Building Tomorrow, Responsibly

Look, we're not gonna sugarcoat it - the construction industry has a pretty hefty carbon footprint. But that's exactly why we're obsessed with changing how things get done around here.

Sustainable Design Process
Our Philosophy

Why Sustainability Isn't Just a Checkbox for Us

Honestly? We got tired of seeing "green" become just another marketing term. Around 2016, after watching too many projects slap a solar panel on the roof and call it sustainable, we decided to dig deeper.

Every material choice, every window placement, every mechanical system - they all tell a story about energy use for the next 50+ years. We've learned that real sustainability happens in the details most people never see. It's about understanding how air actually moves through a space, not just what the software simulation says.

Our approach? Start with passive design principles that humans have used for centuries, then layer in modern tech where it actually makes sense. Not the other way around.

Certifications & Commitments

These aren't just badges on our wall - they represent projects where we pushed boundaries

LEED Accredited

Five team members with active LEED AP credentials. We've guided 12 projects to Gold or Platinum certification.

Passive House

Certified consultants in Passive House design. We've completed 4 PH projects in Ontario's tough climate.

Carbon Neutral

Our studio operations have been carbon neutral since 2020. We offset what we can't eliminate yet.

CaGBC Member

Active members of Canada Green Building Council, contributing to industry standards and education.

Real Impact

The Numbers That Actually Matter

We track this stuff because it keeps us honest about whether we're making a real difference or just talking a good game.

47%

Average Energy Reduction

Compared to baseline OBC requirements across our residential projects

2.1M

kWh Saved Annually

Total energy savings from buildings we've designed since 2018

830

Tonnes CO2 Offset

Equivalent carbon reduction in our completed projects per year

89%

Materials Locally Sourced

Average percentage of materials from within 800km radius

Case Studies: Where Theory Met Reality

Here's what happened when clients trusted us to try something different

Leslieville Passive House
LEED Platinum

Leslieville Passive House

Client came to us wanting a "normal" house that just happened to be energy-efficient. Challenge accepted. We designed what looks like a contemporary Toronto home but performs like a thermos.

  • 92% heating energy reduction vs. similar sized homes
  • $180/month average total energy bills (yeah, really)
  • Triple-glazed European windows that actually opened without special tools
  • HRV system that the owners don't even think about

"We forget it's a Passive House until our neighbors complain about their heating bills." - Homeowner feedback, Year 2

King West Commercial Retrofit
LEED Gold

King West Commercial Retrofit

This 1970s office building was bleeding energy and tenant satisfaction. Instead of the usual "rip it down" advice, we convinced the owner to let us do a deep energy retrofit. Took some convincing, not gonna lie.

  • 58% energy use reduction in first year post-retrofit
  • New envelope with exterior insulation kept the interior untouched
  • Upgraded HVAC with zone controls that actually work
  • ROI achieved in 7 years through energy savings and increased rents

"Tenants stopped complaining about being too hot or too cold. That alone was worth it." - Building Owner

Rosedale Net-Zero
Net-Zero Ready

Rosedale Net-Zero Residence

Heritage neighborhood, strict design controls, and a client who wanted net-zero energy. Everyone said pick two out of three. We got all three approved, though it took four committee meetings.

  • Net-zero energy performance with 10.2kW solar array
  • Heritage-compliant design that got community support
  • Geothermal system for heating/cooling with minimal equipment visibility
  • Reclaimed materials for 40% of interior finishes

"Our electric bill last month was -$23. The utility company owes us money." - Homeowner, Feb 2023

Our Sustainability Toolkit

These are the strategies and tech we reach for on pretty much every project. Not because they're trendy, but because we've seen them work in Ontario's climate.

Passive Solar Design

Strategic orientation and glazing for free heating when you actually need it

High-Performance Envelope

Continuous insulation and air-sealing that actually gets tested

Water Management

Rainwater harvesting and greywater systems where codes allow

Material Selection

Low-embodied carbon materials with EPDs when available

Energy Modeling

We model early and often to catch issues before they're built

Biophilic Elements

Green roofs, living walls, and natural ventilation where feasible

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you're aiming for Passive House, LEED, or just want a building that doesn't cost a fortune to heat, we'd love to hear what you're planning.

First consultation's always free, and we promise not to push certifications you don't actually need. Sometimes the greenest building is the one that's built right in the first place.

Start a Conversation

Resources & Learning

Stuff we've written, studied, or found genuinely useful

Passive House in Canadian Climates

Our 28-page guide on what actually works in Ontario winters vs. what the European manuals say.

Download PDF
ROI Calculator

Realistic payback periods for different efficiency upgrades based on our project data.

Try Calculator
Project Lessons Blog

What went right, what went sideways, and what we'd do differently next time.

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