Look, we're not gonna pretend every project saves the world - but every decision we make? That's where the real impact happens. From material choices to energy systems, sustainability isn't a checkbox for us. It's literally how we think.
Honestly? It started about twelve years ago when a client asked us to design a "green building" and we realized we didn't really know what that meant beyond solar panels and recycling bins. That was embarrassing.
So we dove deep. Got certified, studied passive house principles, attended way too many conferences about thermal bridging (riveting stuff, trust me). But here's what we actually learned - sustainable design isn't about fancy tech or expensive systems. It's about understanding how buildings actually work with their environment.
Now it's just part of our DNA. We can't design any other way, even if we tried. Our team geeks out over things like thermal mass, daylighting ratios, and embodied carbon. Yeah, we're those people at parties.
We track this stuff because it matters, not for marketing. Though here we are, marketing it.
kWh Saved Annually
Across all our completed projects since 2018. That's like powering 290 homes for a year.Tonnes CO2 Offset
Equivalent to planting roughly 39,000 trees. We actually helped plant 200 real ones too.Water Use Reduction
Through rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and efficient fixtures. Every drop counts.Materials Diverted
Construction waste diverted from landfills. It takes effort but it's doable.These aren't just logos we slap on proposals. Each one represents months of study, testing, and frankly, some late nights figuring out ventilation calculations.
Three of our team members hold this. We kinda compete over who knows more LEED trivia.
The gold standard for energy efficiency. It's intense but the results speak for themselves.
Because healthy buildings aren't just about energy - people gotta actually thrive in them.
The most rigorous green building standard out there. We've got two projects in progress.
The practical stuff that goes into every project
Before we even think about solar panels or fancy systems, we optimize orientation, window placement, thermal mass, and natural ventilation. Get the basics right and you're already 70% there.
We're picky about what goes into our buildings. Embodied carbon matters just as much as operational energy. Local sourcing, recycled content, low-VOC everything - it's all negotiable until it isn't.
Once the passive stuff is dialed in, we layer in the tech - but only what actually makes sense. Heat recovery ventilation, geothermal, solar thermal, whatever fits the project and budget.
We've tested a lot of materials over the years. Some are genuinely great, some are greenwashing nonsense. Here's what's actually made it into our regular toolkit:
Strong, beautiful, carbon-sequestering. What's not to love?
Up to 90% recycled content in structural applications.
Rapidly renewable flooring options that actually last.
Non-negotiable in our climate. The payback is real.
Salvaged brick, wood, fixtures - character with zero embodied carbon.
Fire-resistant, recyclable, and performs consistently.
Green roofs, bioswales, native landscaping, permeable paving - the site is just as important as what sits on it. We've learned (sometimes the hard way) that sustainable design doesn't stop at the building envelope.
One of our commercial projects in Liberty Village has a 2,400 sq ft green roof that's reduced stormwater runoff by 60% and dropped cooling costs by about $8K annually. Plus it's just nice to look at. Urban heat island effect? Not on our watch.
Check Out Our ProjectsYeah, sustainable design can cost more upfront. Not always, but sometimes. A well-designed passive building might add 3-8% to construction costs. Triple-glazed windows cost more than double-pane. Geothermal systems aren't cheap.
But here's the thing nobody wants to talk about - those upfront costs? They typically pay back in 5-12 years through energy savings. And your building will be worth more, perform better, and last longer. It's not charity, it's just smart economics.
We work with every budget. Sometimes that means prioritizing the high-impact stuff and planning for upgrades later. Air sealing and insulation before solar panels. Proper windows before fancy finishes. There's always a way to move the needle.
"We've never had a client regret investing in efficiency. Literally never. High energy bills and uncomfortable spaces? Those regrets are real and monthly."
Based on 47 completed projects between 2018-2023. Your results will vary based on scope, location, and usage patterns.
Figured we'd answer them here to save everyone some time