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 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.