Good architecture is sustainable architecture

We believe that the ultimate goal of green building design is not to reduce its impact on the environment but to actually enhance the health of the environment. In this regard, netzero energy and nontoxic cradletocradle material selection are two principles the industry needs to move toward.

Our team has a depth of experience in building science and sustainable design. Known for having designed the first LEED Gold commercial building in Canada, LGA's work emulates the resourcefulness of natural systems while emphasizing a holistic approach. First principles include optimization over maximization, leveraging interdependence, integrating cyclic processes and being locally attuned and responsive.

Longterm sustainability can only develop from deep reflection with the community and stakeholders this is the fundamental premise of the Integrated Design Approach that we bring to every project at LGA. We work with various stakeholders throughout the design process to formulate clearly defined sustainability performance metrics that bring value to the client, achieving occupant comfort, operability and affordability.

Our inhouse Building Science & Sustainability Team and LEED AP staff maintain bestpractices on all projects. They are able to target any aspect of sustainable design from energy use to air quality, and continually perform indepth material research to conserve resources, reduce pollution and lower embodied energy use.

Featured Sustainable Work

Sunnyside Supportive Housing LEED Silver
St. Mildred's-Lightbourn School LEED Silver
Bridgenorth Library & Community Hall LEED Certified equivalency
Euclid Avenue House First residential green roof in GTA
Kitchener Public Library LEED Gold*
Laurentian Architecture LEED Gold equivalency*
E'terra Eco Lodge First LEED Gold building in Canada
Grandview House LEED Gold*
Cree Village Eco Lodge pre-LEED
Stanley Park Community Centre CBIP
Streets to Homes Assessment & Referral Centre TGDS
* in progress

Case Study ↑

The Kitchener Public Library addition/renovation pictured above is targeting LEED Gold. Our Integrated Design Process analyzed the Life Cycle Costing of various systems, including:

Maximum reuse of existing building
Highly insulated envelope: glass skin, windows & roof
High efficiency heating system & heat recovery ventilator
Rainwater harvesting cistern
Green roof & white roof to reduce heat island effect
Natural, local and low VOC materials
Passive solar orientation & massing
Passive ventilation
Recycled slag in concrete superstructure