Our History

Established in 2009 by Al Schmidt and Jack Zhou, A&J Energy Consultants quickly rose to prominence in the world of energy assessments and modelling. The collaboration between Al’s expertise in building industry consultation and Jack’s deep knowledge in building science and energy simulations laid the foundation for our firm’s commitment to leading-edge energy-efficient building practices and certifications.
Our journey began with a significant project at Stonecroft Communities in New Hamburg, where we conducted detailed evaluations and labelling for 34 residences. This project set the precedent for our continued success. Over the years, we have performed energy assessments for more than 10,000 homes across Southern Ontario, serving a diverse range of clients from Windsor to Belleville and Muskoka. Our dedication and quality service have established us as the preferred energy consultants in the region.
At the core of A&J Energy Consultants is our belief in growth and learning. Our guiding principle, "your success is our success," is reflected in every service we provide. We are committed to continual improvement, which is evident in our efforts to train our staff and build relationships with utilities, government agencies, and educational institutions. Our goal is to equip builders with the knowledge and tools they need to construct energy-efficient, comfortable, and profitable homes.
Embarking on a new chapter, Jack Zhou has taken the helm of A&J Energy Consultants to lead the company forward. This change represents a significant step in our history, highlighting Jack's unwavering commitment to and vision for energy efficiency. With Jack’s expertise and innovative approach, we are set to achieve new milestones and expand our impact in the industry.
Under Jack's leadership, A&J Energy Consultants is poised to continue as a pioneer in energy modelling and assessment. We are ready to adapt to the evolving demands of the industry while maintaining our standard of excellence. Jack’s solo leadership is a beacon of a promising future for A&J Energy Consultants, where we aspire to introduce ground-breaking solutions in energy efficiency and sustainable building practices.

Our President

Jack Zhou

MEA, QAS, Net Zero EA & Trainer - President

Jack Zhou, our President, and a Master Energy Advisor is an embodiment of extensive building science expertise with a journey that began in 2004. His hands-on experience has deep roots in low-rise residential construction, where he has mastered a range of skills from framing to drywalling, and from installing Hi-Velocity ductwork to performing energy simulations. Jack’s quest for knowledge led him to acquire the HRAI Residential Air System Design Technician and Residential Hydronics Design Technician Designations, further amplifying his capacity to design HVAC systems and conduct energy audits for existing homes.

His passion for energy-efficient housing extends beyond practice to education, where he imparts his rich knowledge through various platforms in Ontario, British Columbia, and even internationally in the Republic of China and South Korea. Jack’s influence stretches into industry standards and sustainability initiatives as he serves on the Technical Committee for the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA), Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) – Net Zero Renovations Advisory Group, EnerQuality Corp, and Natural Resources Canada ENERGY STAR® for New Homes Standard. His commitment is further underscored by his role as a Board of Director at the Canadian Associations of Consulting Energy Advisors and his strategic involvement with the City of Toronto’s Climate Advisory Group.

“Life is too short to wake up with regrets”

Harvey MacKay

Professional Associates

Sarah Hussain

Special Projects Manager

Since joining our team in 2021, Sarah has brought a wealth of knowledge from her undergraduate studies in Architectural Science, focusing on building science, obtained from Toronto Metropolitan University. She is on her way to further excellence as she pursues a Master’s Degree in Building Science. Beyond her academic pursuits, Sarah contributes her expertise to the Open Architecture Collaborative Canada, reflecting her commitment to community service.

A vital contributor to our team, Sarah’s passion for eco-friendly building practices aligns perfectly with our commitment to creating a more sustainable construction sector. At AJEC, she skilfully balances her roles in energy modelling, conducting thorough on-site evaluations, and overseeing pivotal projects.

Hiruni Weeratunga

Builder Liaison, Energy Analyst

Hiruni, a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University with a Bachelor of Architectural Science, exemplifies the fusion of academic excellence and practical expertise. With two years of experience as an Energy Analyst in the building science industry, she is on an ambitious path to becoming a Registered Energy Advisor (REA). Her commitment is evident in her work with clients, guiding them towards prestigious certifications like SB-12, Energy Star, R-2000, and CHBA Net Zero/Net Zero Ready Homes.

In her role, Hiruni applies her building science knowledge to navigate projects towards compliance with stringent industry standards, utilizing performance modeling as a tool for success. Her passion for sustainability and dedication to her craft ensure that the projects she handles not only meet but often exceed the expectations of energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

“The future depends on what you do today”
Mahatma Gandhi

Jerry Li

Energy Analysis Team Lead

Jerry Li stands at the forefront of energy modelling innovation as the Team Lead. Since 2019, he has been instrumental in transforming energy modelling processes, introducing over four years of cutting-edge industry expertise. Jerry’s role has been crucial in pioneering automation within the company, notably advancing the automation of tasks and the streamlining of HOT2000 file creation. His unique blend of skills goes beyond conventional expectations, marrying computer programming prowess with a deep grasp of building science.

Certified as an ERS Energy Advisor for low-rise buildings, Jerry’s zeal for integrating technology and coding with building science is unmistakable. He’s driven by a vision to simplify complex processes—from building take-offs to HOT2000 file generation—making paperwork submission more efficient. Committed to excellence, Jerry provides invaluable guidance through the maze of building codes and diverse program requirements.

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”
Albert Einstein

Mahmood Bin Haji

Registered Energy Advisor (REA)

Working for years within the industry before joining AJEC, Mahmood has emerged as a dedicated advocate for enhancing living spaces through cost-effective methods. His tenure in the industry has been marked by a consistent drive to deliver exceptional value to homeowners. With his recent acquisition of the Energy Star for New Homes (ESNH) license, Mahmood has further solidified his role as an upcoming leader in sustainable home development. He is now extending his expertise further by pursuing a Net Zero license.

