Our Green Journey
We've been obsessed with sustainable design since day one—here's how we're actually making it happen
% Average Energy Reduction
% Water Conservation Rate
LEED Certified Projects
% Materials Recycled/Reused
Look, sustainability isn't just a checkbox for us—it's kinda become our thing. Started back in 2011 when we realized that buildings account for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. That stat kept us up at night.
We figured if we're gonna design spaces where people live, work, and spend most of their lives, we better make sure those spaces aren't destroying the planet for the next generation. Pretty straightforward logic, really.
Over the years, we've learned that sustainable design doesn't mean sacrificing beauty or functionality. Actually, it's the opposite—constraints breed creativity. Some of our coolest projects came from working within tight environmental parameters.
Started our journey
Projects assessed for sustainability
Years of green expertise
A timeline of learning, failing, and getting better at this whole sustainability thing
Started with basic LEED principles and passive solar design. Honestly, we made a bunch of mistakes early on—like that office building where we positioned windows without proper shading. Learned real quick that theory and practice are different beasts.
Dove deep into renewable energy integration. Installed our first ground-source heat pump system and nearly had a heart attack when the budget ballooned. But the 58% reduction in heating costs? Totally worth it. Clients started asking specifically for us because of our green track record.
This is when we got obsessed with material sourcing. Started working with local timber suppliers, reclaimed materials, and low-VOC finishes. Built a commercial space using 82% recycled content—our proudest moment. Also discovered that hempcrete is amazing but finding contractors who know how to work with it? Not so easy.
Smart building tech changed everything. Started incorporating AI-driven climate control, greywater recycling systems, and real-time energy monitoring. Watched one client reduce their utility bills by 63% in the first year. That's when sustainability went from 'nice to have' to 'absolutely essential' for most of our projects.
We're now aiming for net-zero carbon in all new builds by 2026. It's ambitious, maybe a bit crazy, but we've got the knowledge and the team to pull it off. Currently experimenting with mass timber construction and biochar concrete. The future's looking pretty green from where we're standing.
The stuff we use in pretty much every project now
Strategic orientation and window placement to maximize natural heating and cooling. We've cut HVAC loads by up to 40% just by getting the basics right—no fancy tech needed.
Vancouver gets tons of rain—why not use it? We design integrated collection systems for irrigation and non-potable uses. One residential project collects enough to cover 70% of their landscaping needs year-round.
Cross-ventilation strategies that actually work. We use computational fluid dynamics to model airflow before breaking ground. Sounds nerdy because it is, but it works.
Skylights, light shelves, and clerestory windows positioned to flood interiors with natural light. Reduces artificial lighting needs and honestly just makes spaces feel better to be in.
Triple-glazed windows, spray foam, and thermal breaks wherever needed. The envelope is everything—we've seen poorly insulated buildings waste more energy than any inefficient HVAC system ever could.
Not just for looks—they provide insulation, manage stormwater, and create habitat. Plus they make rooftop patios way more pleasant. Win-win-win.
We're pretty picky about materials. If we wouldn't want it in our own homes, we won't spec it for yours.
FSC-certified wood usage
BC suppliers prioritized
VOC paints & finishes
Recycled content target
We walk the talk with these industry-recognized credentials
Accredited Professional certification for green building expertise
Certified designers in ultra-low energy building standards
Challenge trained for the world's most rigorous green standard
BC's leading residential green building program certified builders