Arizona Reduces Commercial Energy Audit Cost

Oct. 18, 2012 - PRLog -- One year ago, Phoenix based Big Green Zero® was providing commercial energy audits at then typical prices, starting at $4,900. Today, with innovative software and new computer technology, they are delivering a better product at a price starting at $900.

According to Jim Burpee, Big Green Zero's President and Chief Engineer, "Businesses and building owners have been enthusiastic over the 20% to 40% energy savings opportunities that our audits often identify. But, for many of them, a price tag of $5,000, or more, has just been too high." As a result, with more than 80 commercial energy audits under their belt (including Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West), Burpee and Big Green Zero CEO, Dr. Bob Roth set out on a mission to reduce commercial energy audit cost.

During 2010, they simplified the hands-on investigation process. "At the time some energy auditors were omitting hands-on investigation, in part or entirely, because of the time required" Burpee notes. "We would not do that. We believe that a hands-on investigation is absolutely essential because you cannot manage what you do not measure."

During 2011, Roth and Burpee designed a new piece of software that would reduce investigation time by eliminating note taking on a clipboard and picture taking with a cell phone or camera. The new process would also eliminate the need to sort through and load all of that information, first into spreadsheets and then into a word processor document.

During 2012, Big Green Zero (http://www.BigGreenZero.com) partnered with another entrepreneurial Arizona company, Clarisoft Technologies, to build next generation software that, in combination with an iPad or tablet computer, reduces energy audit cycle time by 80%, or more.

This entrepreneurial project has reduced the cost of a professional Arizona commercial energy audit from $4,900 or more, to as little as $900.

As these Arizona entrepreneurs make a commercial energy audit more affordable, Arizona is broadening its position as a sustainable energy leader.