Gilbert, Arizona – Pivotal Energy Solutions, LLC, an innovator in residential energy efficiency software, today announced that the graphical user interface (GUI) version of its APEX energy rating platform has been accredited by RESNET as an approved rating software. With this milestone, APEX is now positioned to compete directly with leading tools such as Ekotrope, REM/Rate, and EnergyGauge USA while also offering unique deployment flexibility through its API-first architecture.

Pivotal’s APEX platform is a cloud-based energy rating software solution built on the U.S. Department of Energy’s EnergyPlus simulation engine and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s OpenStudio-ERI calculation platform. In June 2024, a version of APEX supporting HPXML input was first accredited by RESNET. Now, the new web-based GUI delivers intuitive access for energy raters and modelers while the full APEX calculation engine remains accessible through the APEX API for organizations seeking seamless, automated simulation workflows without direct use of the GUI.

“With the GUI release, APEX is the only web-based, RESNET-accredited energy rating software built on DOE’s EnergyPlus engine and NREL’s OS-ERI platform,” said Steven Klass, co-founder of Pivotal Energy Solutions. “What makes APEX truly different is that individual raters and modelers can utilize our GUI as they do with other rating tools while larger-scale rating operations, utility program implementers, or really anyone looking to standardize on a single, common simulation engine can integrate automated simulation into their workflow directly through the APEX API. That level of functionality and flexibility simply doesn’t exist in the market today.”

The energy rating index (ERI) generated by APEX supports performance-based energy code compliance, national energy efficiency program certifications such as ENERGY STAR, Zero Energy Ready Home, and National Green Building Standard, and 45L tax credit eligibility. APEX also supports simulation using custom user-defined reference homes (UDRH) and generates detailed energy consumption data for use in utility incentive programs.

Dual Pathways for Energy Modelers and Utility Programs
The APEX GUI offers a modern, web-based interface enabling:

• Efficient capture of structural and mechanical home properties
• Real-time data validations during model entry
• Access to built-in industry-standard and custom library elements
• Direct submission to Pivotal’s AXIS platform or export via API

 The APEX API offers a scalable, integration-ready option for:

• Remote, automated energy simulations
• Seamless integration into enterprise workflows
• High-volume batch processing of homes without manual data entry
• Flexible interoperability with AXIS and third-party platforms

Expanding the Pivotal Product Ecosystem
APEX complements Pivotal’s flagship AXIS platform, a robust system for energy efficiency program delivery and data sharing. To date, over 200,000 homes and buildings have been certified using AXIS. Both APEX and AXIS are hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS), ensuring secure, scalable, and reliable performance.

Bob Burns, Pivotal co-founder, added, “Flexibility is central to our strategy and vision. With APEX, whether you’re a small energy rating company, a national operation, or running a utility incentive program, you can choose the engagement model - GUI or API - that best fits your workflow. Coupled with the transparency enabled by DOE’s and NREL’s open-source platforms, we believe APEX is positioned to play a vital role in driving the industry’s next wave of growth and innovation.”

Availability
The newly accredited APEX GUI and the full-featured APEX API are available now for immediate use. Contact Pivotal to get started.

About Pivotal Energy Solutions
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in the Phoenix, Arizona metro area, Pivotal Energy Solutions is a self-funded SaaS company dedicated to advancing the residential energy efficiency industry. The company develops innovative, cloud-based platforms - including AXIS and APEX - to support energy modeling, compliance, program delivery, and data sharing.