Green Building and Sustainability

PGL will work with you to identify the green building requirements that best suit your project requirements. We have the experience and expertise to guide our clients in LEEDTM, WELL rating and other green building and sustainability rating systems.  PGL can help you and your team achieve the sustainability performance objectives and meet municipal green building requirements for your project. 

What is Green Building?

Green buildings are designed and built using processes and materials that minimize impacts to the environment through reductions in energy, embodied carbon and water usage.  Sustainable green building practices also minimize environmental impact during construction and through a building’s life cycle. Green buildings also aim to improve human health through design and construction of healthy and functional indoor environments.

What do the requirements look like?

  • Environmental impacts
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Social impacts

Who Sets Green Building and Sustainability Requirements?

Provincial and Federal Governments

  • Building Codes (e.g. BC Energy Step Code)

Municipalities

  • Building Codes
  • Green Building and/or Sustainability Requirements for new construction
    • i.e. City of Vancouver Green Building Policy for Rezonings
    • City of Burnaby

    Who Might Require Green Building and Sustainability Services?

    Building Owners, Real Estate Developers, Architects – anyone who is planning a new development, renovating an existing building, or assisting clients with design and build requirements.

    What are the Benefits of Green and Sustainable Construction?

    1)    Energy Efficiency means that building owners will spend less on their operating energy costs over time. If tenants pay energy costs, this can be an advantage in tenant recruitment and retention.  

    2) Durable buildings last longer and require less maintenance due to material and systems choices focused on long term sustainability.

    3) Factoring in sustainability ensures buildings are more suited for the needs of a city. As community, connectivity, and health and wellness are becoming more relevant in urban planning, sustainably designed buildings and communities are more desirable for owners and tenants.

    4) Occupants’ health. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought into light the need and demand for buildings that focus on the occupants’ wellbeing. A focus on air quality, water quality, physical space design and mental wellness will become more of standardized practice.

    5) Competitive advantage. Based on the features listed above, if your building is doing better in comparison to your competition, then you will gain a market advantage while others are still trying to catch up.  

    What’s next in the industry?

    Both the Government of Canada and the Province of BC are taking incremental steps to make buildings ready to be net zero by 2032 and move towards net zero emissions by 2050.  They plan to do this by developing energy efficiency requirements for new and existing buildings that go beyond those in current building codes.  Local governments are expected to implement similar in their communities.

    When can PGL help you (and when is it required)?

    • Early Design – project conception
    • Rezoning stage
    • Planning for new developments