Sustainability | Embervyn Thalquinth Architecture

Look, We're Not Perfect - But We're Trying

After fifteen years in this industry, I've seen way too many "green" projects that were basically just greenwashing with a fancy label. That's not what we're about here.

Every building leaves a mark - that's unavoidable. What matters is being honest about it and doing everything we can to minimize the damage. We've spent years figuring out what actually works versus what just looks good in marketing materials.

Our approach isn't about checking boxes for certifications (though yeah, we do those too). It's about designing spaces that'll still make sense in 50 years, use less energy than they need to, and don't cost the earth - literally.

Our Impact So Far

Numbers from our projects over the past 5 years - and we're kinda proud of 'em

0

% Energy Reduction

vs. standard builds

0

% Water Savings

through smart systems

0

Tonnes CO2 Offset

annually across projects

0

% Recycled Content

in our material specs

Our Certifications

We've got the paperwork to back up what we do, but more importantly - we've got the buildings that prove it works.

LEED Accredited

19 LEED certified projects delivered

Passive House

Certified Passive House Designer

WELL Building

Health & wellness focused design

Living Building

2 projects pursuing full certification

What Actually Goes Into a Sustainable Build?

People think it's all solar panels and reclaimed wood, but there's way more to it. Here's what we're really thinking about on every project:

Before we draw a single line, we're studying how the sun moves across your site, where the prevailing winds come from, and how we can work with the land instead of against it. Passive design saves more energy than any tech you can bolt on later.

We track where materials come from, how much energy went into making them, and what happens when the building eventually comes down. Local sourcing isn't just a buzzword - it actually matters. Plus, we've got relationships with suppliers who don't BS us about their practices.

High-efficiency HVAC, smart building controls, greywater recycling - yeah, we do all that. But only when it makes sense for your specific project. There's no point installing a geothermal system if it'll take 40 years to pay back and you're planning to sell in 10.

The greenest building is the one that doesn't need to be torn down in 20 years. We design for adaptability - spaces that can change use over time, systems that can be upgraded without ripping everything out. Boring? Maybe. Sustainable? Absolutely.

Environmental Impact Breakdown

Here's where the real differences happen across a typical project lifecycle

Energy Consumption 58% reduction

Water Usage 38% reduction

Construction Waste Diverted 73% diverted

Local Materials Sourced 61% local

Indoor Air Quality Improvement 85% better

Wanna See This Stuff In Action?

We've got case studies, energy models, and real data from projects we've completed. Not the glossy marketing kind - actual numbers from actual buildings with actual people living and working in them.

Check Out Our Projects

The Honest Truth About Costs

Yeah, sustainable design can cost more upfront. Sometimes 5-15% more depending on what you're going for. But here's the thing nobody talks about enough:

Operating costs drop by 30-40% on average - that adds up real fast over a building's lifetime
Property values? They're consistently higher for certified green buildings in Vancouver
People are just healthier and more productive in well-designed spaces - there's actual research on this
BC's got some decent rebates and incentives if you know where to look

We'll walk you through the real numbers on your specific project - no sugar-coating, no inflated promises.

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you're just curious about what's possible or you've got plans ready to go, we'd love to chat about how sustainable design could work for you. No pressure, no sales pitch - just real conversation about real possibilities.

Get In Touch See How We Work