Sustainability Commitment | Valaryn Forge Quinth Architecture

Our Philosophy on Sustainable Design

Look, we've been in this game long enough to know that the greenest building is usually the one that already exists. But when you're creating something new or restoring what's old, there's a ton we can do to minimize impact while maximizing longevity.

87%

Energy Reduction Avg

Across our retrofit projects, we're hitting an average of 87% energy reduction compared to pre-renovation baselines. That's not just good for the planet - it's cutting operating costs dramatically for building owners.

92%

Material Salvage Rate

When we're restoring heritage buildings, we salvage and reuse over 92% of original materials. Those old-growth timbers and hand-made bricks? They're irreplaceable, and they've got decades more life in 'em.

One of our urban revitalization projects - transformed a 1920s warehouse into a net-zero commercial space

Certifications & Affiliations

We don't just talk the talk - we've got the credentials to back it up

★

LEED Accredited

Multiple team members hold LEED AP credentials across various specialties

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CaGBC Member

Active members of Canada Green Building Council since 2012

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Passive House

Certified Passive House designers on staff

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Net Zero Ready

Trained in Net Zero energy building design standards

How We Approach Each Project

01

Site Assessment & Context

We start by understanding what you've already got. Every site has its own microclimate, existing vegetation, solar orientation - ignoring these is just throwing money away later.

02

Material Selection

Local sourcing wherever possible. We've built relationships with suppliers who get it - reclaimed materials, low-embodied carbon options, stuff that'll actually last beyond the warranty period.

03

Energy Modeling

We run the numbers early and often. Computer simulations help us predict performance before anything's built, so there're no nasty surprises when the utility bills start coming in.

04

Water Management

From rainwater harvesting to greywater systems, we're finding ways to reduce municipal water demand. In heritage projects, we're often dealing with original drainage systems that just need smart upgrades.

05

Indoor Air Quality

People spend 90% of their time indoors, so yeah, this matters. Low-VOC materials, proper ventilation design, natural daylighting - it all adds up to healthier spaces.

06

Long-Term Adaptability

We design for change. Buildings need to adapt over their lifespan, so we're building in flexibility from day one - whether that's modular systems or spaces that can shift use without major renovations.

Why Heritage & Sustainability Go Hand-in-Hand

Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough - preserving old buildings is inherently sustainable. The embodied energy in existing structures is massive, and tearing 'em down to build "green" from scratch often doesn't make environmental sense.

We've spent years figuring out how to retrofit heritage buildings with modern efficiency without compromising their character. It's a delicate balance, but when you get it right? You've got a building that honors its history while performing better than most new construction.

The best part is watching these old structures get a second life. Buildings that were headed for demolition become community anchors again, using a fraction of the resources a new build would've required.

Real Numbers from Real Projects

We track performance data on all our projects. Here's what we're seeing:

Energy Use Intensity Reduction

72%

Water Consumption Decrease

64%

Construction Waste Diverted

89%

Locally Sourced Materials

78%

Let's Talk About Your Project

Whether you're looking to breathe new life into a heritage building or create a modern space with minimal environmental impact, we'd love to hear what you're working on.

Every project starts with a conversation - no pressure, just exploring what's possible and whether we're the right fit for what you need.

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