Building Responsibly
We're not saving the planet here - we're just trying to mess it up a little less than everyone else
Look, I'll be straight with you - sustainability isn't just some marketing buzzword we slap on brochures. It's been baked into our DNA since day one, and honestly, it's the only way we know how to build anymore.
After watching the construction industry waste resources for years, we figured there had to be a better way. Turns out there is - and it doesn't even cost more when you plan it right from the start. That's what 15 years of trial and error taught us.
Every project we touch gets the same treatment: passive solar design where it makes sense, materials sourced as locally as we can manage, and systems that actually work with BC's climate instead of fighting it. Nothing revolutionary - just thoughtful design that doesn't treat the environment like an afterthought.
We've got the paperwork to back up what we do - these aren't just fancy logos for our website
Three of our team members carry LEED AP credentials. We've completed 12 LEED-certified projects across Vancouver
Certified designers who know how to actually achieve those insane energy standards without breaking budgets
Active members since 2015, with multiple Gold and Platinum rated projects under our belt
Trained in Net Zero design strategies - yeah, buildings that produce as much energy as they use
These aren't aspirations - this is standard practice in every project we take on
We obsess over building envelopes. Triple-glazed windows, proper air sealing, thermal bridge-free construction - the boring stuff that actually slashes your energy bills. Most of our projects hit 40-60% better than BC Building Code baseline. Not because we're geniuses, but because we pay attention to details that others skip.
We source local when possible - Vancouver's got amazing timber and stone suppliers within 100km. Plus we're picky about what goes into our buildings. Low-VOC everything, recycled content where it works, and we'll fight contractors who try to substitute junk materials. Your indoor air quality matters.
Living in a rainforest means dealing with water smartly. Rainwater harvesting for irrigation, permeable surfaces that let water go where it should, greywater systems when budgets allow. We've learned the hard way that fighting Vancouver's rainfall is expensive and dumb.
Every site has its own personality. We spend time understanding sun angles, prevailing winds, existing vegetation that's worth keeping. Sounds basic but you'd be shocked how many architects ignore site conditions and wonder why their buildings perform terribly.
We design for 50+ year lifespans, not just to pass inspection. Durable materials, accessible systems for maintenance, adaptable spaces that won't need gut renovations when needs change. The greenest building is one that doesn't need to be torn down in 20 years.
Solar's finally cheap enough to make sense on most projects. We design roofs and orientations with PV in mind from the start. Heat pumps are pretty much standard now - BC's electricity grid makes them a no-brainer for heating and cooling.
Here's what we've achieved across our portfolio - verified by third-party energy modelers
Average energy reduction vs. standard construction
kWh saved annually across all completed projects
Construction waste diverted from landfills
Years carbon payback on our average commercial project
Anyone can design a super-efficient building with an unlimited budget. The trick is hitting high performance targets while keeping costs reasonable - that's where experience matters.
We've gotten pretty good at knowing which sustainable features give you the best bang for your buck and which ones are just expensive window dressing. First-time sustainable builders often blow their budget on sexy tech while ignoring basic building science. We help you avoid those expensive mistakes.
Most of our projects add only 3-8% to construction costs for the sustainable features, and clients typically see payback within 7-12 years through energy savings. After that it's pure profit in your pocket.
Let's Talk About Your ProjectWe're always up for projects where sustainability actually matters, not just checks a box. Whether you're aiming for LEED, Passive House, or just want a building that doesn't cost a fortune to operate - let's chat.