Pivotal Energy Solutions - ɣ

About us

Pivotal Energy Solutions is a technology company focused on delivering innovative software solutions for the energy efficiency industry.

AXIS, our flagship product, is a cloud-hosted software platform designed to enable operational efficiencies and transparency for energy efficiency program administrators, participants, and downstream stakeholders.

APEX, a web-based simulation solution, enables much needed consistency missing from the industry today for residential energy efficiency program sponsors and downstream stakeholders while maintaining flexibility for energy raters and modelers to utilize their preferred simulation engines.

Pivotal's mission is to enable the transformation of the energy efficiency industry through innovative software solutions that deliver efficiency, accuracy, and transparency. Our passion is to create and deliver software solutions that radically improve the way energy efficiency data is collected and shared to empower a more sustainable future for our world.

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Products

AXIS

AXIS, used by leading program sponsors such as NEEA and Energy Trust of Oregon, and most recently deployed for the national NGBS Green program, serves as a centralized data collection, storage, and sharing hub with integrated workflow management and messaging functionality. In addition to supporting the RESNET energy rating and NGBS Green certification processes, the modular architecture of AXIS allows for customization of functionality, visibility, and workflows to meet program-specific needs.

AXIS is a cloud-based data and workflow management platform that streamlines energy ratings and energy efficiency program participation through data sharing by connecting raters/verifiers, certification organizations, QA organizations, utilities and others using a centralized data repository and modern user interface. Contact us to learn more about AXIS.

APEX

APEX, a cloud-based energy rating software solution targeting residential new construction, leverages the power of DOE's EnergyPlus simulation engine and NREL's OpenStudio-ERI calculation platform to assess the modeled performance of a home relative to a reference home. The energy rating index (ERI) calculated by APEX can be used in a variety of ways, including performance-based energy code compliance, utility incentive program submission, national energy efficiency program certification, 45L tax credit eligibility, and sustainability/ESG reporting. APEX is available today and features a fully supported GUI, supports multiple text file input formats, and is accessible via API or through our AXIS integration.

Latest News

Pivotal Energy Solutions APEX Energy Rating Software Accredited by RESNET

Gilbert, Arizona – Pivotal Energy Solutions, LLC, an innovator in residential energy efficiency software, today announced that the graphical user interface (GUI) version of its APEX energy rating platform has been accredited by RESNET as an approved rating software. With this milestone, APEX is now positioned to compete directly with leading tools such as Ekotrope, REM/Rate, and EnergyGauge USA while also offering unique deployment flexibility through its API-first architecture.

Pivotal’s APEX platform is a cloud-based energy rating software solution built on the U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergyPlus simulation engine and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s OpenStudio-ERI calculation platform. In June 2024, a version of APEX supporting HPXML input was first accredited by RESNET. Now, the new web-based GUI delivers intuitive access for energy raters and modelers while the full APEX calculation engine remains accessible through the APEX API for organizations seeking seamless, automated simulation workflows without direct use of the GUI.

“With the GUI release, APEX is the only web-based, RESNET-accredited energy rating software built on DOE’s EnergyPlus engine and NREL’s OS-ERI platform,” said Steven Klass, co-founder of Pivotal Energy Solutions. “What makes APEX truly different is that individual raters and modelers can utilize our GUI as they do with other rating tools while larger-scale rating operations, utility program implementers, or really anyone looking to standardize on a single, common simulation engine can integrate automated simulation into their workflow directly through the APEX API. That level of functionality and flexibility simply doesn’t exist in the market today.”

The energy rating index (ERI) generated by APEX supports performance-based energy code compliance, national energy efficiency program certifications such as ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Home, and National Green Building Standard, and 45L tax credit eligibility. APEX also supports simulation using custom user-defined reference homes (UDRH) and generates detailed energy consumption data for use in utility incentive programs.

Dual Pathways for Energy Modelers and Utility Programs
The APEX GUI offers a modern, web-based interface enabling:

• Efficient capture of structural and mechanical home properties
• Real-time data validations during model entry
• Access to built-in industry-standard and custom library elements
• Direct submission to Pivotal’s AXIS platform or export via API

 The APEX API offers a scalable, integration-ready option for:

• Remote, automated energy simulations
• Seamless integration into enterprise workflows
• High-volume batch processing of homes without manual data entry
• Flexible interoperability with AXIS and third-party platforms

Expanding the Pivotal Product Ecosystem
APEX complements Pivotal’s flagship AXIS platform, a robust system for energy efficiency program delivery and data sharing. To date, over 200,000 homes and buildings have been certified using AXIS. Both APEX and AXIS are hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), ensuring secure, scalable, and reliable performance.

Bob Burns, Pivotal co-founder, added, “Flexibility is central to our strategy and vision. With APEX, whether you’re a small energy rating company, a national operation, or running a utility incentive program, you can choose the engagement model - GUI or API - that best fits your workflow. Coupled with the transparency enabled by DOE’s and NREL’s open-source platforms, we believe APEX is positioned to play a vital role in driving the industry’s next wave of growth and innovation.”

Availability
The newly accredited APEX GUI and the full-featured APEX API are available now for immediate use. Contact Pivotal to get started.

About Pivotal Energy Solutions
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area, Pivotal Energy Solutions is a self-funded SaaS company dedicated to advancing the residential energy efficiency industry. The company develops innovative, cloud-based platforms - including AXIS and APEX - to support energy modeling, compliance, program delivery, and data sharing.

Pivotal Energy Solutions Unveils Graphical User Interface for APEX Energy Rating Software

Gilbert, Arizona – Pivotal Energy Solutions, LLC, an innovator in residential energy efficiency software, proudly announces the launch of a graphical user interface (GUI) for its APEX energy rating software platform.

