What is the Project?
Recollective is a values-driven, B-Corp certified sustainable & high-performance building consulting firm. Happiness Up, Carbon Down!… At its core, this project in the Architecture design & planning industry is about green building, showcasing a firm that works on integrated design facilitation, zero carbon strategies, passive house standards, step code, LEED, WELL, and advanced building simulations. With extensive experience on over 750 green buildings across North America and having successfully completed more than 110 LEED certifications, the firm exudes a commitment to sustainable development. This project is now part of CIMA+ and continues to push boundaries by consulting on over 100 active green building projects – a staggering portfolio spanning more than 30 million square feet of development.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
The benefits of the project are evident in groundbreaking results and impressive milestones. These key figures and facts summarize the strength and reliability of the project:
- Experience on over 750 green buildings
- Completed over 110 LEED certifications
- Delivered more than 200 energy models
- Conducted over 75 embodied carbon analyses
- Currently consulting on over 100 active green building projects
- Totaling over 30 million square feet of development
Integrated Design and Sustainable Excellence
This project stands as a beacon of high-performance integrated design facilitation. With a spectrum ranging from zero carbon strategies and passive house design to LEED and WELL certifications, the consulting firm has not only excelled in meeting current green building standards but consistently sets new benchmarks. It boasts an 8-project certification at the Platinum level. Among these are Tesoro, Galt Street Flats, Eastpark, Centre of Excellence, Offices at Newton, Creekside Community Centre, The Athletes’ Village Net Zero Building, and the Metro Vancouver waste-to-energy facility – each exemplifying the firm’s relentless drive for sustainable excellence.
A Comprehensive Multi-Disciplinary Approach
The project brings together a multifaceted team capable of supporting a project from every possible angle. With a blend of in-house talent and external collaborators including experts in facilitation, design, engineering, building science, building simulations, quantity surveying, commissioning, airtightness, art, and even psychology – the project captures a holistic approach rarely seen in the industry. This multi-disciplinary foundation not only strengthens the project but also nurtures an innovative environment where every detail is meticulously handled… This collegial collaboration ensures that the pursuit of green building goals is both nuanced and all-encompassing.
Environmental Leadership and Social Impact
The project’s leadership extends beyond its impressive certification and technical achievements. It serves as a significant contributor to sustainable land-use strategies, green building guidelines, and policies for municipalities. Strategic consulting services have been provided on initiatives like the Green Building Strategy for the City of Albuquerque, a Carbon-Neutral and LEED Gold Strategy for BC Housing, and a Green Building Renovation by-law for One and Two Family Dwellings for the City of Vancouver. Its role as LEED project application reviewers for the CaGBC and its involvement as instructors for UBC, CaGBC, and Cascadia have allowed it to impart in-depth knowledge on integrated green building design. With membership in Passive House Canada, both Canada and US Green Building Councils, the project champions continuous education and advocacy in the green building movement.
Commitment to Community and Global Sustainability
This project is not merely about construction and certification; it also represents a deep commitment to community service and environmental stewardship. With a certified B-Corporation status since 2013, it has met rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. A record of being awarded Best for Environment for four consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019) reinforces its dedication to addressing environmental challenges through innovative business practices. The project’s active volunteer engagement on local, national, and transnational green building committees and boards of directors proves that its influence stretches far beyond individual projects, contributing holistically to the green building movement.
Project Impact and Linked SDGs
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Global Collaborations and Future Vision
Positioned on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples – including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations – the project embraces a forward-thinking vision that integrates respect for history, cultural collaborations, and future sustainability. It continues to attract global collaborations and remains dedicated to evolving environmental standards, pushing new limits in green building consultation. This dynamic endeavor not only exemplifies the current state of green building innovation but also lays the groundwork for inspiring future projects, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of the industry… A harmonious blend of rigorous standards, innovative design, and committed community partnerships drives the vision further, reflecting the essential ethos of “Happiness Up, Carbon Down!”
