Feasibility Consulting
Early-stage energy modeling and program pathway evaluation to identify the most cost-effective route to certification or code compliance, before design decisions are locked in.
Energy code compliance and green certification, from early design through closeout
LinkedEfficiency works alongside developers, architects, and contractors on multifamily projects to hit certification and code requirements without surprises. We bring energy modeling, MEP quality control, and field verification to the table early, so compliance decisions get made when they're cheap to make, not during construction.
Early Design & Optimization
The most expensive compliance problems are the ones discovered after design is locked. We help you avoid them.
Utility Cost Optimization
Analysis of envelope, mechanical, and appliance combinations to minimize long-term operating costs. Especially valuable for owner-paid utility structures and affordable housing projects at or near maximum rents, where every dollar of operating cost matters.
Value Engineering
Iterative energy model runs that identify which measures can be modified or eliminated while still maintaining program or code compliance, so VE decisions are backed by analysis, not guesswork.
Early Cost Modeling
Preliminary mechanical and plumbing equipment cost analysis, benchmarked against energy efficiency and program requirements. Helps you evaluate cost-effective alternatives up front, shorten value engineering cycles, and reduce change orders during construction.
Energy Code Compliance
Deep familiarity with the 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code, plus the testing to prove compliance.
Pathway Analysis
Evaluation of prescriptive, Total Building Performance, and Energy Rating Index (ERI) compliance pathways under the 2021 VECC, including Additional Efficiency credits, to find the path that best fits your design and budget.
Air Sealing & Duct Testing
Mid-construction inspections plus informational and code-compliance blower door and duct leakage testing to meet the 2021 VECC envelope and duct leakage requirements (R402.4.1.2 and R403.3.5 residential, C402.5.2 and C402.5.3 commercial), with informational testing early enough to fix issues before they become failures.
Ventilation Verification
Testing of fresh air, bath exhaust, and kitchen exhaust systems to confirm code compliance across all unit types.
MEP Design & Quality Control
Most rating firms show up at the end with a blower door. We work at the drawing level.
Manual J / S / D
ACCA-compliant HVAC load calculations, equipment selection, and duct design for each unique unit plan. Right-sized systems instead of rule-of-thumb oversizing.
HVAC Grading
RESNET-qualified HVAC grading performed in lieu of contractor quality installation credentials, accepted under ENERGY STAR and HERS Ratings. Keeps your certification on track even when your mechanical contractor doesn't carry the credentials.
Constructability Review
Independent review of mechanical and plumbing construction documents for coordination gaps, equipment specification accuracy, and incorporation of design revisions. A second set of eyes focused on buildability and document completeness, reducing RFIs, change orders, and construction administration headaches.
Green Building Certification
Design-to-closeout support for the programs multifamily developers actually use.
Certification Support
End-to-end support including energy modeling, plan and specification review, compliance pathway analysis, design review meetings, on-site inspections, all required field testing (blower door, duct leakage, ventilation, exhaust, and pressure diagnostics), and post-construction closeout.
Programs We Support
EarthCraft · ENERGY STAR · Enterprise Green Communities · NGBS · Passive House · Indoor airPLUS · Efficient New Homes (formerly Zero Energy Ready)
Programs we support
- EarthCraft
- ENERGY STAR
- Enterprise Green Communities
- NGBS
- Passive House
- Indoor airPLUS
- Efficient New Homes
Bring us in early.
The earlier we're at the table, the more we can save you in certification headaches, change orders, and operating costs. Tell us about your project and we'll map the most efficient path to compliance.