Pivotal’s APEX platform is a cloud-based energy rating software solution built on the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) open-source EnergyPlus simulation engine and National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL) OpenStudio-ERI calculation platform. In June 2024, a version of APEX supporting HPXML (Home Performance eXtensible Markup Language) text file input, was accredited by RESNET, the nation’s largest ENERGY STAR® Home Certification Organization (HCO). The new intuitive, web-based graphical user interface for APEX significantly expands the market for Pivotal by offering functionality directly targeting energy raters and modelers.

“With our GUI offering, APEX will be the only web-based, RESNET-accredited energy rating software built on the DOE's open-source EnergyPlus engine and NREL's OS-ERI software platform,” said Steven Klass, co-founder of Pivotal Energy Solutions. “Leveraging DOE’s and NREL’s technology allows us to focus on delivering enhanced web-enabled functionality and user experience, setting us apart from competitors. Coupled with our AXIS platform, we provide the most powerful and configurable solutions in the industry for energy raters, modelers, and utility program administrators."

The new GUI enables energy modelers to:

• Efficiently capture structural and mechanical home properties
• Simulate home performance against integrated standard reference homes or a custom user-defined reference home (UDRH)
• Utilize real-time data validations during model entry, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
• Access built-in industry-standard and custom library elements to simplify model creation
• Share simulation results via API integration or directly to Pivotal’s AXIS platform

The energy rating index (ERI) calculated by APEX can be used for a variety of purposes, including performance-based energy code compliance, utility incentive program submission, national energy efficiency program certification, and 45L tax credit eligibility.

Expanding the Pivotal Product Ecosystem
The APEX platform joins Pivotal’s flagship product, AXIS, a robust web-based platform for energy efficiency program delivery and data sharing. AXIS enables energy raters, verifiers, and inspectors to seamlessly submit and manage data for homes participating in industry leading energy efficiency and “green” certification programs. To date, over 191,000 homes and buildings have been certified using the AXIS platform. Both AXIS and APEX are powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), the world’s leading cloud-computing service provider, ensuring scalable, secure, and reliable performance.

Bob Burns, Pivotal co-founder, added, “With the climate challenges we face today, we’re committed to delivering software solutions that advance the residential energy efficiency industry. Our technology is designed to enable operational efficiencies and drive meaningful progress toward a more sustainable future.”

Availability
APEX is now available for beta testing. The APEX GUI and calculation engine are currently pending accreditation by RESNET.

About Pivotal Energy Solutions
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area, Pivotal Energy Solutions is a self-funded software-as-a-service (SaaS) company dedicated to advancing the residential energy efficiency industry. The company develops innovative, cloud-based platforms to support energy modeling, compliance, program delivery, and data sharing. Contact Pivotal for more information about AXIS and APEX.

Home Innovation Research Labs Celebrates Certification of 500,000th Green Home in the NGBS Green Program

Home Innovation Research Labs proudly announces a significant milestone in sustainable housing with the certification of the 500,000th green home to the National Green Building Standard (NGBS). The project that helped NGBS Green reach this point was Bluebird, a permanent supportive housing facility in Boulder, CO. The NGBS Green Verifier on the project was Sarah Hong, PE, Energy Project Manager for Group14 Engineering, PBC.

The 500,000th NGBS Green Certified Home, Bluebird, is a housing tax credit project developed by Element Properties to provide permanent supportive housing to those experiencing homelessness.

Many of the design features that were pursued to address sustainability, energy + water efficiency, and occupant health and well-being aligned with NGBS principles, allowing the building to achieve NGBS Silver certification. The project also has an energy-efficient design that achieves an EUI of 31.4 kbtu/SF/year – 21% below Colorado’s 2030 benchmarking target. Key features include an above-code envelope, ENERGY STAR appliances, WaterSense-equivalent plumbing fixtures, and high-efficiency cold-climate packaged heat pumps. A central ERV was installed for ventilation, which not only reduces energy consumption, but also provides improved climate resilience and indoor air quality with MERV 13+ filters that are able to capture airborne particulates and pollutants resulting from regional wildfires.

In consideration of its resident population, the building has been designed with trauma-informed design strategies to provide a safe, supportive space for people who have been homeless for years. The site is also located in a central area of Boulder with easy access to bike paths, walking trails, and public transportation, and each resident gets a free bus pass. There is also an onsite solar PV system that not only reduces the energy cost burden on tenants but also reduces the building's greenhouse gas emissions by 12%. The building was designed by Shopworks Architecture and built by I-Kota.

The NGBS Green program, administered by Home Innovation Research Labs, is a comprehensive and rigorous certification that recognizes homes for their commitment to sustainability. Achieving this milestone highlights the growing commitment of homeowners, builders, and communities across the nation to create more sustainable and resilient living spaces.

"We are thrilled to reach the monumental achievement of certifying the 500,000th green home in the NGBS Green program," said Michelle Foster, VP of Sustainability at Home Innovation Research Labs. " This accomplishment underscores the industry’s commitment to the design and construction of sustainable buildings that have a smaller impact on the planet and a big impact on the resident’s lives. Bluebird also showcases the positive impact that sustainable housing can have on our communities."

The NGBS Green program provides a framework for builders and developers to construct homes that are not only energy-efficient but also healthier for occupants and kinder to the environment. The certification process evaluates various aspects of a home, including energy performance, water usage, indoor air quality, and resource efficiency. By meeting the stringent criteria set forth by the NGBS Green program, homeowners can be confident that their homes are contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future.

Learn more about the NGBS Green program by visiting HomeInnovation.com/NGBSGreen today.

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