Bolder Energy Engineers

What Bolder Energy Engineers does

Bolder Energy Engineers is a worker-owned cooperative professional services firm headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, providing energy efficiency consulting, retro-commissioning, energy auditing, and measurement and verification (M&V) services to commercial, institutional, healthcare, education, government, hospitality, retail, and industrial clients across the United States. The firm is structured around four co-owners with 20+ years of specialized experience each (Jessica Lorentz, Kevin Mueller, Steve Morgan, Mike Renner) plus additional engineering staff, operating at a small boutique scale (headcount 11-50 with approximately six named professionals visible). Its service portfolio spans ASHRAE Level I-III energy audits, new construction commissioning, retro-commissioning, ongoing commissioning, energy modeling using DOE-2/eQuest and Trane Trace, IPMVP-compliant M&V, third-party technical review (including ICP Credentialed QA work), implementation and project management, LEED/Energy Star support, 179D and IRA Solar ITC tax credit advisory, as-built MEP drawings, and staff training. Two proprietary tools anchor its technology stack: Emodeler, an automated energy analysis platform that produces PDF savings reports, and the Xcel Energy RCx Tool, an Excel-based calculation framework the firm developed and that is used by hundreds of authorized retro-commissioning providers across Colorado, Minnesota, and New Mexico.

The firm's business model is project-based professional services billed at quote-based hourly or fixed-fee rates, supplemented by tax credit advisory and software solution consulting. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales through senior engineer relationships with structured utility program channels (Xcel Energy RCx, Platte River Power Authority RCx), municipal compliance channels (City of Boulder Building Performance Ordinance), and financing channels (Colorado C-PACE). Strategic partnerships with Element5 Energy Consultants, Cube Resources, and IMPACTenergy extend vertical reach into zero-energy buildings, electric load optimization, and hospitality. Customer logos include Banner Health, Marriott International, Ritz-Carlton, Target Stores, Seagate Technology, Newmont, CenturyLink, FayetteLink, Fayetteville State University, Weber State University, Duquesne Light, and Tohono O'odham Nation, indicating enterprise credibility across diverse verticals. The firm derives additional influence from team members chairing the EVO IPMVP Technical Committee and serving as ICP Technical Lead, embedding the firm within industry standards bodies.

Name

Bolder Energy Engineers

Legal name

Bolder Energy Engineers

Website

https://bolderee.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Bolder Energy Engineers is a Boulder, Colorado-based worker-owned cooperative providing energy efficiency consulting, retro-commissioning, energy auditing, and measurement and verification services to commercial, institutional, healthcare, education, government, and industrial clients across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Energy Efficiency Engineering Services

NAICS

Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services (5413), Engineering Services (541330), Engineering Services (54133)

SIC

Services-Engineering Services (8711), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Energy Systems & Power Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Energy & Utilities in Manufacturing (Energy Management/Smart Metering) (IMAIAMAK), Third-Party Certification, Code Compliance & Regulatory Inspection (ASME/API/ISO) (EUAEAHAN)

Keywords

• Energy efficiency consulting
• Building commissioning services
• Retro-commissioning engineering
• Energy auditing services
• Measurement and verification

Headquarters

HQ city

Boulder

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Professional Engineering Services: Fee-for-service professional services including energy auditing (ASHRAE Level I, II, III), retro-commissioning, new construction commissioning, ongoing commissioning, measurement and verification, energy modeling, third-party technical reviews, implementation assistance, and staff training. Revenue generated through project-based engagements, utility rebates facilitation, and compliance consulting.
2. Energy Management Software Solutions: Selection and implementation of energy management software products including utility bill tracking, real-time metering dashboards, fault detection and diagnostics, demand response tools, and carbon/sustainability reporting solutions.
3. Tax Incentive Consulting: Assistance with 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction (up to $5.00/sq.ft.) and solar tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (30% ITC).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Bolder Energy Engineers is a worker-owned cooperative that provides professional engineering services for energy efficiency and energy management in existing and new commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings. Core services include retro-commissioning, new construction commissioning, ongoing commissioning, ASHRAE Level I-III energy auditing, energy modeling, measurement and verification following IPMVP protocols, third-party technical review, implementation and project management, LEED/Energy Star support, and tax credit consulting. The firm also maintains two proprietary tools: the Emodeler automated energy audit software and the Xcel Energy RCx Tool used across Colorado, Minnesota, and New Mexico.

