Our History
In 2000, Arlene Zavocki Stewart left the University of Florida where she was state coordinator for the consumer oriented Buy Green & Save and industry oriented $ell Green & Profit programs. The firm she founded quickly became nationally recognized for its issue identification and problem solving ability, using applicable technical and communication tools to present and manifest solutions.
These are the accomplishments we are particularly proud of:
2016 Established as a licensed provider of continuing education with the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulations. AZS has 52 classes approved for continuing education, serving construction professionals throughout Florida.
Stewart named vice chair for the code development committee at the Building Officials Association of Florida
2015 Stewart consults with SEEA on the development of “Success with the Florida Energy Codes” book, a practical guide to complying with the Florida Building Code Energy Conservation, version 5 (add website)
2014 Stewart named Energy Code Circuit Rider for Florida by the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance.
2012 Stewart creates and chairs the ENERGY FORUM at the Southeast Building Conference.
2011 Ms. Stewart served on the Advisory Committee to the Department of Community Affairs for the pending update of Building Energy Rating System (BERS) law – FS 553.990-999. Ms. Ruen Britton served on the Advisory Committee to the Florida Building Commission for the energy building simulation software approval criteria.
2010 Ms. Stewart co-founded the Building Energy Assessment Professionals (BEAP) a trade association representing energy raters, auditors, commissioning agents and utilities. As BEAP’s secretary, Stewart advised the Governor’s Energy Office on the duct testing provisions for the Florida ENERGY STAR HVAC Rebate program.
2009 Ms. Stewart established the Green Building Council for the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA). Year highlights include a kickoff reception among FHBA, FGBC and USGBC to explore networking and advocacy opportunities for 2010 and hosting an ENERGY STAR stakeholders meeting. She was also recognized as FHBA’s first “Woman of Distinction."
2007 – 2008 Ms. Stewart and Ms. Susan Douglas developed the certification program for Florida Water StarSM, laying the foundation for the country’s most comprehensive water-saving, whole-house performance system for St. Johns River Water Management District.
2006 Ms. Stewart was named FHBA’s “Energy Problem Solver”
2003 – 2006 AZS Consulting developed the Georgia Windows Workshop in August of 2003 and the Florida Windows Workshop in 2006, coordinating efforts among non-profit efficiency organizations, government agencies, and industry partners like: Efficient Windows Collaborative, Southface Energy Institute, and the U.S. Department of Energy. With over 200 in attendance at each event, the workshops provided critical information to keep locally-based businesses competitive and viable during the implementation of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2000 and National Appliance Efficiency Conservation Act provisions, respectively.
2004 Ms. Stewart successfully introduced ASHRAE 90.1-01 Addendum G on commercial lighting densities to the Florida Building Code (FBC), estimated to save over 150 million kW per year.
2001 – 2003 In the Spring of 2001, AZS coordinated and taught ten regional trainings to teach window dealers and distributors how to sell efficient windows. In 2002-03, AZS identified a series of inconsistencies in Florida’s Energy Code putting window manufacturers who tested their products at a disadvantage. Working with the Fenestration Manufacturers Association (FMA) and the Florida Home Builders Association (FHBA), AZS successfully submitted code changes to the Florida Building Code (FBC) to level the playfield.