Al Schmidt has worked in residential construction as a carpenter, framer, cabinetmaker, builder, and consultant. For the past twenty years, Al has focused on independent consulting for private industry, utilities, and various levels of government, including a decade with A&J Energy Consultants.

Al specializes in achieving cost-neutral code compliance through ENERGY STAR^® and other value-added performance paths by using smart building practices to reduce construction costs and waste, streamline the building process, and reduce service calls. He is a senior consultant for the Optimum Home Program, a market transformation program sponsored by Union Gas that promotes High Performance Housing to Ontario builders. He has also worked as a trainer with EnerQuality Corp for ENERGY STAR for New Homes, R-2000, GreenHouse™ Certified Construction, and LEED Canada for Homes, as well as working as a Lead Building Canada consultant and facilitator for the LEEP / TAP programs.

Within A&J, Al works as a managing partner and oversees company operations, as well as sharing business development responsibilities with Jack.

With a background in building science, Jack Zhou has worked in low-rise residential construction since 2004. Early in his career, Jack worked as a framer, insulator, drywaller, installed Hi-Velocity duct work, and performed energy simulation using HOT2000 and HOT2XP. He later earned the HRAI Residential Air System Design Technician (RASDT) Designation and Residential Hydronics Design Technician (RHDT) Designation, and started designing HVAC systems and performing energy audits for existing homes. He came together with Al Schmidt to create A&J Energy Consultants in 2009.

Jack specializes in using energy modelling to create practical solutions for builders to address energy efficiency requirements, both provincially and nationally. As he believes that ongoing education is key to excellence, Jack has obtained five professional accreditations to date and continues to study to bring the most current information to his clients. In addition to his consulting work, Jack teaches energy efficient housing techniques through both private and public sector organizations, colleges and universities in Ontario, British Columbia, the Republic of China, and South Korea. He also works as a Technical Committee member for Ontario Home Builder’s Association (OHBA), EnerQuality Corp, and Natural Resources Canada ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Standard.

Within A&J, Jack oversees the technical aspects of the business and is in charge of training and certification, as well as sharing business development responsibilities with Al.

Julia Claus had been working as a teacher and artist prior to learning about the energy efficient construction business from Al Schmidt. On her own, and then with Al, she has completed many hands-on total home renovations. Al’s consulting business was growing so she joined him as an assistant and administrator for CTCS (Consulting Training Construction Services), prior to stepping in to help organize A&J Energy Consultants. She took over all of the administrative duties as well as assisted with site training. During the past 10 years, she helped with the development of a builder database and invoicing system. She is also on the consulting team for the Optimum Home Program.

Sarah is completing her studies to become a Registered Energy Advisor. She is a graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) with a bachelor’s degree in Architectural Science with a focus in Building Science and volunteers with Open Architecture Collaborative Canada. Sarah divides her time with AJEC between energy modelling and on-site evaluations.

Hiruni works with the AJEC team as she completes her graduate certificate in Building Information Modelling Management at George Brown College. Hiruni has earned her bachelor’s degree in Architectural Science with a focus in Building Science from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and joined AJEC with freelance architectural work experience. Hiruni does energy modelling and is a valuable member of the team. Her employment is made possible in part through the Ontario Home Builders’ Job-Ready Program.

Jacob works with the AJEC team as a Registered Energy Advisor with Natural Resources Canada to complete on-site evaluations in addition to Energy Modeling. Jacob’s background in Sustainable Energy and Building Technology from Humber College is an asset when working with home builders to ensure sustainable building design!