Last April 22 marked Earth Day, a participatory environmental awareness movement first celebrated in 1970. Numerous reports and studies show that our actions over recent decades have been insufficient, but rather than becoming discouraged, we choose to focus on tomorrow and the days ahead, in line with Earth Day Canada’s slogan: Let’s celebrate Earth through action.

Architects, contractors, clients, technologists, designers, tradespeople, engineers, manufacturers: many of us are taking action. As the building sector, from construction to operation, accounts globally for 25 to 40 percent of emissions, we form a powerful collective with tremendous capacity for impact, and there is no shortage of possible actions.

Building design primarily affects three key areas:

• Environmental impact during construction
• Environmental impact generated during building operation
• Impact on the quality of life of the communities who inhabit these spaces

To do better, we strive to build less. Yes, this may seem paradoxical for our industry, but many of us firmly believe it: the best square metres are those we do not build.

Concretely, we aim to:

Preserve, restore, and requalify our built heritage

« A stone that is preserved is a stone that is not discarded. » 

– Michel Boudreau, Architect and Practice Lead, Heritage buildings 

Accurately assess client needs and promote flexible, multi-purpose spaces

« Do you really need it ?»   

– Sabrina Gilbert, Architect in real estate planning 

Raise client awareness around proper building maintenance to avoid premature replacements

Avoid building on undeveloped sites

And when building is unavoidable, we explore how to integrate wood structures. When used effectively, wood is a material that generates significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than steel or concrete. We then reflect on how to:

Design buildings that take advantage of passive strategies and reduce resource consumption

« It has such an impact, it’s incredible. »  

– Émerick Duquette, Architect, PassivHaus certified 

Design high-performance, healthy, and durable building envelopes

« Plastic foam, in 50 years, what are we going to do with it ?»  

– Charles Benoit-Beaulé, Engineer

Propose solutions that are proven and durable over time

« Every building is a prototype, but we cannot afford to get it wrong. »  

– Jean-Yves Montminy, Architecte, Principal partner and Practice lead, project management

The third area relates to the very essence of our profession: building for people. With passion, we approach the design of each space to ensure it is comfortable, healthy, relevant, and efficient. In short, spaces that promote individual well-being.

All of these actions can be supported by certifications such as LEED, WELL, and PassivHaus, which are increasingly requested by our clients and supported by a growing number of experienced professionals within our team. That said, our approach goes beyond certification. It is rooted in deep reflection.

« Ultimately, saving the planet is a vision that includes all generations.»  

– Marie-Claude Leblond, Architect PA LEED 

Our approach is fuelled by the diversity of voices within our firm, voices we wish to join with those of our peers and collaborators. Our days on Earth are built together. Let’s each find an action and work collectively to change course.

The projects below are just a few examples of initiatives that showcase innovative sustainable strategies, including:

• The integration of a solar wall designed by our team at the Centre sportif de l’École Nationale de police du Québec;
• The installation of a fresh air preheating tunnel, one of the most ambitious geothermal projects in the country, along with rainwater recovery to supply the sprinkler system at the Poste frontalier de Armstrong; 
• The use of locally harvested trees in the construction of the Sécurité Nature building through a portable sawmill and drying system;
• The design of a solar tower for the Maison de jeux de Québecand the achievement of LEED Silver certification ; 
• LEED-NC certification for the Établissement de détention de Roberval ;
• Rainwater recovery for bus washing at the Centre Métrobus and the achievement of LEED Silver certification ; 
• The design of Siège social de STGM based on sustainable strategies, making it one of the most high-performing and durable buildings in the country and earning it LEED Platinum certification.