Look, we've been at this sustainability thing for years now, and honestly? It's not just about slapping some solar panels on a roof and calling it a day. It's deeper than that - it's about actually giving a damn about what we're leaving behind.
Every project we touch, we're thinking about energy, materials, water, air quality... basically everything that makes a space truly work with nature instead of against it. And yeah, we've learned a ton along the way.
We're not into greenwashing or fancy buzzwords. Here's the real deal on how we approach sustainable design.
Before we even think about tech solutions, we're orienting buildings right, maximizing natural light, and using thermal mass. The old-school stuff that just works.
We're sourcing locally when possible, choosing reclaimed stuff, and picking materials that'll last. Bamboo, recycled steel, low-VOC everything - you name it.
Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, native landscaping that doesn't need constant watering. Water's getting scarce, so we treat every drop like it matters.
High-efficiency HVAC, LED lighting, smart building controls. Plus solar when it makes sense. We aim for net-zero whenever budgets allow.
We didn't start out as sustainability experts. It's been a learning process, and we're still figuring stuff out. Here's how we've evolved.
Started really diving into LEED certification. Our first certified project was a residential build in Leslieville - nothing fancy, but we cut energy use by about 40% compared to code minimum. That got us hooked.
Got certified in Passive House design. Total game-changer. We realized we'd been relying too much on mechanical systems when the building envelope itself could do so much more work. Completed our first Passive House in High Park.
Started really questioning where everything comes from. Developed relationships with local suppliers, began specifying more reclaimed materials. Built a commercial space using 60% recycled content - and yeah, it looked amazing.
Delivered our first net-zero commercial building in the Distillery District. Solar arrays, geothermal, the works. Took forever to dial in, but now it produces more energy than it uses. Still kinda amazed by that.
Started tracking embodied carbon in everything we specify. It's not enough to just think about operational energy - the carbon footprint of materials matters huge. Changed how we approach basically every design decision.
Now we're not just trying to do less harm - we're actively trying to make things better. Biodiverse roofs, buildings that clean air, designs that restore habitats. It's ambitious, maybe a bit crazy, but that's where we're headed.
Certified Green Projects
% Avg Energy Savings
Tonnes CO2 Offset Annually
Net-Zero Buildings
We've got the certifications, but more importantly, we've got the experience. These aren't just letters after our names - they represent real projects and real learning.
Multiple team members with LEED AP credentials across BD+C and Homes specialties
Certified Passive House Designers with multiple completed projects meeting strict standards
Currently pursuing LBC certification on two projects - the toughest green building standard out there
Let's be real - sustainable design isn't always easier or cheaper upfront. Sometimes clients push back on costs, sometimes contractors haven't worked with these materials before, and yeah, sometimes we're figuring stuff out as we go.
But here's what we've learned: when you factor in lower operating costs, healthier indoor environments, and buildings that'll actually last, the numbers make sense. Plus, it's just the right thing to do.
We're not perfect. We mess up sometimes. We've had projects where we wish we'd pushed harder for better solutions. But we're learning, adapting, and getting better with every build.
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