Sustainability
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Championing sustainable design in Canada – for now and for the future.

At Smith + Andersen, we always consider the impact that our work has on the natural environment. We take pride in this commitment and take responsibility for incorporating sustainable design practices into every project – that’s why we created Footprint, a dedicated sustainability consulting firm.

Comprised of engineers, planners, architects, designers, and sustainability professionals, Footprint experts work side-by-side with clients and project team members on landmark developments across the country to analyze sustainability objectives and guide them toward their sustainability targets. 

Established in 2011, Footprint now has offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Kitchener, Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa. This allows the team to leverage in-depth knowledge of provincial and national sustainability initiatives, as well as international trends and how they may affect building design in Canada. Their goal? Make Canada the most sustainable country in the world!
 

DEDICATED SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTS

Whether your goal is achieving sustainability certifications, improving the performance of your existing building, fulfilling the requirements for a net zero building, or decarbonizing your portfolio, we can help you meet your sustainability targets. The full range of our services is available on the Footprint website.

LEARN MORE about what the Footprint team does

 

AWARD-WINNING DESIGN

As the energy modelling consultant for the Aaniin Community Centre in Markham, ON, we collaborated with the community to understand the needs of each of Markham’s diverse demographic groups. Sustainable design features include low-flow plumbing fixtures to reduce water consumption, and a greywater system to reclaim storm water for use in toilets, urinals, and landscape irrigation around the facility.

SEE MORE of our sustainable design projects

THE RACE TO ZERO (EMISSIONS)

Designed by Perkins + Will, the Northeast Scarborough Community Centre is targeting Net Zero Energy, which required the building's energy consumption to be drastically reduced. Footprint completed a Net Zero energy and emissions feasibility study to align the community centre's design with the City of Toronto's Climate Action Plan of 65 per cent greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2030 and Net Zero Carbon by 2050. 

SEE MORE of our Net Zero projects

WELL OR FITWEL?

Both are building standards that focus on air, water, acoustics, light, and other measures that are fundamental to achieving a healthy and balanced built environment. They allow clients to set clear health and well-being goals from the beginning of a project, and then measure and track those goals over time. 

Translation: these standards make really comfortable places to live and work!

READ MORE about 16 York

WORLD-CLASS SUSTAINABILITY 

As the energy modelling consultant for the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre, in St. Catharines, Footprint evaluated design features that minimize the carbon and GHG emissions related to building operations and maximize efficiency. The project achieved the Canadian Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Design Standards – one of Canada’s benchmarks for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building materials and operations.

LEARN MORE about this project 

“Discussions around climate change are urgent, and resilience planning needs to happen now. Energy performance measurements, like Net Zero Carbon, and platforms such as passive house design, help our clients to be leaders in sustainable practices.” 

Shaheen Asif, Associate
 

POLY-PURPOSE

A three-storey addition to the Spruce Building at Kwantlen Polytechnic University, this project expanded the available space by 22,600 square feet, including numerous renovations. The Footprint team used models to assess energy consumption and recommend energy reduction measures to help the project team meet their goals. Future fit and looking good!

LEARN MORE about this project

WHAT'S #TRENDING RIGHT NOW?

Now, more than ever, architects and owners should be paying attention to sustainability regulations and changes impacting the building industry. Check out the blogs on the Footprint website – a space where our experts share their knowledge and discuss topics that are important right now.

CHECK OUT the Footprint website

AT THE CORE OF EVERYTHING WE DO

We are Sustainable not only in our work, but also in our core beliefs. As part of Earth Month 2022, more than 30 Smith + Andersen and Footprint staff members submitted photos they’d taken of their favourite places around the world and reflected on what sustainability means to them. The We Are Sustainable digital publication grew from this initiative and showcases how sustainability touches every person here at Smith + Andersen.

CLICK HERE to view the photo book

“We can guide our communities towards sustainability and sustainable design through our work and projects.”

Carmen Lau, Project Manager

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