Look, we've been doing this sustainability thing since before it was the trendy move. It's not just about slapping some solar panels on a roof and calling it a day – it's about rethinking how we build from the ground up.
Every project we touch has environmental responsibility baked into its DNA. That's just how we roll.
Here's the thing – I've been in this industry long enough to see what happens when we ignore environmental impact. Spoiler alert: it's not pretty. Buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, and that's a problem we can't keep kicking down the road.
We started prioritizing sustainable design back in 2008, way before everyone jumped on the bandwagon. It wasn't always easy convincing clients that spending a bit more upfront would save them tons in the long run, but the data speaks for itself now.
Every project we take on gets the full sustainability treatment – passive solar orientation, high-performance building envelopes, water reclamation systems, renewable energy integration. It's become second nature to us.
Forget the greenwashing nonsense. Here's what actually goes into our sustainable approach.
Orientation, natural ventilation, daylighting – we work with nature instead of fighting it. This stuff cuts energy needs by half before we even talk about HVAC systems.
Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, low-flow fixtures. We've reduced water consumption in our projects by up to 60% compared to standard builds.
Locally sourced, recycled content, low-VOC everything. We track the embodied carbon in materials because what goes into a building matters as much as what comes out.
Solar arrays, geothermal, high-efficiency systems with smart controls. Several of our projects now produce more energy than they consume.
This one's pretty close to my heart. A young couple came to us wanting their dream home but refusing to compromise on environmental values. Challenge accepted.
Here's what sustainable design actually delivers for our clients
Per residential project over 25 years from reduced utility costs
Typical ROI timeline for sustainable upgrades in our projects
Average premium for certified green buildings in Toronto market
More consistent temperatures, better air quality, natural light that actually makes you wanna be in the space
Utility bills that make you do a double-take. Some of our net-zero projects literally get paid by the grid
Low-VOC materials, better ventilation, non-toxic finishes – your lungs will thank you
Building codes keep getting stricter. Our projects are already there, which means better resale value down the line
Old building, huge potential. This 1970s office tower was an energy hog until we got our hands on it. The client wanted to modernize without tearing everything down, which honestly is often the more sustainable choice.
Real Talk: The payback period on this retrofit was just under 6 years. That's considering energy savings, tenant retention improvements, and increased property value. Owner's laughing all the way to the bank now.
Certified, trained, and constantly learning because this field never stops evolving
Multiple team members with LEED AP credentials across different specialties. We know these standards inside and out.
Yeah, we went there. One of the few firms in Toronto with actual Passive House Designer certification.
Active members of Canada Green Building Council, staying connected with the latest in sustainable building practices.
We're kinda obsessed with where materials come from and where they'll end up. Every single material choice in our projects gets vetted for environmental impact, and yeah, sometimes that means having awkward conversations with suppliers.
Materials within 800km radius whenever possible. Less transport = lower carbon footprint. Plus supporting local economy's a nice bonus.
We're talking reclaimed wood, recycled steel, recycled glass in countertops. One project used 87% recycled or reclaimed materials.
Paints, adhesives, sealants, finishes – if it off-gasses nasty chemicals, it's not going in our buildings. Period.
FSC-certified wood only. If we can't verify the supply chain, we don't use it. Simple as that.
