Building Green, Actually
No greenwashing here - just honest work toward buildings that don't cost the earth
The construction industry's responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions. That's... not great. So yeah, we take this stuff seriously 'cause honestly, what's the point of designing beautiful spaces if we're trashing the planet while doing it?
Started really digging into sustainable design back in 2011 when one of our clients asked about LEED certification and we realized we didn't know nearly enough. That was embarrassing. So we went all in - got certified, researched materials till our eyes bled, talked to environmental engineers who actually know their stuff.
Now? Every project we touch gets the sustainability treatment. Not 'cause it's trendy, but because it's the only thing that makes sense anymore.
Building Design + Construction specialty since 2012
Certified in health-focused building design
Energy efficiency standards that actually work
Canada Green Building Council since 2013
Here's what we've managed to pull off so far - and we're just getting started
Average Energy Reduction
Compared to standard builds in Ontario
Tonnes CO2 Saved
Across our completed projects since 2015
Construction Waste Diverted
From landfills through recycling programs
Water Use Reduction
Through smart fixtures and greywater systems
LEED Certified Buildings
Gold and Platinum ratings achieved
Locally Sourced Materials
Within 800km of project sites
Forget the fancy marketing terms - here's what goes into our buildings and why we picked 'em
Started using this after visiting a demolition site in 2014 and seeing perfectly good Douglas fir beams getting tossed. Now we work with local salvage yards to source timber that's already got character and history.
Real talk: It's not always cheaper, and sometimes clients balk at the "used" idea until they see how gorgeous it looks. Plus you're keeping old-growth wood out of landfills.
Bamboo grows ridiculously fast (like, you can literally watch it grow), and cork harvesting doesn't kill the tree. Both are durable as hell when properly installed.
Heads up: Not all bamboo products are created equal - gotta check the adhesives used. We stick with formaldehyde-free options 'cause indoor air quality matters.
Metal's infinitely recyclable, which is pretty sweet. Recycled steel uses about 75% less energy than virgin steel production. The structural integrity? Same as new.
Bonus: Canadian steel mills are getting better at this every year, so we're supporting local industry while cutting carbon.
Paints, adhesives, sealants - if it off-gases, we find the low-VOC version. Indoor air quality isn't just environmental, it's a health thing. Had a client's kid with asthma, really drove the point home.
Pro tip: "Zero-VOC" isn't always literally zero, but it's way better than conventional products that'll give you a headache for weeks.
Mineral wool, cellulose from recycled paper, even sheep's wool when budgets allow. Better R-values mean lower heating bills and smaller HVAC systems.
Reality check: The upfront cost can sting a bit, but we've had clients cut their heating costs by half. Pays for itself pretty quick in Toronto winters.
Solar panels are cool and all, but they're not the only answer. We design holistic systems that actually match how people live.
Orientation, window placement, thermal mass - using the sun's energy without any tech. It's Architecture 101 but you'd be surprised how often it gets ignored.
Ground temps stay constant year-round. Tap into that and you've got efficient heating and cooling. Higher install cost but insane long-term savings.
Automated shading, zone-based HVAC, occupancy sensors - tech that actually reduces waste instead of just being flashy.
Toronto gets plenty of rain. Why not use it for irrigation and toilet flushing? Systems pay for themselves in 5-7 years typically.
Sustainability's a moving target - here's where we're pushing ourselves
Hempcrete, mycelium-based products, biochar concrete - stuff that actually sequesters carbon. Still experimental but we're testing it on smaller projects first.
New builds are one thing, but Toronto's full of old buildings. We're developing strategies to bring heritage structures up to modern efficiency standards without ruining their character.
Designing for disassembly so buildings can be deconstructed and materials reused. Sounds simple but it requires rethinking everything from connections to material choices.
Green roofs, bird-friendly glass, pollinator gardens - making buildings that support urban ecosystems instead of just displacing them.
Sustainable design comes with challenges. Budgets get tight, timelines stretch, and sometimes green materials are just harder to source in Canada.
We've had projects where we had to compromise - not every building hits all our sustainability goals. When that happens, we're upfront about it. Document what worked, what didn't, and why.
But here's the thing - each project we learn something new. A better detail, a more reliable supplier, a more cost-effective approach. The industry's evolving fast, and staying on top of it means constantly learning.
If you're thinking about building or renovating and want to do it right environmentally, let's talk. We'll give you honest advice about what's possible within your budget and what trade-offs might make sense.
Start a Conversation