How We Actually Build Green

Look, sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us - it's literally how we think about every project from day one. Here's what that means in practice.

Solar integration on commercial project

Why We're Kinda Obsessed With This

Started back in 2009 when green building was still pretty niche in Toronto. We've watched the industry evolve, regulations tighten, and honestly? The tech's gotten way better. What used to cost an arm and a leg is now just... smart building practice.

We've done 40+ certified projects at this point - LEED, Passive House, you name it. But here's the thing: certifications are cool and all, but what really matters is whether the building actually performs. That's where we spend most of our time.

Energy modeling, material lifecycle analysis, indoor air quality monitoring - yeah, it sounds technical, but it's basically just making sure your building does what we promised it would do.

Our Environmental Impact - Real Numbers

Data from projects completed 2019-2024

37%
Energy Reduction

Average across all completed projects vs. baseline code requirements

2.1M
kg CO2 Avoided

Annual operational carbon savings across our project portfolio

68%
Water Efficiency

Reduction in potable water use through smart fixtures and rainwater systems

85%
Waste Diverted

Construction waste kept out of landfills through recycling and reuse

Certifications We've Achieved

18
LEED Gold & Platinum
7
Passive House Certified
12
Net Zero Ready
5
Living Building Challenge
22
ENERGY STAR
9
WELL Building Standard

What Actually Goes Into a Sustainable Build

01

Site Analysis & Orientation

Before we sketch anything, we're out there with solar pathfinders and doing wind studies. Sounds nerdy, but positioning a building right can cut energy use by 15-20% before you even pick materials.

02

Envelope Performance

The building skin is everything. We're talking triple-pane windows, serious insulation (like R-40+ in walls), and air-tightness that'd make a submarine jealous. Thermal bridging? Not on our watch.

03

Mechanical Systems

Heat recovery ventilation, geothermal when it makes sense, solar thermal - we spec systems that actually match the building's needs. Oversizing equipment is just wasting money and energy.

04

Material Selection

Low VOC everything, FSC-certified wood, recycled content where possible. We're also big on local sourcing - why truck materials from across the country when Ontario's got great suppliers?

05

Water Management

Rainwater harvesting for irrigation, greywater systems when clients are up for it, and low-flow fixtures that don't feel low-flow. Plus permeable surfaces to handle stormwater on-site.

06

Renewable Energy Integration

Solar PV when the economics work, which honestly is most of the time now. We're also seeing more battery storage integration - the tech's finally getting there.

Sustainable construction process
Building envelope detail

The Passive House Thing

Okay so Passive House is probably the most rigorous standard out there. We're talking about buildings that use 90% less energy for heating and cooling. Sounds impossible, right?

It's all about that super-tight envelope and crazy-good insulation. The first one we did back in 2015 was honestly a learning curve - the attention to detail is intense. But now? We've got it down to a science.

The cool part is watching clients' utility bills after they move in. Had one family go from $400/month gas and electric to like $85. That's real money staying in people's pockets.

Passive House by the Numbers:
  • Energy demand: Less than 15 kWh/m²/year
  • Air changes per hour: 0.6 or less at 50 Pa
  • Total primary energy: Under 120 kWh/m²/year
  • Thermal comfort: Year-round without traditional HVAC

Case Study: The Results Speak

Harbourfront Office Complex - Toronto

45,000 sq ft commercial space completed 2022. Client wanted LEED Platinum and we delivered - barely. This one pushed us to figure out some new tricks.

Energy Performance

42% below ASHRAE 90.1 baseline

Water Reduction

58% potable water savings

Renewable Energy

120 kW rooftop solar array

Payback Period

8.5 years on green upgrades

The building's been operational for 2 years now and it's actually outperforming our energy models by about 8%. Tenant satisfaction scores are through the roof - turns out people really do notice better air quality and natural light.

Harbourfront Office Complex

Wanna Build Something That'll Last?

Let's chat about what sustainable design could mean for your project. No pressure, just real talk about what's possible and what makes sense for your budget.

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