Sustainability | Blaze for Inthor Architecture

Our Philosophy

Why We're Kinda Obsessed With Green Design

Look, we've been in this game long enough to see trends come and go. But sustainable architecture? That's not a trend – it's literally the only way forward.

Started really diving into green building back in 2012 when one of our commercial clients asked if we could "make it eco-friendly or whatever." That sparked something. Now we're knee-deep in passive house standards, embodied carbon calculations, and honestly, we love it.

Every project's a chance to prove that sustainable doesn't mean boring beige boxes with solar panels slapped on top. We're talking beautiful spaces that just happen to use 60% less energy and make people feel good about being there.

127+

Green Projects Delivered

89%

Avg. Energy Reduction

What We Actually Do

Not just checking boxes for certifications. These are the practices we've built our reputation on – the stuff that actually works in Vancouver's climate.

Passive Solar Design

We position buildings to catch winter sun and dodge summer heat. Sounds basic, but you'd be surprised how many architects skip this. Proper orientation can cut heating costs by 30% without any tech.

Rainwater Management

Living in Vancouver means rain. Lots of it. We capture, filter, and reuse it. Got a project last year down to 40% municipal water usage just by being smart about catchment systems.

Material Selection

Local timber, reclaimed materials, low-VOC everything. We track embodied carbon now – yeah, it's tedious, but concrete alone accounts for 8% of global emissions. Can't ignore that.

Natural Ventilation

Cross-ventilation, stack effect, night cooling – old-school techniques that still work. One office building we did barely runs AC from April to October.

Energy Modeling

We run simulations before breaking ground. Tweak window sizes, insulation specs, mechanical systems. It's nerdy but saves clients thousands annually.

Adaptive Reuse

Sometimes the greenest building is the one already standing. We've converted warehouses, churches, even an old brewery. Keeps character and slashes carbon footprint.

Certifications We Work With

We're not certification snobs, but these programs push us to do better work. Each one's got its strengths depending on what you're building.

LEED

LEED Accredited

Got 14 LEED certified projects under our belt, ranging from Silver to Platinum. It's the standard everyone knows, especially for commercial work.

PH

Passive House Certified

This one's tough – like really tough. But the energy savings are insane. Perfect for residential clients who want their heating bills to basically disappear.

LBC

Living Building Challenge

The Olympics of green building. We've got two projects pursuing this right now. It's ambitious but pushes the entire industry forward.

The Numbers Don't Lie

Real data from projects we've completed around Vancouver over the past five years.

72%

Average Energy Reduction

Compared to conventional builds in BC. Our commercial projects consistently hit this mark through envelope optimization and smart mechanical design.

55%

Water Consumption Cut

Through rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and efficient fixtures. One residential complex we designed hasn't paid for irrigation in three years.

83%

Construction Waste Diverted

From landfills through reuse and recycling programs. We work with contractors who actually care about where materials end up.

94%

Occupant Satisfaction

Post-occupancy surveys show people genuinely love working and living in sustainable buildings. Better air quality and natural light make a huge difference.

Case Study

The Georgia Street Office Retrofit

This one's close to home – literally a few blocks from our studio. Took a tired 1980s office building and turned it into a net-zero showcase.

Challenge

Heritage exterior couldn't be touched, mechanical systems were shot, and the client wanted net-zero on a tight budget.

Solution

Interior insulation upgrade, all-electric heat pumps, rooftop solar, and a ton of daylighting redesign.

Results

91% reduction in energy costs
LEED Platinum certification achieved
Tenant retention went from 60% to 98%
Property value increased 34% in two years

Materials That Matter

What we specify and why. These aren't trendy picks – they're proven performers in our climate.

Mass Timber

BC's got incredible forests and a strong timber industry. CLT and glulam are carbon-negative, structurally solid, and honestly just beautiful to work with. We use it wherever code allows.

Triple-Pane Windows

Yeah, they cost more upfront. But in Vancouver's damp winters? They pay for themselves in five years through heating savings. Plus no condensation means no mold issues down the line.

Reclaimed Everything

Old-growth fir from demolished buildings, salvaged brick, recycled steel – there's so much good stuff getting tossed. We've built relationships with salvage yards across the Lower Mainland.

Mineral Wool Insulation

Fire-resistant, moisture-resistant, made from recycled content, and performs better than fiberglass. It's our default spec for pretty much everything now.

Green Roofs

Vancouver's pushing for these now, and we're here for it. They manage stormwater, insulate, create habitat, and look amazing. Maintenance isn't even that bad if designed right.

Zero-VOC Finishes

Indoor air quality's no joke. We only spec paints, sealants, and adhesives that won't off-gas nasty chemicals. Your lungs will thank us.

Ready to Build Something Sustainable?

Whether you're going for LEED, Passive House, or just want a building that won't trash the planet, let's talk. We've got the experience and honestly, we're pretty excited about this stuff.

Get In Touch