Our services

Building Optimization, also known as Retro-Commissioning or Re-Commissioning, is the process of restoring and optimizing the performance of existing building systems. Our team identifies inefficiencies in HVAC, lighting, and control systems that often develop over time due to equipment degradation, occupancy changes, or operational drift. Through detailed assessments, functional testing, and data-driven analysis, we pinpoint issues and assist in implementing targeted corrections that improve energy performance and occupant comfort.

Solarc supports building owners and managers across Washington in meeting the requirements of the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS), a key part of the state’s climate and energy policy. Our team provides end-to-end services that help clients understand their energy use, identify pathways to compliance, and implement effective energy efficiency strategies. We begin with benchmarking and energy use analysis to establish a clear baseline aligned with the state’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets. From there, we perform detailed audits and develop Energy Management Plans (EMP) and Operations & Maintenance (O&M) programs required for compliance. Our engineers and analysts collaborate closely with facilities teams to recommend practical upgrades that improve building performance and reduce operational costs. We also help clients navigate available incentives, grants, and utility programs to offset improvement costs. Whether working with commercial offices, multifamily buildings, or public facilities, Solarc ensures each project not only meets state standards but achieves long-term efficiency and resilience. With a deep understanding of Washington’s building performance policies, we make compliance clear, achievable, and cost-effective. Solarc is also prepared for the expansion of the CBPS to other states including Oregon and beyond.

All construction projects for sites and buildings require the services of a professional to assist in verifying the work is being carried out in accordance with the contract documents. Our multidisciplinary staff has experience managing the construction of a wide variety of projects and budgets. Our Commissioning Agents are building system inspection specialists and make sure all systems are tested, verified, and adjusted as necessary to get your building systems functioning the way your architect and engineers intended.

Three of Solarc employees, including Devon Guyette, have been adjunct instructors in the Lane Community College Energy Management program. Our principals and employees have also been involved in training engineers, architects, energy analysts, and building operators in enhancing their breadth of knowledge. We also encourage education and training as part of all of our building optimization, commissioning and design projects.

Solarc uses a systematic approach to energy auditing which characterize the existing building energy use with the goal of identifying relevant energy efficiency improvements. The goal of these improvements is to reduce overall energy use and operating costs while improving the thermal comfort to the occupants. Our audits follow ASHRAE Level 1, 2, or 3 guidelines depending on project scope and client needs, ensuring a thorough evaluation of energy systems, usage patterns, and potential savings.

Our team of energy analysts take a deep dive look into the energy code and design thinking to help provide solutions and produce documentation for energy code compliance requirements. We are capable of producing simple prescriptive level compliance paths and more complex energy modeling compliance path. Our expertise spans various codes and standards, including the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code (OEESC), IECC, and ASHRAE 90.1, enabling us to guide projects through jurisdictional requirements with confidence. Using advanced simulation tools such as eQUEST, we model building performance to evaluate energy impacts of design decisions in real time. Solarc’s analysis not only ensures compliance but also identifies opportunities to exceed code minimums, unlocking potential incentives and long-term energy savings.

Solarc provides cost-effective systems design and tailor-made consulting for building fire protection, including sprinkler system selection such as wet and dry piping, pre-action systems, deluge systems, water mist, wet chemical systems, and inert gas systems.

Our team has extensive experience performing design assistance and energy modeling for building certifications such as LEED, Green Globes, and Energy Star. We work with design teams throughout the certification process to ensure the desired energy credit points are being achieved starting at the pre-design stage of the project all the way through the final design documents. We have the ability to recognize potential energy savings measures to achieve more energy credit points and also engage in the value engineering process to ensure that changes in the design will not affect the energy target threshold.

Integrated design is simply the early collaboration between the multiple disciplines of a design team to expertly problem-solve numerous issues. With Solarc, every integrated design project involves early shoe-box modeling of the building to help the owner and team establish energy efficiency goals/targets. Continued energy modeling support is provided throughout all phases of design to ensure that the design team is meeting the previously established goals.

Measurement and Verification (M&V) is the process of quantifying the results of energy conservation measures to determine if the measure or project is generating the expected level of savings. M&V activities typically consist of one or more of the following: site inspection, historical operating trends, spot measurements, utility bill tracking, functional performance tests, and recorded observations.

Solarc has decades of experience developing efficient and innovative HVAC design solutions for new construction and retrofit projects. Our designers have extensive experience from single packaged HVAC systems to complex laboratory systems which integrate multiple components such as fume hoods and chilled beams for cooling trim. In every project, we prioritize energy efficiency, occupant health, and long-term maintainability, tailoring our designs to meet both code requirements and client-specific performance goals. We stay current with emerging technologies to ensure our solutions are both forward-thinking and practical. From early design through construction support and commissioning, Solarc delivers mechanical systems that are reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.

Solarc's expertise focuses on preparing plumbing system layouts and details to ensure accessibility, convenience, energy efficiency, and water conservation. Our design services include domestic water distribution and hot water production, recirculated hot water systems, temperature mixing systems, natural gas piping, sanitary waste and vent piping, grease interceptors, storm water drainage, rainwater harvesting systems, fuel gas piping (natural gas or propane), fuel oil storage and distribution, compressed air systems, medical gas and vacuum systems, backflow prevention, and commercial kitchen systems design.

Leveraging our relevant experience dating to the beginning of building-focused energy efficiency programs in the US, Solarc has periodically engaged in energy efficiency research and development projects. These include energy code research efforts, strategic advising on efficiency program development and content, and development of analysis tools and resources.

Utility incentive programs require applicants to involve the utility during the early planning stages of the project so that the utility can demonstrate influence on the project’s energy efficiency and to ensure an appropriate baseline has been established. As an approved consultant for the utility, Solarc works with the customer to identify energy efficient projects or design opportunities at their facilities. The findings are documented in a report that establishes a project baseline, details the recommendations, outlines an appropriate measurement and verification plan (M&V), and quantifies the energy savings, cost savings, implementation cost, and available utility incentives.