Improving the Built Environment through Research, Design, and Technology

Energy Efficiency & Renewables

Since its founding in 1972, Steven Winter Associates has been a leader in energy efficiency and solar energy in homes. SWA continues to look for cost-effective applications using the latest energy efficient and renewable energy technology sources.

Working with builders and designers of new and existing buildings, SWA helps them take advantage of the building site: maximizing passive heating, cooling, and lighting; limiting unwanted heat loss and heat gains; and, if desired, maximizing access for active solar energy collection.

Whether or not serious passive strategies are employed in buildings, SWA employs the latest energy modeling tools, building science, and familiarity with building construction to optimize energy efficiency of buildings. Solutions are climate-specific, and often builder-specific. Working with specific designers, builders, and their subcontractors, SWA helps design and specify efficient building systems that integrate with a builder’s existing construction methods.

SWA’s expertise in building energy systems begins with the building envelope (wall systems, glazing, foundation systems, etc.) and includes heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, lighting systems, and other building energy loads. SWA also provides support for design and installation of renewable energy systems, especially solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal systems. The combination of renewable energy to efficient buildings is an excellent match, and some of SWA’s projects are nearly “zero energy buildings” – buildings that meet all of their energy needs with renewable energy systems installed on site.

As part of the energy analysis services, SWA staff can provide detailed feasibility assessments for projects considering a building designation through LEED for Existing Buildings, Energy Star, or other state programs. SWA also offers a range of carbon footprint analysis and reduction strategies. Professional services range from Pre-Schematic evaluations (to set environmental and energy performance goals, suggest design alternates and system options, etc.) through Design services and to Construction and Post-Occupancy services (building commissioning, testing and monitoring).

Areas of SWA’s sustainability expertise include:

Improving the built environment through research, sustainable design and technology. © 2008 Steven Winter Associates, Inc.

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