Product overview

Bolder Energy Engineers is a worker-owned cooperative business providing comprehensive energy efficiency consulting and engineering services primarily for existing commercial and institutional buildings. The company's service portfolio centers on a suite of interconnected offerings: Retro-Commissioning (RCx) and New Construction Commissioning services form the core commissioning practice, supported by Ongoing Commissioning for persistence of savings. Energy Auditing services range from ASHRAE Level I to Level III assessments. Energy Modeling is performed using proprietary tools including Emodeler (automated high-level energy auditing software) and industry-standard programs like DOE-2/eQuest and Trane Trace. Measurement and Verification (M&V) follows IPMVP protocols. The company also offers Third-Party Technical Review services (including ICP QA Provider services), Implementation and Project Management assistance, Energy Management Software Solutions consulting, LEED Certification support, Energy Star Certification Assistance, As-Built MEP Drawings, Tax Credits services (179D and Solar), and Staff Training. The Xcel Energy RCx Tool is a proprietary Excel-based calculation tool they developed and maintain for Xcel Energy's retro-commissioning program.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Emodeler Proprietary automated high-level energy auditing software tool providing building and portfolio owners with energy, cost, and emissions savings estimations for different types of energy efficiency measures through automated PDF reports.
• Xcel Energy RCx Tool Microsoft Excel-based energy and cost savings calculation tool used by hundreds of Xcel Energy authorized retro-commissioning providers across Colorado, Minnesota, and New Mexico service territories to develop vetted estimates for nineteen common RCx energy conservation measures.
• Retro-Commissioning Cost-effective building performance improvement service for existing buildings that reduces energy use and peak demand, improves system performance, occupant comfort, and reduces maintenance costs through review and optimization of existing building systems and their operation.
• New Construction Commissioning Quality assurance process for new buildings beginning during design and continuing through construction, occupancy, and operations, ensuring building systems operate as intended and building staff are prepared to operate and maintain equipment.
• Ongoing Commissioning Services designed to prevent building drift and provide sustained energy savings through long-term tracking, trending procedures, and continuous fine-tuning of measures to ensure optimal operation and protect energy efficiency investments.
• Energy Auditing Building energy assessment services ranging from walk-through audits to ASHRAE Level 2 and Level 3 audits, useful for identifying energy saving opportunities and developing long-term master planning strategies.
• Energy Modeling In-depth building energy optimization for new construction and existing buildings using DOE-2 (eQuest), Trane Trace, and other simulation programs to calculate energy performance and provide economic analysis of building operation.
• Measurement and Verification M&V services following International Performance Measurement & Verification Protocol (IPMVP) to establish energy baselines and measure post-retrofit performance for utility programs, LEED projects, and performance contracts.
• Third-Party Technical Review Quality management and oversight services acting as the owner's representative to review methodologies, assumptions, and results of energy efficiency projects, including ICP QA Provider services authorizing Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE) certification.
• Implementation and Project Management Full suite of project management services from turnkey project management to serving as an integral member of implementation teams, including scopes of work, contractor selection, commissioning, and fine-tuning of operating parameters.
• Energy Management Software Solutions Consulting services for utilizing technology products for utility bill tracking, real-time metering, energy dashboards, building HVAC and lighting control systems, fault detection and diagnostics, building simulation, carbon reporting, and demand response.
• LEED Certification Services Support services for LEED Certification for existing buildings (LEED-EB) covering Energy and Atmosphere, Water Efficiency, and Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisites and credits.
• Energy Star Certification Assistance Assistance for clients to obtain Energy Star scores through Portfolio Manager data entry, Statement of Energy Performance verification, and ongoing building information updates.
• As-Built MEP Drawings Creation of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings reflecting current building conditions, including architectural floor plans from scratch when needed, delivered in traditional prints, PDFs, and native CAD files.
• Tax Credits Services Assistance with 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction (up to $5.00/sq.ft.) and Solar Tax Credits (30% of gross solar system cost under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022).
• Staff Training On-site training for facility managers and building staff on diagnosing problems, developing appropriate corrections, and maintaining systems, as well as training programs for technical engineering teams on energy auditing processes.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5-20% energy cost reduction with 6-month to 2-year payback
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers15 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and strategic.

