Building Green Isn't Optional Anymore

Look, we've been doing this for years now, and honestly? The biggest shift I've seen isn't just in materials or tech - it's in understanding that sustainable design actually makes better buildings. Period.

Every project we touch gets the sustainability treatment because it's not some add-on feature - it's literally how we think about architecture from day one.

Sustainable Architecture

87%

Average Energy Reduction

42

LEED Certified Projects

2.3M

Tonnes CO2 Offset

98%

Material Reuse Rate

How We Actually Do This

Real talk - sustainable architecture isn't about slapping solar panels on a roof and calling it a day. It's way more nuanced than that, and honestly, way more interesting.

We've learned through trial and error (yeah, we've made mistakes) that the best green buildings are the ones where sustainability is baked into every decision. From site selection to material sourcing to how the building breathes - it's all connected.

Our Green Building Toolkit

Passive Solar Design

We orient buildings to maximize natural light and heat gain in winter while minimizing it in summer. It's like giving your building a brain that responds to the seasons.

75% savings
Typical heating cost reduction

Water Management

Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and native landscaping that doesn't need constant irrigation. Toronto gets plenty of rain - might as well use it smartly.

60% reduction
Average potable water savings

Material Selection

Locally sourced, recycled content, low-VOC finishes. We've got relationships with suppliers who get what we're trying to do and don't roll their eyes when we ask questions.

85% local
Materials sourced within 800km

Natural Ventilation

Cross-ventilation strategies that actually work in our climate. Sometimes the old ways (like opening a window) are still the best ways when done right.

45% reduction
HVAC energy use decrease

Green Roofs & Walls

Living roofs aren't just pretty - they insulate, manage stormwater, reduce heat island effect, and give pollinators a fighting chance in the city.

90% retention
Stormwater captured annually

Energy Modeling

We run simulations before breaking ground. It's like a dress rehearsal for your building's energy performance - catches problems when they're still cheap to fix.

95% accuracy
Predicted vs. actual performance
LEED Certified Building

LEED? Yeah, We Do That

We're LEED Accredited Professionals, which basically means we've gone through the certification process enough times to know it inside out. Silver, Gold, Platinum - we've guided projects through all levels.

But here's the thing - LEED certification isn't the goal, it's a framework. A really good one, sure, but what matters is building something that performs well and makes people's lives better.

18

Platinum Projects

24

Gold Projects

Our Carbon Impact Over Time

Carbon Impact Chart
2023 Milestone

Our projects collectively offset more carbon than our entire office has produced since we opened in 2008. That's the kind of math we like.

Material Lifecycle Thinking

1

Sourcing

We ask where materials come from and how they're made. Recycled content? Local production? Renewable resources? These aren't nice-to-haves anymore.

Key Metric:
Embodied Carbon Tracking 100% of projects
2

Installation

Construction waste is massive in our industry. We work with contractors who get waste diversion and actually follow through on sorting and recycling.

Key Metric:
Construction Waste Diverted 82% average
3

Performance

How does it actually perform over decades? Durability matters. We're not interested in materials that look good for five years then fall apart.

Key Metric:
Post-Occupancy Monitoring 3-year standard
4

End of Life

Can it be recycled or composted? Or is it gonna sit in a landfill for 500 years? We design for disassembly - buildings shouldn't be permanent trash.

Key Metric:
Materials Recyclability 95%+ target
CASE STUDY

The Harbourfront Residence

This project was a masterclass in what's possible when clients actually trust the process. Net-zero ready, passive house certified, and it doesn't look like a science experiment.

The owners saw their first winter heating bill and literally called to ask if there was a meter malfunction. There wasn't - the building just works that well.

  • 92% energy reduction vs. baseline
  • Zero fossil fuel usage
  • LEED Platinum + Passive House
  • 15kW solar array integrated
Harbourfront Residence
Detail 1
Detail 2

Tech We're Actually Using

Building Performance Modeling

Energy simulations, daylighting analysis, thermal comfort studies - all before we pour a single foundation. Software's gotten really good at predicting how buildings behave.

Smart Building Systems

Automated systems that learn occupancy patterns and adjust accordingly. Not because it's cool (though it is), but because it cuts energy use by 30-40% without anyone thinking about it.

Real-Time Monitoring

We install sensors that track actual performance post-occupancy. Data doesn't lie, and it tells us what's working and what needs tweaking.

Credentials That Matter

We're not just talking the talk - we've got the certifications and partnerships that back up what we do.

LEED AP BD+C

Accredited Professional

Passive House Designer

Certified PHIUS

CaGBC Member

Canada Green Building Council

Living Building Challenge

Ambassador

WELL AP

Health & Wellness Focus

Net Zero Coalition

Founding Member

Let's Be