“At every point, from pilings to the roof, we went above and beyond code.”

Passive House (PH) is economically viable. The goal of building this PH within a code built community is to show how relatively inexpensive and economically competitive it can be with the house next door.

Last week’s IPCC report confirmed the urgency of tackling climate change and architects can help do so – but only if architecture schools integrate the appropriate training into their curriculums, writes student Scott McAulay

Last week we had the opportunity to show Cascadia Architects around one of our projects currently under construction, highlighting that a well-performing building can fit right into any neighbourhood.

October 5, 2018: Sustainable is pleased to be partnering with an animated short doc-in-progress about cycling pioneer Nora Young (who was recently inducted into the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame), called Undeniably Young: Nora Young and the Six-Day Race.

If you follow the news about Toronto’s municipal design guidelines and by-laws as avidly as we do here at Sustainable, you may have heard about some recent changes relating to Laneway Suites. We’re here with a primer on the new regulations and what they mean to you.

Please note that this post is meant as an overview of the new bylaw amendments. For details and comprehensive information, visit the City’s website or call Sustainable.

Here at Sustainable, we take pride in integrating sustainable choices and products into our daily routine. Learn about some of the brands we’ve decided to weave into our ever-evolving culture.

In its 51 years of operation, the Glad facility in Orangeville, Ont., has expanded from just making bags into conducting research on recycling and educating the public on composting

Nightingale Housing isn’t your typical, run of the mill, housing provider. Run by architects passionate about affordable and sustainable housing, it does not strive for big profit margins or quick gains. 

Your company can lead the way and put the environment first. Here are four principles for prioritizing sustainability.

In late August, TBG in partnership with Sustainable, will offer a special session of Green Explorers Camp, a nature-based, experiential program designed to inspire sustainable choices in kids.

In the move towards running on solar power, more businesses and residential homes are exploring how to make green energy work for them. Colleges and universities are getting on board, too. Recently, for example, Hampshire College became the first residential college in the United States to run on 100 percent solar electricity. 

Three Canadian mayors, alongside 16 mayors from around the world, representing 130 million urban citizens, have committed to significantly cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their cities by ensuring new buildings operate at net-zero carbon by 2030. 

From heat pumps to induction, it has never been easier to give up gas.

Lately our mantra has been Electrify Everything! but at the Alter residence, we do almost everything, including cooking, with gas.

You might’ve noticed that you feel calmer, even happier, when you’re walking through a lush park or forest. This is no coincidence — spending time in nature has been linked to multiple mental health benefits, including stress relief and a better sense of well-being. 

From 1978 through 2015, the median size of the single-family home increased every year until it peaked at 2,467 square feet, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Then, in 2016, that number began to shrink, albeit ever so slightly.

Sometimes complex issues require surprisingly simple solutions. When it comes to tackling climate change, burning fewer fossil fuels through more energy efficient buildings is one straightforward way to rein in carbon emissions. 

This article is the second of a three-part series which considers the notion and necessitation of positive-impact developments in relation to Ontario’s Greenbelt. (For necessary context we recommend you read Part One.)

“Globally, labor-productivity growth in construction has averaged only one percent a year over the past two decades, compared with growth of 2.8 percent for the total world economy and 3.6 percent in the case of manufacturing.”

It’s been a busy summer for the crew at Sustainable. Here are a few events we’ve sponsored so far in our community.