I realized a long time ago that the energy-modeling community is all too often very cynical and often forgets the ideals that started this movement; chiefly, doing the right thing. Too often I find the industry littered with self interested saboteurs and infiltrators. Anyone who has been to a number of ASHRAE meetings will have noted the huge corporate vesting going on, and I understand that's part of what makes the industry successful.

However,  I want to take a moment and give a shout out to a few skilled and positive companies.

Here's a list of 10 of the best software simulation companies whose work I have seen (in no particular order). And no, I don't have stock in any of these companies (except Arup, no, I'm kidding).

• Arup - They are a pretty obvious choice here, but I really wonder if this company gets its employees at MENSA meetings because it seems like they only hire geniuses, or is it genii?
• URS Corp  - I think this is another of the obvious firms who gets the job done with commitment and good old fashion Kung fu (which means hard work)
• Beardsley Design Associates - I like to give props to the little guys in the industry. Here is a firm with great design/code knowledge that they transfer to their energy modeling .
• Silpa Inc- A small firm with a huge international portfolio. Their final reports are simple, elegant and incredible. Experts in a number of Green related fields.
• Matern Professional Engineering - Incredibly friendly environment, yet very professional. Again, the design/code knowledge takes them a long way.
• Leo A Daly - I am pretty sure they don't do anything that isn't top notch.
• 2rw - Some of the most skilled energy modeling software users I have met. Also, very pleasant to work with.
• AECOM - World renowned experts. Very Creative in my experience and they have an awesome website - simple to use, fast, and easy to navigate.
• Norman, Disney, Young - An international firm whose commitment to quality is obvious. More importantly to me, they have been exceptionally friendly
• HDR Inc - Employees are incredibly dedicated to their work, which of course yields quality, after all, it is an employee owned business

No offense to anyone I have missed. My training experience has put me in contact with HUNDREDS of companies and there are many good ones, but I thought a few deserved a shout out.