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J U N E 2 0 2 4 | 47 Sustainable Design A D O B E S TO C K Trailblazing trends and bold visions in sustainable design by NATALIE BRUCKNER T oday, sustainable design isn't just about buildings – it's a dynamic force reshaping our world. From inception to demolition, it revolutionizes every phase of construction. It's the heartbeat of an industry in constant motion, driven by a relentless pursuit of environmental harmony, adaptability, and human flourishing. Fuelling this unstoppable force are passionate experts dedicated to advancing our understanding and implementation of sustainable design. Together, they're pioneering solu- tions that not only elevate architecture and construction but also redefine our relationship with the environment. RJC Engineers is a perfect example of this. RJC continues to be at the forefront of sustainable design practices, integrating cutting-edge principles and guidelines to enhance climate resilience and reduce carbon footprints. Leveraging resources like BC Housing's Climate-Ready Housing Design Guide and the Climate Resilience Guidelines for BC Health Facility Planning & Design, RJC meticulously evaluates hazards and embeds climate readiness consider- ations early in project development. Terry Bergen, managing principal with RJC, stresses the importance of utilizing these guides to inform proposals, facilitating thorough hazard identification, and providing actionable recommendations during schematic design. Committed to low carbon and zero carbon building standards such as the Zero Carbon Step Code (ZCSC) in B.C. and the CAGBC Zero Carbon Building standards, RJC adeptly integrates these frameworks into their designs, ensuring sustainable practices from conception to completion. As a signatory of SE2050, RJC has embraced a holistic approach to sustain- ability, catalyzing internal initiatives to align with those goals. Through comprehensive awareness programs and revisions to internal design guidelines, RJC Engineers embeds sustainable practices into every facet of their projects. This commitment extends beyond compliance, "empowering RJCers to recognize the pivotal role they play in reducing the lifetime carbon footprint of buildings." Bergen underscores the transformative potential of their efforts, envision- ing a future where sustainable design becomes synonymous with responsible engineering practices. As he reflects, "Just think, in a near net-zero or net-zero operational building, the carbon embodied in the structure may represent as much as 90 percent of the building's lifetime carbon footprint – in this context our efforts can have the greatest positive impact on carbon reduction of any aspect of the building." RESILIENCE RISING Trends may come and go, but those with a lasting impact only continue to thrive and grow. "At Parkin, we're witnessing two key trends in sustainable design: decarbonization and resilience," explains Haritha Bothireddy, associate, architect at Parkin Architects. "While achieving net zero emissions in buildings is crucial, ensuring a sustainable future requires more than this alone." Bothireddy highlights the growing emphasis on resilience, which involves preparing for future challenges such as pandemics and power outages. Bothireddy cites examples like the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement project, which aims to become Canada's first CaGBC Net Zero Carbon Design hospital and the first all-electric hospital in B.C. This project integrates innova- tive decarbonization and resilience measures, including a 75 percent reduction in GHG emissions, enhanced resilience design, and backup power provision. Another standout project is the Western Memorial Regional Hospital, featur- ing an expansive geothermal system as its primary heating and cooling source. "This sustainable solution eliminates the need for rooftop cooling towers, reduc- ing both acoustic and visual impacts on the building design by creating quieter environments inside and out," Bothireddy notes. LEAP FORWARD With the increasing focus on sustainable design, there of course come chal- lenges, as Lindsay Oster, principal architect at Prairie Architects, explains: Shaping Tomorrow's Skyline

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