Transformative Building Engineering Physics
-
![]()
2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference
Founder & Chief Building Scientist Thomas Zakrzewski, Ph.D. speaks during the Semi-Annual IBPSA-USA event at the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference (Las Vegas) on how Building Energy Modeling plays a critical role in the data center boom.
-
![Dr Tommy Zakrzewski]()
Get To Know Doctor Tommy Z
Dr. Tommy Z specializes in building engineering physics and advanced energy modeling to optimize building performance. He provides scientific expertise to design and construction teams, advancing research in innovative materials and technologies while helping stakeholders achieve their environmental, social, and governance goals.
-
![]()
BEM @ ILlinois Tech
In his 8th year of teaching as an Adjunct Professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Dr. Tommy Z looks forward to reprising his Applied Building Energy Modeling course for the Spring 2026 semester.
Influence
At ZAE, we’re committed to sharing expertise in positive design impacts within the built environment. Our Founder, Dr. Tommy Z, is a Member of the EA Technical Advisory Group. He plays a big part in recommending technical Solutions to rating system development and maintenance issues.
EA Technical Advisory Group
As Adjunct Professor of Energy & Sustainability at Northwestern University, Dr. Tommy Z. is cultivating the next generation of building science professionals who understand that achieving net zero is a technical discipline grounded in physics, data, and rigorous analysis. Through his course, Breakthrough Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Buildings, he bridges academic theory and real-world practice by immersing students in project-based learning, integrating professional Phius Associate certification, and teaching building energy modeling as a decision-making tool—ensuring graduates emerge as scientifically literate leaders equipped to drive measurable environmental impact from day one of their careers.
Breakthrough Energy Efficiency
As a Board Member of IBPSA-USA, Dr. Tommy Z. is at the forefront of shaping how building energy modeling serves as a critical tool in climate action. Through strategic planning, community building, and advocacy, he helps define the standards and practices that translate complex physics-based analysis into actionable climate solutions, ensuring that BEM isn't just a design tool but a cornerstone of evidence-based climate strategy in the built environment.
IBPSA-USA Board Member
What we do
We help you design buildings that perform—today and for decades to come. We deliver data-driven adaptative architectural and building system strategies that tackle climate change head-on. Our services focus on decarbonization, future climate resilience, and cost-effective solutions that reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and ensure your buildings are ready for tomorrow's challenges while meeting today's sustainability standards.
-
Building Energy Modeling is a powerful tool that predicts a building's energy performance before breaking ground. Through detailed computer simulations, we help architects, engineers, and owners identify cost-effective decarbonization strategies—including electrification, renewable energy integration, and advanced envelope systems—while optimizing high-performance features like passive design, daylighting, and efficient HVAC systems. This enables you to balance aesthetics with efficiency while meeting your sustainability goals.
-
Building Enclosure Analysis evaluates the thermal performance of your building's exterior by examining how different materials and assemblies work together in real-world conditions. Using one-dimensional systems analysis, we assess heat flow through bridged materials like insulation and framing to identify thermal weak points, prevent condensation issues, and optimize your enclosure design for energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
-
Building Certification services guide your project through industry-leading sustainability frameworks including LEED, GreenGlobes, BREEAM, and ENERGY STAR. We provide administration, documentation support, and strategic guidance to help you achieve certification while maximizing your building's environmental performance and long-term value.
-
Applied Research leverages building energy modeling to investigate emerging technologies, validate innovative design strategies, and quantify performance impacts in real-world scenarios. We conduct custom simulations and analyses to answer complex questions about building systems, energy efficiency measures, and sustainability solutions, providing data-driven insights that advance industry knowledge and inform your decision-making.
Affiliations
