performance and decarbonization at both the building and portfolio levels. We have developed detailed building upgrade strategies for hundreds of existing buildings and have worked with multiple large building portfolios for municipalities and private owners to benchmark existing building performance and identify and prioritize building upgrade strategies for energy and emission reduction. Our work also supports the achievement of building performance standard requirements such as the Seattle Building Energy Performance Standard (BEPS) and Washington’s Clean Building Performance Standard (CBPS).

Resiliency and Grid Integration

Ecotope has supported multiple clients in deploying load shifting and load management strategies to reduce grid and utility impact, and to design energy generation and storage strategies to support reduced utility costs, resiliency, and occupant safety in emergencies.

Services include:

MEP Systems Design
– Full design MEP
– Design-assist MEP
– Revit/BIM expertise
– Specialty heat pump system design

Energy Modeling
– Early design optimization
– Grid integration
– Green building rating system
– Utility incentive coordination
– Life cycle cost analysis

Washington Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS)
and Seattle Building Emissions Performance Standard (BEPS)
– Compliance planning and documentation
– Audits, feasibility assessments, and design strategies 

Energy Code Compliance

Commissioning
– Specialty HVAC and heat pump water heater system commissioning
– LEED Documentation
– Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard (ESDS)
– C408 System Commissioning

Energy Auditing
– ASHRAE Level 1/2/3

Portfolio Planning and Decarbonization
– Performance baselining and benchmarking
– Goal setting
– Planning and tracking
– Tune-ups and capital project
– Education and communications
– Design review