Building Lighter on the Earth
Look, we're not gonna claim we're saving the planet single-handedly, but every project's a chance to do things better than before. That's how I see it, anyway.
Look, we're not gonna claim we're saving the planet single-handedly, but every project's a chance to do things better than before. That's how I see it, anyway.
Sustainable design isn't just a checkbox on some form. It's literally about creating spaces that don't trash the environment while still being, y'know, livable and beautiful.
Average reduction in water usage across our residential projects. Rainwater harvesting and greywater systems aren't rocket science, they just need proper planning.
Lower energy consumption compared to standard builds. Proper insulation, passive solar design, and smart HVAC systems make a huge difference.
CO2 saved annually through our completed projects
Recycled or reclaimed materials in our heritage projects
LEED & green building certifications achieved
These aren't just plaques on the wall. They represent actual standards we hold ourselves to on every project.
Been working with LEED standards since 2015. It's become second nature at this point - helps us navigate the whole green building process without getting lost in bureaucracy.
Passive House is intense, not gonna lie. But when you nail it, you get buildings that barely need heating or cooling. The math's complicated, but the results speak for themselves.
Canada Green Building Council membership keeps us plugged into what's happening nationally. Plus, the networking's been invaluable for learning what actually works in practice.
Getting buildings to net zero energy isn't easy in Toronto's climate, but we're figuring it out project by project. It's where the industry's headed anyway.
Here's the thing - anyone can talk about sustainability. Let me show you what we've actually done.
Old Victorian semi in Leslieville, built around 1895. Beautiful bones but literally hemorrhaging energy. The owners wanted to keep the heritage character while making it actually comfortable to live in year-round.
Client wanted a 15,000 sq ft office space in The Junction that'd attract tech tenants. They needed LEED certification to meet their corporate sustainability goals, but budget was tight.
Achieved LEED Gold certification, fully leased within 3 months of completion. Tenants love the natural light and air quality - we've had way fewer sick days reported compared to similar buildings.
Former auto garage from the 1960s sitting vacant on Bloor West. Developer wanted retail with residential above, but demolition would've been crazy expensive and wasteful.
This one's become a bit of a landmark in the neighbourhood. The exposed industrial character gives it tons of personality, and we avoided sending about 200 tons of material to landfill.
Young family wanted to build their forever home with basically zero environmental impact. They'd done their research and weren't messing around - they wanted actual net-zero, not just "pretty good."
After a full year of monitoring, this place actually produces more energy than it uses. The family's utility bills are basically just the grid connection fee. Not gonna lie, this one makes me pretty proud.
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainable design. Every site's different, every client's got different priorities, and every budget's unique. Here's how we figure out what makes sense for your project: