Look, we've been in this game long enough to know that "sustainable" gets thrown around a lot. But here's the thing - we actually mean it. Every project we touch has environmental impact baked into the conversation from day one, not as an afterthought.
Honestly? We got tired of seeing buildings that looked great but performed terribly. You know the type - massive glass facades that turn into ovens in summer, requiring insane HVAC systems just to stay livable. That's not smart design, that's just expensive problems waiting to happen.
Our approach is pretty straightforward: work with nature, not against it. Use materials that make sense for the local climate. Design systems that'll actually save our clients money over time. And yeah, leave the planet in better shape than we found it. Radical concept, right?
Avg. Energy Reduction
kg CO2 Offset (2024)
Material Recycling Rate
LEED Certified Projects
We don't just talk the talk - we've got the credentials and partnerships that back up our commitment to green building.
3 LEED APs on staff, consistently delivering Gold & Platinum projects
Certified consultants specializing in ultra-efficient building envelopes
Trained in designing buildings that produce as much energy as they consume
Active members of Canada Green Building Council since 2019
There's something satisfying about giving old materials new life. We've sourced century-old timber from deconstructed barns, industrial steel from retired factories, and brick from heritage buildings. Not only does it keep stuff out of landfills, but you get character and quality you can't replicate with new materials. Plus, clients love the stories behind them.
Indoor air quality isn't something people think about until they're dealing with headaches and respiratory issues. We spec low-VOC paints, adhesives, and sealants as standard - not upgrades. Natural oils for wood, mineral-based paints, formaldehyde-free insulation. Yeah, sometimes it costs a bit more upfront, but you're not slowly poisoning yourself in your own home.
Bamboo, cork, linoleum (the real stuff, not vinyl), wool insulation - materials that regenerate quickly without depleting resources. Bamboo flooring is tougher than most hardwoods and grows back in 3-5 years instead of decades. Cork's harvested without killing the tree. These aren't compromise materials - they often outperform traditional options.
Vancouver's climate is weird - not crazy cold, but damp and grey for months. Good insulation isn't just about R-value; it's about managing moisture and preventing thermal bridges. We use cellulose made from recycled newspaper, mineral wool, and sometimes fancy aerogel where it makes sense. The goal? Buildings that barely need heating or cooling.
We're big on passive strategies first - orientation, shading, natural ventilation. Get those right and you're already way ahead. Then layer in smart active systems: heat pumps, solar panels, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling.
One of our recent projects, a commercial building in Yaletown, cut energy use by 42% compared to baseline. Solar array covers 65% of electrical needs. Rainwater system handles all toilet flushing and irrigation. The building manager actually thanked us - that never happens.
Grid-tied & battery systems
Air & ground source systems
Rainwater & greywater reuse
ERV & HRV systems
A few things we wish more people understood...
Short answer: yes, but you gotta look beyond the initial sticker price. Upfront costs might be 5-10% higher depending on what we're doing, but operational savings typically pay that back in 3-7 years. After that? Pure savings. We've got clients whose energy bills dropped 60%. One residential project we did in 2021 is saving the homeowners about $380/month compared to their old place.
Plus there's resale value - green-certified buildings command higher prices and rent faster. And you're not replacing systems every 10 years when you invest in quality upfront.
Honestly, it's an advantage if you design for it. All that rain? Free water for toilets, gardens, and cooling systems. We design proper water management from the start - good drainage, moisture-resistant materials, ventilation that handles humidity. It's about working with what we've got.
The mild temps also mean we don't need massive HVAC systems. Passive heating and cooling strategies work great here. And those grey days? They're actually ideal for indirect natural lighting without glare or overheating issues.
Absolutely, and sometimes that's the most sustainable choice of all. Demolition creates massive waste - keeping a building's structure and upgrading its performance is often the greenest option. We've done deep energy retrofits on buildings from the 1920s that now perform better than most new construction.
Heritage buildings are especially rewarding. Those old growth timber frames and solid masonry walls have embodied energy you can't replicate. Add modern insulation, high-performance windows, updated mechanicals - suddenly you've got a building that'll last another century while using a fraction of the energy.
Greenwashing drives us nuts. Slapping solar panels on a poorly designed building doesn't make it sustainable - it's like putting a salad on top of a burger and calling it health food. The fundamentals matter: proper orientation, good insulation, quality construction, durable materials.
We also see people getting obsessed with one aspect while ignoring others. All-glass facades might look modern, but they're thermal nightmares in most climates. Or spending big on fancy systems while skimping on insulation. Sustainable design is holistic - everything has to work together.
Whether you're planning a new build, renovating an existing space, or just curious about making your project more sustainable, we'd love to chat. No hard sell, just honest conversation about what's actually possible and practical for your situation.