Whole Systems Energy Consulting

Whole Systems Energy Consulting (WSEC) is a small consulting firm with a core mission of reducing carbon / GHG emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy systems with low environmental impact. We work on projects primarily in the built environment sector, including feasibility studies and energy transition strategies for developments, net zero carbon building projects and consulting to support development and acceleration of key technologies needed to decarbonize the built environment. Our work covers both the demand side – looking at how to reduce energy use; and the supply side – identifying the lowest impact energy resources to meet energy demands. We work on projects in Canada, the US, and overseas.

WSEC’s past projects include:
– Working with Pacific Northwest National Lab to identify pathways for future North American building codes to achieve net zero energy / carbon by 2030. This work included technology research and evaluation as well as detailed energy modelling for representative building types.
– Net zero carbon and low carbon building consulting – advising home owners and developers on design strategies and technologies to achieve ambitious energy and environmental goals.
– Advising several clean tech start up companies on product development and market adoption strategies (eg. Insula – high performance insulation, condeco – novel super efficient cooking technology, Building IQ – building controls, etc.)
– Consulting for clean technology accelerators – application review, mentoring of startups etc (eg. Third Derivative Accelerator, The CleanFight, BRICR, Capitaland, etc.)
– Working with NYSERDA and RMI on the Empire Building Challenge – a program to develop and demonstrate decarbonization solutions for tall buildings in cold climates.
– Creating a carbon footprint calculation tool for BCSEA for schools in BC – this tool helps teachers and students understand their carbon footprint from all sources (home energy, vehicle use, consumption, waste, etc.) and helps them understand how it can be reduced.

Company History

WSEC was launched in 2019 and is a registered business in BC. Hayes Zirnhelt is the founder and principal consultant, he is a professional engineer with over a decade of experience working on building energy efficiency and renewable energy, including over 6 years with Rocky Mountain Institute.. Hayes has worked as a technical lead and project manager on net zero carbon buildings and districts – including demonstration projects, transition strategies, road maps, feasibility studies and efforts to advance industry best practices.

Company Facts

WSEC is located in Victoria BC and works on projects throughout Canada and the US and overseas as well.
WSEC was founded in 2019