Top Energy Efficiency Consulting Firms in the United States

In our Chicago-based energy efficiency company, we love to read publications from national thought leaders around energy efficiency.  Here is a list of the top consulting firms that focus on energy efficiency.  Please also consider reading our more local list on the top 10 sustainable leaders in Chicagoland.

If national is not your focus, then it is always best to look local, as resources are very specific in terms of local costs, codes and of course rebates.  Each has its own role to play in sustainability – local vs national  –  and this is an analysis and some experience with the larger firms.  Large firms have some of the best and brightest minds in the industry, but of course, tend to be broader in skillsets.

McKinsey & Company – Global Management Consulting Firm

McKinsey & Company is a global management consulting firm that helps organizations across the private, public, and social sectors solve their most pressing challenges. McKinsey has a strong track record in energy efficiency, having helped clients save billions of dollars through energy efficiency projects. McKinsey’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

• Strategic planning and implementation
• Technical assessments and benchmarking
• Financial analysis and modeling
• Program management and execution
• Measurement and verification

When I went to the Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago in 2006 to 2009, one of the brightest students was a McKinsey and Company employee.  I have a deep respect for this firm based on reputation and my experience with her.

Boston Consulting Group – Global Management Consulting Firm

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is another leading global management consulting firm that offers energy efficiency consulting services. BCG has helped clients in a variety of industries improve their energy efficiency, including the manufacturing, retail, and healthcare sectors. BCG’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

• Portfolio optimization
• Demand-side management
• Renewable energy procurement
• Energy efficiency financing
• Carbon emissions reduction

Boston Consulting Group is more than just a Northeastern firm – they are nationwide and one of the premier firms in the industry.

Bain &  Company – Global Energy Efficiency Consulting Services

Bain & Company is a third global management consulting firm that provides energy efficiency consulting services. Bain has helped clients in a variety of industries reduce their energy use and costs, including the energy, transportation, and utilities sectors. Bain’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

• Market research and analysis
• Technology assessment and selection
• Vendor negotiations and contracting
• Project management and execution
• ROI tracking and measurement

Bain and Company was formed in 1973 by Bill Bain, not know to be an environmentalist. However, Bill Bain has deep support for the Boston Children’s Hospital.

Ernst & Young – Global Professional Services Firm

EY (Ernst & Young) is a global professional services firm that offers energy efficiency consulting services. EY has helped clients in a variety of industries improve their energy efficiency, including the commercial real estate, manufacturing, and transportation sectors. EY’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

• Energy audits and assessments
• Energy benchmarking and reporting
• Energy management systems implementation
• Demand-side management programs
• Renewable energy procurement

One of our favorite reports from EY is the Climate and Nature Agenda that notes, “New research highlights the dangers of failing to adopt a systemic approach. Global greenhouse gas emissions reached a new record in 2023, necessitating a 42% reduction by 2030 and a 57% reduction by 2035 to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2100. Additionally, with over half of global GDP reliant on nature, the fact that one quarter of plant and animal species face extinction represents a critical risk to business and society”

Deloitte – Global Energy Efficiency Consulting Firm

Deloitte is another global professional services firm that offers energy efficiency consulting services. Deloitte has helped clients in a variety of industries reduce their energy use and costs, including the financial services, healthcare, and retail sectors. Deloitte’s energy efficiency consulting services include:

• Energy strategy development
• Portfolio optimization
• Technology assessment and selection
• Project management and execution
• ROI tracking and measurement

Deloitte accepts RFPs around this work, and seems to specialize in Energy and Chemicals, Industrial Products and Construction, Mining and Minerals, and Power, Utilities and Renewables.

Boutique Energy Efficiency Consulting Firms

In addition to the above firms, there are a number of other smaller, boutique energy efficiency consulting firms that offer specialized services. These firms may be a good option if you have a specific energy efficiency challenge that requires a customized solution.  Verde offers these services on a local level, and specializes in free energy efficiency auditing services for businesses and municipal buildings.

No matter which energy efficiency consulting firm you choose, it is important to make sure that you have a clear understanding of your goals and objectives before you start working with them. This will help to ensure that you get the most out of the engagement and achieve the desired results.  We call this our pre-qualification phase, understanding how the buildings is used and what the goals are for the leadership of the organization.

Factors to consider when choosing an energy efficiency firm:

• The firm’s experience and expertise in the energy efficiency industry, including their local knowledge of your geographical location and industry vertical
• The firm’s track record of success, both locally and nationwide
• The firm’s size and resources to meet deadlines.  This is critical for a lot of projects – it does not help to have the best team and price if you cannot get the work done.
• The firm’s fees should be competitive, but not the ultimate decision maker
• The firm’s communication and collaboration style.  A good firm should follow up, close the loop on communications, and be your advocate and partner.