• Xcel EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership as certified RCx provider for Xcel Energy's Retro-Commissioning program covering Colorado, Minnesota, and New Mexico territories. Company principals were primary developers of Xcel Energy's RCx Tool. Partnership provides cash incentives covering up to 75% of study fees plus implementation incentives ($400/kW or $0.08/kWh saved).
• City of BouldercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQualified Service Provider for City of Boulder's Building Performance Ordinance (BPO), assisting building owners in complying with energy assessment and retro-commissioning requirements for commercial buildings.
• Platte River Power AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Platte River Power Authority RCx program covering study costs for clients committing to implement identified RCx measures with total project simple payback of two years or less.
• Colorado C-PACEminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegistered contractor with Colorado C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) program enabling building owners to finance up to 100% of energy efficiency improvements with repayment terms up to 20 years.
• Element5 Energy ConsultantsstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Dennis Jones, PE, LEED AP, CxA, Principal of Element5 Energy Consultants, providing expertise in building energy optimization, energy modeling, commissioning, retro-commissioning, renewable energy, and zero energy building facilitation.
• Cube ResourcesstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Brad Queen, founder of Cube Resources, providing electric load optimization analysis and resource efficiency planning. Brad has background in spacecraft design at GE, Lockheed Martin, and Ball Aerospace.
• IMPACTenergystrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic partnership with Melissa Kline, President of IMPACTenergy, focusing on hospitality industry energy efficiency. IMPACTenergy has worked with 75+ hotels including Westin, Vail Resorts, and Starwood properties.
• Investor Confidence Project (ICP)coreTechnology or IntegrationActive involvement in ICP protocol development. Company team member Kevin Mueller served as Technical Lead for ICP. Company is ICP Credentialed QA Provider authorized to certify projects as Investor Ready Energy Efficiency (IREE).
• Efficiency Valuation Organization (EVO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCompany team member Tracy Phillips serves as Chair of EVO's IPMVP Technical Committee, responsible for all EVO publication, training, examination materials, and maintaining awareness of relevant work in the M&V field.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• NORESCO: NORESCO is a direct peer offering building energy services, retro-commissioning, energy audits, and ESPC delivery for commercial, industrial, and institutional clients - the exact same service portfolio as Bolder Energy Engineers but at substantially larger scale.
• CLEAResult: CLEAResult is a direct peer designing and running utility energy efficiency programs and providing implementation support to commercial customers - overlapping directly with Bolder's certified-provider role in Xcel Energy's and Platte River's RCx programs.
• Willdan Group: Willdan Energy Solutions delivers energy audits, retro-commissioning, measurement and verification, and municipal energy services; it competes head-to-head for utility and municipal contracts similar to those Bolder holds with Xcel Energy and City of Boulder.
• RISE Engineering: RISE Engineering is a direct peer providing ASHRAE energy audits, retro-commissioning, and ongoing commissioning services for commercial and institutional buildings in the Western U.S., closely matching Bolder's service mix and target verticals.
• New Engineering Works: New Engineering Works is a direct peer in retro-commissioning, energy auditing, and energy management services across commercial real estate and healthcare, comparable to Bolder in sizing and delivery model.

Broad incumbents

• McKinstry: McKinstry is a broad incumbent in building services including energy efficiency, commissioning, and decarbonization for commercial real estate and industrial clients across the U.S., competing for the same retro-commissioning and new construction commissioning RFPs Bolder pursues.
• Trane Technologies: Trane Commercial is a broad incumbent offering HVAC services, building automation, and energy services; its Trane Energy Services division competes directly for retro-commissioning, ongoing commissioning, and energy management engagements that Bolder wins.
• Resource Innovations: Resource Innovations is a broad incumbent in energy efficiency program design, implementation, and consulting for utilities and government agencies, overlapping with Bolder's certified-provider utility program work and ESG/carbon reporting services.
• DNV (Energy Systems): DNV's Energy Systems business provides energy efficiency advisory, M&V, and certification services across buildings and industry, including administering protocols like IPMVP that Bolder's team helps shape - comparable at the technical and compliance layer.

Regional players

• DLR Group / KLH Engineers: KLH Engineers is a regional MEP and energy engineering firm providing commissioning, energy modeling, and retro-commissioning to institutional and healthcare clients - a comparable mid-size peer serving similar building types in different geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/bolderee
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/bolder-energy-engineers

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Bolder Energy Engineers