Energy Sciences turns focus on sustainability into biz growth

The people behind Energy Sciences aren't focused on providing their customers with what they want so much as what they need. The downtown Birmingham-based consulting firm that specializes in energy efficiency is focusing its efforts on assisting commercial companies with the best possible strategy for lowering their energy costs. "We wanted to give them what they really needed," says Frank Schulmeister, energy strategist for Energy Sciences. "What they really need is a comprehensive energy strategy." Energy Sciences specializes in demand-side energy management services for the commercial, industrial and municipal sectors. It tailors solutions and develops strategic programs that reduce operating costs and minimize carbon footprints. Its customers range from small heating-and-cooling companies to large auto suppliers. The 4-year-old company has doubled and tripled its bottom line in each of those years. That has allowed it to grow to three employees and a handful of independent contractors. Much of the growth has come from word-of-mouth. This year the company iintends to expand its client list by investing in marketing efforts. "We would like to be a company of about 10-12 employees," Schulmeister says. Source: Frank Schulmeister, energy strategist for Energy Sciences Writer: Jon Zemke Read more about Metro Detroit's growing entrepreneurial ecosystem at SEMichiganStartup.com.