Look, we've been in this game long enough to see trends come and go. But sustainability? That's not a trend - it's literally the only way forward. Every project we touch has to answer one question: how does this make things better for the next generation?
We've been tracking our environmental impact since 2015, and honestly, the numbers speak louder than any marketing copy ever could.
Average energy reduction across our completed projects vs. standard builds
Gallons of water saved annually through our greywater & rainwater systems
Construction waste diverted from landfills through careful material planning
Tons of CO2 offset - equivalent to planting about 30,000 trees
Forget the greenwashing - here's what sustainability means in our office on a Tuesday afternoon when we're knee-deep in blueprints and coffee cups.
Before we even think about fancy tech, we orient buildings right. South-facing windows where they matter, thermal mass that actually works, natural ventilation that doesn't feel like a compromise. It's architecture 101, but you'd be surprised how many firms skip it.
We source locally when we can - BC's got incredible timber, and using it means way less carbon in transport. Plus, we're picky about certifications. FSC-certified wood, low-VOC everything, recycled content wherever it makes sense structurally.
Geothermal where the site allows it, solar when the roof pitch works, heat recovery ventilation that doesn't sound like a jet engine. We match technology to the building's actual needs, not the other way around.
We don't just aim for these - we've actually achieved 'em on real projects with real budgets.
12 buildings with Gold or Platinum ratings. The paperwork's a nightmare, but the energy savings? Worth every form.
8 certified projects so far. Yeah, the standards are brutal, but watching heating bills drop by 90% makes clients very happy.
BC's homegrown program. We've done 23 projects through this - it's practical, locally-focused, and doesn't require a PhD to understand.
Let's address the elephant in the room - yes, sustainable design can cost more upfront. Usually about 3-8% more on initial construction. But here's what nobody tells you:
We're not gonna lie and say it's always cheaper. But when you factor in lifecycle costs, it's a no-brainer financially, even before we talk about the environmental side.
These aren't aspirational goals - they're promises we're actively keeping.
Our office has been carbon neutral since 2019. We offset what we can't eliminate, track every business trip, and yeah, we even count the coffee machine usage. Our team thinks we're a bit obsessive, but that's kinda the point.
Every project since 2021 gets designed with net-zero capability built in, even if the client doesn't activate it right away. Future-proofing isn't optional - it's basic good practice.
75% of our materials come from within 500km of the build site. It cuts transport emissions, supports regional economies, and honestly, BC suppliers just know our climate better.
We run quarterly workshops for other architects and developers. No gatekeeping here - if we figure out something that works, we share it. Rising tide lifts all boats and all that.
If you're tired of cookie-cutter buildings that ignore basic environmental sense, let's talk. We've got some ideas that might surprise you - and they won't break your budget.
Start a Conversation