No-fee vs. fee energy modeling services
I've seen under-selling and over-selling services. What do you consider example(s) of achieving a balance to architects and owners?
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Seeing is believing: I think first you have to demonstrate problem solving capabilities. This can be done by free demos (why not 8760h simulations ?). But for customer-specific solutions there should be a fee.
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Do utilities in your market offer energy design assistance incentives? These programs can often pay or subsidize the cost of energy modeling early in the design process as a means of influencing the owner to exceed code.
Can you clarify what your role is on the project? Are you asking what information can be provided without a building energy model? These calculations still may take some time, if not quite as much as a BEM.
You may already be doing this by default or by mandate, but energy benchmarking for existing buildings with Portfolio Manager is the first "no fee service" that comes to mind. For certification, you need to have a PE or registered architect review and approve (which typically involves cost) but passing on those costs to a client is optional.
For new design and construction, I could see offering help with Target Finder, but not sure how much help is needed....