Building Better, Not Just Bigger

Real talk about how we're trying to make architecture that doesn't wreck the planet

Sustainable construction methods

Why We're Obsessed With This Stuff

Look, we've been at this for nearly two decades, and honestly? The old way of doing things just doesn't cut it anymore. Every building we design either adds to the problem or becomes part of the solution - there's no middle ground here.

We started getting serious about sustainable design back in 2008, not because it was trendy, but because we kept seeing the same wasteful patterns repeated project after project. Now it's baked into everything we do, from that first napkin sketch to the final walkthrough.

87%

Avg. Energy Reduction

142+

Green Projects Delivered

Our Environmental Impact Numbers

These aren't estimates - they're actual measurements from our completed projects

2.4M
kWh Saved Annually

Across all our projects since 2020, that's enough to power about 220 homes for a year

1,850
Tonnes CO2 Avoided

Per year - equivalent to taking 400 cars off Toronto streets

68%
Water Use Reduction

Average across residential projects with our greywater systems

92%
Construction Waste Diverted

From landfills through careful planning and material reuse

Material Choices That Actually Matter

Locally Sourced Materials 76%
Recycled Content Integration 63%
Low-VOC Products Used 89%
FSC Certified Wood 94%

Energy Performance Breakdown

31%
Solar Generation
42%
Passive Design
18%
HVAC Efficiency
9%
Smart Systems

Average contribution to overall energy reduction across our portfolio. The biggest wins come from smart design, not just tech.

Certifications We've Earned (And What They Actually Mean)

L

LEED Accredited Professional

BD+C Specialty

We've got three LEED APs on staff. This means we know the system inside-out and can navigate the certification process without the usual headaches. Delivered 28 LEED projects ranging from Silver to Platinum.

P

Passive House Designer

PHIUS Certified

Passive House is no joke - it's probably the most rigorous energy standard out there. We've been designing to these principles since 2015, with 12 certified projects that use like 90% less heating energy than typical buildings.

W

WELL Building Standard

Accredited Professional

WELL is all about how buildings affect people's health and wellbeing. Air quality, lighting, acoustics - stuff that actually impacts how you feel in a space. We've integrated these principles into 19 projects so far.

N

Net Zero Carbon

CaGBC Verified

This is the big one - buildings that produce as much energy as they consume over a year. We've completed 4 verified net-zero projects and have another 7 in the works. It's challenging but totally doable with the right approach.

E

ENERGY STAR Portfolio

Partner Certification

Our commercial projects consistently score in the top 25% nationally for energy performance. We use ENERGY STAR tools throughout design to benchmark and optimize before we even break ground.

G

Green Globes

Professional Designation

Sometimes clients prefer Green Globes over LEED - it's a bit more flexible and the process is less intense. We're certified assessors and have guided 15 projects through to 3 and 4 Globes ratings.

The Stuff We're Working On Now

Sustainability isn't a static target - the goalposts keep moving (in a good way). Here's what we're currently experimenting with and rolling out across projects:

Embodied Carbon Tracking

We're now calculating the carbon footprint of every material before it goes into the design. It's tedious but eye-opening - turns out concrete is a way bigger problem than most people realize.

Circular Economy Integration

Designing buildings so components can be disassembled and reused later. We're basically planning for the building's next life while designing its first one.

Biophilic Design Research

Working with a researcher at U of T on how natural elements in buildings affect occupant wellbeing. Early results are pretty compelling - people really do perform better with nature nearby.

Sustainable design details

Real Talk About Costs

Yeah, sustainable design sometimes costs more upfront. But here's the thing - our clients typically see payback within 5-8 years through energy savings, and the buildings are worth more when it's time to sell or lease.

2-8%

Typical upfront cost increase for sustainable features

5-8 yrs

Average payback period from energy savings alone

40-60%

Reduction in lifetime operating costs vs conventional

Design process

How We Actually Do This

There's no magic bullet - it's about making better decisions at every single stage. We've developed a process that bakes sustainability in from day one rather than trying to bolt it on at the end.

Site Analysis Phase

Solar studies, wind patterns, existing vegetation, water flow - we map everything before touching a pencil. This usually reveals opportunities most people miss.

Energy Modeling

We run simulations constantly throughout design. Every major decision gets tested - window sizes, insulation levels, HVAC options. No guessing.

Material Research

We maintain a database of vetted sustainable materials with actual performance data. Takes the mystery out of specifying and ensures we're using stuff that works.

Post-Occupancy Review

We check back in a year after completion to measure actual vs predicted performance. This feedback loop is how we keep getting better at this.

Want To Build Something Actually Sustainable?

Let's talk about what's possible for your project. We can walk you through options, costs, and realistic timelines based on what we've learned from 140+ projects.

Get In Touch