Building with Purpose
Look, we're gonna be honest here - sustainability isn't just some marketing angle for us. It's literally how we approach every single project that comes through our doors.
87%
Energy Reduction23+
LEED Projects100%
Commitment
Look, we're gonna be honest here - sustainability isn't just some marketing angle for us. It's literally how we approach every single project that comes through our doors.
I remember walking through a building we designed back in 2016 - one of those cold winter mornings in Vancouver. The owner mentioned their heating bill dropped by 60%. That's real money staying in people's pockets, and that's fewer carbon emissions hitting our atmosphere. That moment kinda crystallized everything for me.
We're not trying to save the world with every project (that'd be a bit pretentious, wouldn't it?), but we ARE trying to make buildings that don't actively make things worse. Turns out, when you design with nature instead of against it, everyone wins.
Practical approaches that actually work in the real world
Here's the thing - the sun's gonna shine anyway, right? Might as well use it properly. We orient buildings to maximize natural light and heat during winter, then design overhangs and shading to keep things cool when it gets hot.
Living roofs, rain gardens, permeable surfaces - this stuff isn't just pretty (though it definitely is). It manages stormwater, reduces urban heat island effect, and gives local wildlife some much-needed habitat space.
Vancouver gets plenty of rain, but that doesn't mean we should waste it. Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, low-flow fixtures - these aren't complicated, they just need to be designed in from the start.
Triple-glazed windows, proper insulation, heat recovery ventilation - this is where the rubber meets the road. Get the envelope right, and everything else becomes easier (and cheaper).
Local sourcing when possible, recycled content, low-VOC everything. We're tracking embodied carbon now too - it's not just about operational energy anymore.
We've navigated the LEED process enough times to know the shortcuts and the pitfalls. Whether you need Silver, Gold, or Platinum, we can get you there.
Sustainable buildings exist in communities. We think about walkability, bike storage, transit access, and how the building contributes to neighborhood life.
This 12-story residential project was challenging - tight urban site, heritage context restrictions, and the client wanted LEED Gold minimum. We integrated a facade-mounted solar array, captured rainwater for irrigation and toilet flushing, and designed a green roof that's become a genuine community amenity.
Not everything works in every situation, but these are our go-to's when they make sense
BC's got amazing timber resources - we just make sure it's responsibly harvested.
Strong, durable, and usually has 90%+ recycled content. Easy choice.
Yeah, concrete's not great environmentally, but new mixes reduce the impact significantly.
Low-VOC paints, sealants, and adhesives. Indoor air quality matters.
Numbers don't lie - here's what we're tracking across our projects
kWh saved annually
Liters water conserved
Tonnes CO2 reduced
Green certifications
Sustainability doesn't have to mean compromise or massive budget increases. Sometimes the greenest solution is also the smartest financial move. We'd love to walk you through what's possible for your specific situation.
Whether you're just curious about solar panels or you're ready to pursue Net Zero, we can help figure out what makes sense.
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