What is Deep Walk?

Deep Walk is an externally delivered energy program that surfaces operational savings hidden in everyday operations. It combines guided field discovery with structured documentation, producing implementation-ready findings aligned with utility, SEM, and governance requirements. With the additiona of the optional Persistence Engine, customers enjoy the benefits of tools and direct support that foster long-term engagement and cost savings.

Why must occupants participate?

Participation is a validation mechanism, not a training exercise. Involving building occupants ensures findings reflect how buildings actually operate and reduces the risk of recommendations failing after handoff.

Deep Walk delivers the technical rigor of a field audit, but its participation model ensures the findings actually stick culturally and operationally.

Why is Discovery held after hours?

Defined windows (typically after hours or in scheduled unoccupied times) allow observation of true operational conditions while minimizing disruption. This approach captures the baseline that drives cost and performance outcomes.

How can I expect employees to spend an evening on this?

Three reasons make Discovery Team participation work:

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1. People want to do it. When invited, volunteers are eager because the event feels different: hands-on, collaborative, and immediately useful.

2. We help you recruit. We provide a staff-selection guide, sample invitations, and clear role descriptions so participants know exactly what to expect.

3. The contract is flexible. We understand scheduling and recruiting take time. Our agreements include reasonable flexibility and defined minimums to ensure quality.

Most clients fill a Discovery Team within a few days once the format and impact are clear.

Who should be on the Discovery Team?

The best Discovery Teams are built around curiosity, not hierarchy.

A mix of facilities or engineering staff, sustainability or workplace representatives, and one or two engaged occupants or department leads works best. People who are naturally observant and like solving problems often contribute the most.

We provide concise role descriptions and tools so everyone can participate effectively. Our facilitators ensure structure, accuracy, and momentum.

Who does what in a Deep Walk?

Each Deep Walk is led by a certified facilitator and includes at least 4 on-site participants from among building occupants and facility teams. Together, they form a Discovery Team that gathers insights during the walkthrough.

How long does Discovery take?

Most Discovery engagements are completed within a single operational window, followed by a documented report delivered within 30 days.

What kinds of savings can we expect?

Typical findings identify at least 10% site-wide electricity savings, along with improved occupant comfort and reduced maintenance load.

What are the core deliverables from Deep Walk?

You receive the Deep Walk Report with a site summary, energy analysis, recommended measures, Opportunity Value and Performance Maps along with ready-to-submit utility incentive documentation. Most recommendations can be implemented within days using existing staff.

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The report also includes SOP language, implementation guidance, and recognition elements that reinforce participation and follow through. 

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The optional Persistence Engine provides for post facto observation, analysis and monthly reporting. This toolset both enables stakeholders to monitor program follow-through and also ensures continual engagement with your Energy Team.

Is this an energy audit / Treasure Hunt / RCx study?

No. Deep Walk does not replace audits, treasure hunts or commissioning processes. It operates as an external assurance program that identifies execution gaps, behavioral drivers and functional issues in building operational systems, wrapped in the context of an inventory of low-cost savings opportunities. 

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While the Deep Walk data collection methodology shares DNA with those processes, Deep Walk goes beyond the "what" to address the "why" and "how."

Will my Deep Walk be eligible for utility incentives?

Yes. Deep Walk outputs are structured to align with utility documentation requirements for many custom energy efficiency incentive programs. We work with customers and utilities directly to ensure eligibility for incentives and follow through on the application and verification processes.

Can Deep Walk support multiple buildings or campuses?

Yes. Multi-building and campus engagements can be customized for your organization, scaling team participation and analysis across sites.

How does Deep Walk work with SEM utility incentives?

Deep Walk outputs align with both Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program milestones and custom incentive pathways, and are compatible with documentation formats used by major utilities and program administrators.

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Advanced M&V based on IPMVP is available for clients who need ongoing tracking or program-specific modeling.

What if we can't meet a minimum participant count?

Engagements include defined recruiting and scheduling windows. If thresholds are not met, delivery options are adjusted to preserve data quality and credibility.

Who is Third Switch?

Third Switch, LLC is a woman-owned small business (WOSB) energy services firm and the exclusive provider of Deep Walk.

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For a complete list of Third Switch services, please see the Core Capabilities page on this website.

Still have questions?

Deep Walk engagements are flexible and tailored to your organization.
Reach out to discuss your site profile, program alignment, or custom engagement options. We’d be happy to walk you through a sample report or discuss which engagement format best fits your goals.