Building Tomorrow, Responsibly

Look, we're not gonna pretend that throwing up towers is some magical carbon-neutral act. But we've been working our tails off since 2012 to make sure every project leaves the planet a bit better than we found it.

Sustainable Architecture

Real Numbers, Real Impact

Here's what we've actually accomplished - no fluff, just the facts from our completed projects.

42%

Average Energy Reduction

vs. baseline code

38%

Water Use Reduction

through smart systems

89%

Construction Waste Diverted

from landfills

12,400

Tonnes CO2 Offset

annually across portfolio

We Walk the Walk

Certifications aren't just wall decorations for us. Each one represents late nights figuring out MEP systems, arguing with contractors about proper installation, and honestly - a few headaches along the way. But they matter because they hold us accountable.

Green Building Certifications

LEED AP BD+C

Our lead team carries LEED Accredited Professional credentials - been doing this since 2014 and we've certified 23 projects so far.

23 Projects Certified

Passive House

Yeah, it's intense. Airtightness testing can be brutal, but the energy performance speaks for itself. We've got 7 certified Passive House projects completed.

7 Certified Buildings

Living Building

The holy grail. We're working on our second Living Building Challenge project right now - it's ambitious, sometimes feels impossible, but totally worth it.

2 Projects Pursuing

WELL Certified

Because buildings should make people feel good, not sick. We've integrated WELL standards into 15 projects focusing on air quality, light, and wellness.

15 Projects

ENERGY STAR

We benchmark all our projects and push for top-quartile energy performance. 31 buildings hitting ENERGY STAR certification so far.

31 Buildings

Net Zero Ready

Designing for today but planning for tomorrow. All our new projects since 2022 are either Net Zero or ready to get there with minimal retrofitting.

Standard Since 2022

Our Sustainability Journey

It didn't happen overnight - here's how we've evolved over the years

2012

The Beginning

Started AetherCrest with a simple goal - don't build junk that'll need replacing in 20 years. Got our first LEED Gold on a mid-rise residential project. It was messy, we made mistakes, but we learned a ton.

First LEED Project Team of 4
2015

Going Deeper

Decided LEED wasn't enough. Started diving into Passive House standards - which honestly felt like learning architecture all over again. The thermal bridge calculations alone... but worth it.

Passive House Training Energy Modeling 5 LEED Projects Completed
2017

First Passive House Victory

Completed our first certified Passive House - a 12-story residential tower. The mechanical engineer thought we were crazy at first. Blower door test day was nerve-wracking, but we nailed it. Residents' energy bills are ridiculously low.

Passive House Certified 86% Energy Savings Industry Recognition
2019

Embodied Carbon Focus

Started really digging into embodied carbon - all that CO2 from materials and construction. Partnered with suppliers who actually care about this stuff. Began specifying mass timber for projects where it made sense.

Carbon Tracking Mass Timber Projects Material Transparency
2021

Living Building Challenge

Took on our first Living Building Challenge project. Not gonna lie - it's the hardest thing we've done. Red List compliance is brutal, but pushing boundaries is what gets us out of bed in the morning.

LBC Registered Zero Waste Goal Biophilic Design
2023

Net Zero Standard

Made Net Zero our baseline for all new projects. Yeah, it costs a bit more upfront, but operational savings pay it back. Plus, it's just the right thing to do at this point - we know how, so why wouldn't we?

100% Net Zero Ready Solar PV Standard Heat Pump Systems
2025

Circular Economy Integration

Now we're thinking about buildings as material banks. Working with modular systems, designing for disassembly, tracking materials in digital passports. Future-proofing isn't just about energy anymore - it's about adaptability and resource recovery.

Design for Disassembly Material Passports Circular Principles

How We Actually Do It

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy Integration

Every roof is potential real estate for solar panels. We work with structural engineers from day one to make sure the building can handle the load. Geothermal when the site allows it, and we're always pushing for grid-interactive features.

  • Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) where it makes sense
  • Ground-source heat pumps for stable baseline heating/cooling
  • Battery storage systems for peak shaving
  • Smart grid connectivity and load management
Water Management

Water Systems That Make Sense

Vancouver gets plenty of rain - we'd be fools not to capture it. Rainwater harvesting for irrigation and toilet flushing is standard now. Greywater systems when the plumbing layout cooperates. And green roofs that actually reduce stormwater runoff.

  • Rainwater collection and filtration systems
  • Low-flow fixtures (without sacrificing user experience)
  • Greywater recycling for non-potable uses
  • Bioswales and permeable paving where possible
Sustainable Materials

Material Choices That Matter

Concrete's got a huge carbon footprint - we get it. Using mass timber where codes allow, specifying high-recycled-content steel, and working with concrete suppliers using SCMs and carbon capture tech. Also pushing for material reuse from deconstructed buildings.

  • Mass timber (CLT/GLT) for mid-rise structures
  • Low-carbon concrete mixes with SCMs
  • Locally sourced materials to cut transport emissions
  • Third-party verified environmental product declarations
Building Envelope

Building Envelopes That Work

A tight, well-insulated envelope is non-negotiable. We're talking continuous insulation, thermal break details that actually get built right, and triple-pane windows as standard. Quality control during construction is where most projects fail - we don't let that happen.

  • High-performance insulation (R-40+ walls, R-60+ roofs)
  • Triple-pane windows with low-E coatings
  • Air barrier continuity (we test everything)
  • Thermal bridge-free details

Let's Build Something Better Together

Got a project that needs to perform? Want to push the envelope on sustainability? We've been through the trenches and know what works. Let's talk about making your building goals a reality.