Building Green at Elevation

Look, designing in the mountains isn't just about pretty views - it's about respecting what's already there and making sure it stays that way for the next generation.

Sustainable mountain architecture

Why We're Kinda Obsessed with This

After spending 15+ years working on alpine projects, you start noticing things. Like how a poorly designed resort can wreck a watershed, or how the right window placement can cut heating costs by half. It's not rocket science, but it does take giving a damn.

We've watched climate patterns shift in the Coastal Mountains firsthand. Snow lines are changing, weather's getting weirder, and if we're gonna keep building up there, we better do it right. That means thinking about energy, water, materials, and how every decision ripples out into the ecosystem.

89%
Avg. Energy Reduction
34
LEED Projects
100%
Carbon Offset Goal

Our Environmental Impact Dashboard

Real numbers from our projects - no greenwashing, just actual data we track

3.2M

kWh Saved Annually

Across active projects

68%

Water Use Reduction

Compared to baseline

1,840

Tonnes CO2 Offset

This year alone

82%

Material Diversion

From landfills

Energy Performance Breakdown

Passive Solar Heating 42%
High-Performance Envelope 31%
Smart HVAC Systems 18%
LED & Daylight Harvesting 9%
Solar installation on mountain building

One of our resort projects in Whistler - those panels generate about 220 MWh annually, even with all that snow.

Certifications & Standards We Actually Use

LEED Certification

We've guided 34 projects through LEED - mostly Gold and Platinum. Yeah, it's paperwork-heavy, but it keeps us honest about the details that matter.

Passive House

For residential stuff, Passive House standards are killer. Super tight envelope, minimal heating loads. Works great even at 2000m elevation.

Living Building Challenge

Only attempted this twice - it's brutal but amazing. Net-positive energy and water. Honestly, it's where we think everything should be heading.

WELL Building

Health-focused certification that looks at air quality, lighting, acoustics. Great for resorts where people are supposed to actually relax and feel good.

Net Zero Carbon

We're pushing all our commercial clients toward this. With BC's hydro power and some smart design moves, it's totally doable up here.

Built Green Canada

Canadian-specific program that gets regional climate. Good stepping stone for clients who aren't ready for full LEED but want to do better.

What Actually Works in Alpine Environments

Building sustainably in the mountains isn't the same as doing it in Vancouver proper. You've got extreme weather swings, heavy snow loads, shorter construction seasons, and fragile ecosystems. Here's what we've learned the hard way:

Orientation is everything

Southern exposure can cut heating needs by 40%. We obsess over this in the schematic phase.

Local materials matter

BC timber, local stone - cuts embodied carbon and supports the community. Win-win.

Thermal mass strategy

Concrete floors with radiant heating - stores solar gain during the day, releases it at night.

Stormwater management

Bioswales, permeable surfaces, green roofs - keeping runoff clean and on-site.

Triple-pane everything

At elevation, you need serious glazing. R-7 minimum, usually with argon fill.

Minimize site disturbance

Work with the topography, not against it. Preserve as much natural landscape as possible.

Sustainable alpine architecture

Our 2025-2030 Commitments

We're not just talking about this stuff - we've got actual targets with timelines attached. Here's what we're working toward:

By End of 2026
  • 100% of new projects designed for net-zero operation
  • Achieve carbon-neutral office operations
  • Partner with 5+ Indigenous communities on projects
By End of 2028
  • 50% reduction in embodied carbon across portfolio
  • Establish materials reuse program with suppliers
  • Train 200+ industry professionals on alpine sustainability
By End of 2030
  • Full supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing
  • Regenerative design principles in all projects
  • Contribute to regional habitat restoration initiatives
Ongoing
  • Annual sustainability reporting (no BS metrics)
  • Continuous team education on emerging tech
  • Client workshops on long-term operational savings

Recent Projects & Their Impact

Some examples of what these principles look like in the real world

Resort project
Peaks Edge Resort

Location: Whistler, BC

LEED Platinum | 94% energy reduction vs. baseline | Geothermal heating | Reclaimed timber throughout

Net Zero Ready Zero Waste
Commercial building
Summit Commons

Location: Revelstoke, BC

Living Building Challenge Petal | Net-positive energy | Rainwater harvesting | 100% FSC materials

Regenerative WELL Gold
Residential development
Alpine View Residences

Location: Sun Peaks, BC

Passive House Certified | 89% heating reduction | Solar + battery storage | Native landscaping

Passive House Built Green

Want to Build Something That Lasts?

Sustainable design costs a bit more upfront - usually 3-8% - but pays back within 5-7 years through energy savings alone. Plus, you know, you get to sleep better knowing you're not trashing the mountains.

We offer free sustainability assessments for new projects. No sales pitch, just honest conversation about what's possible for your site and budget.

Let's Talk About Your Project