Mahmood’s expertise is not just technical but deeply rooted in a vision that seeks to harmonize affordability with green building practices. An important member of our team, Mahmood is instrumental in guiding our projects towards sustainable innovation, ensuring that our homes are crafted to be as kind to the planet as they are to our clients. His work is a cornerstone of our commitment to creating homes that are not only built for today but designed for tomorrow.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
Leonardo da Vinci

Juan Carlos Espino Méndez

House Plan Analyst & HVAC Engineer

Juan’s expertise as a mechanical engineer shines through in the development and management of HVAC systems for both residential and commercial projects he’s been involved in. His impressive track record includes the successful completion of over 100 residential projects annually.

At AJEC, Juan’s technical skill set and project management acumen are vital assets that drive our mission to deliver high-quality and efficient HVAC solutions. His hands-on approach ensures that each project is executed with precision, adhering to our high standards of excellence and sustainability.

“Good leaders must first become good servants.”

Robert Greenleaf

Kenya Aguilera

House Plan Analyst & HVAC Engineer

Kenya is an engineer whose expertise in energy efficiency, environmental conditions, and thermal systems brings added strength to our team at AJEC. With a bachelor’s degree in Renewable Energy from the Autonomous University of Baja California, she is well-versed in the critical nuances of sustainable design. Her background include roles as an HVAC design engineer and project manager, where she’s delivered on both innovation and practicality for residential and industrial projects.

Recently joining us at AJEC, Kenya is poised to make a substantial impact on our energy modeling, code compliance, and HVAC design initiatives. She embodies our commitment to sustainable architecture, bringing with her a vision for eco-friendly and energy-efficient building practices that align with our dedication to excellence.

“Matter is Energy. Energy is Light. We are all Light Beings.”

Albert Einstein

Jacob Marques

Field Technician Team Lead, REA

Jacob Marques, an alumnus of Humber College’s Sustainable Energy & Building Technology program, brings a fresh perspective and dedicated expertise to AJEC as a Field Technician. His role is pivotal in collaborating with builders to construct homes that are not just structures but sustainable havens. With a keen focus on giving site training and on-site testing, Jacob is a driving force in ensuring homes are air-tight and energy-efficient.

His passion for sustainability transcends his work; it is a personal mission to enhance the health and efficiency of living spaces, one home at a time. Jacob’s commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in every project he undertakes, embodying our company’s ethos of building for a healthier and more sustainable world.

“Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anyone can complain.”

Candy Chen

Energy Modelling Analyst

Candy, our esteemed Energy Modelling Analyst at AJEC, infuses her Fine Arts acumen and interior design diploma into the intricate world of energy efficiency. Her journey through the Arts has endowed her with a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for aesthetic precision, which she now applies to the technical realm of energy modelling.

Her role at AJEC is defined by her ability to blend creative design principles with rigorous industry standards, ensuring that the projects she oversees are not only compliant but also harmoniously designed. Candy’s commitment to her craft and her passion for sustainable living resonates strongly with our company’s ethos. She stands by the belief that homes should be sanctuaries of beauty and efficiency, contributing to a more sustainable future with every design.

Mike Whelpley

Business Development, HVAC/R Technician, RHDT, CEE

Mike’s extensive 35-year journey in the HVAC and building industry has established him as a cornerstone of our team. His comprehensive experience spans technical and sales support, project management, and energy service provision across Ontario. Mike’s expertise in the selection, integration, and modelling of mechanical systems has been instrumental in both new constructions and the renovation of existing structures.

His insight is invaluable in creating cohesive building designs that consider all aspects from electrical and mechanical systems to building envelopes and energy efficiency. Recognized as a subject matter expert, Mike has contributed to numerous integrated design programs, served on technical committees, and fostered relationships with government bodies and utility providers. He is driven by a passion for knowledge-sharing, often engaging in educational endeavors to empower industry professionals.

At AJEC, Mike is pivotal in providing technical assistance for mechanical equipment selection and troubleshooting. He also collaborates closely with Jack in steering our business development efforts, ensuring our continued growth and innovation in the field.

Quote:
‘I have been called a wealth of useless information’

Leslie Rattue

Marketing & Design

Leslie is the force behind AJEC’s marketing and design strategy, blending a passion for the arts with a robust track record in business development from diverse fields such as non-profit, academia, and the pharmaceutical and environmental sectors.

Beyond the office, Leslie’s artistry thrives in her personal design studio, catering to sports enthusiasts. The skills honed there—conceptual creativity, resource management, and the creation of memorable designs parallel the impactful marketing solutions and sophisticated designs Leslie delivers at AJEC.

Proficient in German, English, and Spanish, Leslie’s communication skills amplify our brand, engaging a broad audience across cultural lines. At AJEC, Leslie’s diverse expertise is not just an asset but a keystone of our strategic expansion, marrying aesthetic excellence with our long-term business objectives.

“You didn’t wake up today to be mediocre.”

Alicia Cameron

Bookkeeper

Alicia’s career began in the equestrian world, where her entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish a successful business training and selling competition horses. Her natural acumen for business guided her through various ventures, from the competitive horse training arena to the dynamic realms of sales, marketing, networking, and distribution. Eventually, she found her true calling in bookkeeping, a field where her analytical skills and love for order converge, offering her the profound satisfaction of helping others grasp the financial aspects of the business world.

Alicia has become an integral part of the AJEC team, where her skills translate into precise financial management and insightful business support. Alicia’s academic background, encompassing business management and theoretical physics, underpins her multifaceted approach to bookkeeping. She is particularly passionate about creating opportunities for mothers of young children; her vision is to build a venture where professional fulfilment and family life are not just balanced but are synergistically enhanced.

“The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson

Serving Southern Ontario