Business heats up for energy engineers.(Davis Energy, EnviroMaster International development contract)(Brief Article)

This summer's skyrocketing energy prices and electricity shortages have fueled an interest in energy efficiency and fired up new business for Davis Energy Group.

The Davis mechanical engineering firm has signed an agreement to develop energy-efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning technologies with an air conditioning equipment manufacturer EnviroMaster International Corp. of Rome, N.Y.

"We want to develop, promote and build systems that provide comfort, that enhance the health of the indoor environment and cut energy usage," said Mark Berman, a partner with Davis Energy Group who oversees business development.

Initially the companies plan to develop an energy-efficient cooling system for houses, designed to minimize air conditioner use at night.

Each company will share technology and help fund the research, Berman said. Davis …