The Unique History of B2Q Associates
B2Q Associates was founded on a commitment to thoughtful engineering, long-term performance, and an owner-focused approach to building systems. Over the years, our work has evolved alongside the needs of our clients and the industry, expanding from traditional MEP design into energy efficiency, decarbonization, and existing building optimization. This timeline highlights the key milestones, projects, and moments that have shaped who we are today and illustrates how our experience, relationships, and values continue to guide the way we approach every project.
Firm Founded and First Project
2002
B2Q was founded by Paul and Nancy Banks in their family home in Beverly, MA. B2Q's first project was a retro-commissioning effort for a newspaper printing facility in Syracuse, NY.
Utility Partnerships and Early RCx Work
2003
B2Q became a Preferred Technical Assistance vendor for National Grid and NSTAR. Began RCx work at Harvard Business Publishing to improve comfort and efficiency.
Training and Industry Leadership
2004
Launched AEE CBCP courses combining industry best practices with field-based testing, training thousands of professionals over more than 15 years.
Strategic Talent Growth
2005
Richard Andelman joined B2Q, bringing experience in national corporate energy management planning and implementation.
Large-Scale Infrastructure Projects
2006
Completed a major stream conversion for a 2.5+ million SF manufacturing facility, including new low-pressure gas plants and retirement of a #6 oil plant. Designed a water-source heat pump system for Eldridge Park in Portsmouth, NH.
Commissioning and Recognition and Controls Work
2007
Selected as independent commissioning agent for Beverly High School, later awarded CMAA NE Commissioning Project of the Year. Completed turnkey controls and VFD installation at Fox Hill Village in Westwood, MA.
University Pipeline and High-Rise Work
2008
Joshua Doolittle joined B2Q, initiating a long-term UMass talent pipeline. Provided LEED EBCx services for the 1.5M SF Bloomberg Tower in New York City.
Municipal and Industrial Energy Programs
2009
Partnered with National Grid on Energy Efficiency Roadmaps for MA and RI municipalities. Led GE Lynn energy "Treasure Hunt" identifying approximately $8M in potential savings. Began a multi-year energy efficiency study partnership with a large aerospace and defense contractor.
Leadership Expansion and Relocations
2010
Janne Kairento joined B2Q. Paul Ranelli became CFO. Bruce Beverly began advising leadership. B2Q outgrew its home office and relocated to North Andover, MA.
Healthcare, Utility, and Insurance Work
2011
Partnered with a private building automation company on Facility Connex at Southcoast Healthcare. Joe Bliss and Sam Deptula joined B2Q. Completed 40 energy efficiency studies and 90+ Whole Building Energy Roadmaps for National Grid and MA DOER. Supported a private insurance company and a private insurance company with building analysis and ENERGY STAR certifications.
Higher Education Relationships
2012
Christopher Schmidt joined B2Q. Established a long-term working relationship with UMass Amherst.
Commissioning and Turnkey Leadership
2013
Joe Boisvert joined B2Q. Named National Grid Project Expeditor for turnkey efficiency implementation. Completed MEP and envelope commissioning at Anne T. Dunphy Elementary School.
Headquarters Expansion and Institutional Work
2014
Relocated headquarters to 100 Burtt Road in Andover, MA. Designed a humidification system for Harvard Divinity School’s Rare Books Archive. Expanded long-term project work with DCAMM.
Long-Term Energy Planning and Training
2015
Selected by regional utility companies and Boston University for long-term energy planning. Launched internal training program, B2Q U.
Microgrid and Resiliency Initiatives
2016
Received a grant from MA DOER to integrate microgrids, battery storage, and automated demand response at two municipal facilities in Medford, MA.
Ownership Transition and Certification
2017
Nancy Banks became CEO and B2Q earned Massachusetts WBE certification. Completed pipe stress and thermal expansion analysis for jet fuel piping at a Japanese naval refueling base. Secured MHEC contract and supported DCAMM CEI energy efficiency analysis.
Next-Generation Leadership and Advanced Design
2018
Thomas Banks joined B2Q. Christopher Schmidt joined the ownership team. Designed a desiccant-based air conditioning system for Northeastern University’s Matthews Arena.
Firm Growth and Campus Expansion
2019
Grew to 20+ employees with 12 PE licenses across seven states. Awarded first House Doctor contract with UMass Amherst. Expanded higher education portfolio including Northeastern, UMass, BU, Colby, and MIT.
Municipal Leadership and Client Retention
2020
Led two City of Beverly projects funded by Green Communities grants and utility incentives. Approximately 80 percent of revenue came from repeat clients. Partnered with DCAMM on turnkey energy efficiency projects across state facilities.
Community Impact and Industrial Planning
2021
Completed pro bono HVAC upgrades for JC Church. Selected by a private confectionery company to support a plant master plan focused on capacity growth.
20-Year Milestone and Organizational Growth
2022
Celebrated 20th anniversary with clients, partners, and staff at the UMass Club. Established a dedicated marketing department. Launched the Electrification Center of Excellence.
Decarbonization and Electrical Expansion
2023
Expanded a private manufacturing company NH study to include process energy and long-term decarbonization planning. Established an in-house electrical engineering team. Paul Banks received the UMass Distinguished Alumni Award.
Ownership Expansion and Industry Recognition
2024
Josh Doolittle, Joe Bliss, Joe Boisvert, Janne Kairento, and Tom Banks became shareholders. Joe Bliss was named AEE New England Energy Engineer of the Year.
Integrated Growth and National Visibility
Launched the Fire Protection Department. Completed a headquarters renovation to support 40+ staff. Shared B2Q expertise at multiple national-level industry conferences.