Award

J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 51 Sustainable Design Strategies R EN D ER I N G CO U RT E S Y D I A M O N D S C H M I T T + V I S M O risks, costs, and needs of each project," explains Veronica Owens, senior direc- tor, sustainability, WSP Canada. One emerging trend that WSP is seeing is a focus on embodied carbon, par- ticularly within mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. WSP is at the forefront of this shift, developing digital workflows and tools to help clients understand the supply chain impacts of their system choices. "WSP is develop- ing in-house digital workflows and tools to clarify the supply chain impacts of system selection," says Owens. One example of WSP's work is their involvement in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Centre for Plant Health in B.C. The project integrates climate-resilient design strategies that focus on long-term sustainability. Despite the growing emphasis on sustainability, Owens acknowledges that clients often face challenges such as capital costs and affordability. However, there are opportunities to overcome these hurdles by re-framing ROI metrics, exploring modern construction methods, and leveraging asset management strategies. "Innovation in these areas offers opportunities that merit further investigation," she concludes. ARCHITECTUR AL TRENDS As municipalities and cities set ambitious embodied carbon targets, archi- tects must strike a balance between sustainability and functionality. Caroline Inglis, architect at Diamond Schmitt Architects points to The City of Vancouver's Marpole Community Centre as an example of how these goals shape design. Targeting a 40 percent reduction in embodied carbon by 2030, the project reflects Vancouver's push for lower-carbon construction. "It's exciting to see lessons from this project influence policy and guide future developments," says Inglis. But sustainability doesn't come without challenges. The City's mandate to main- tain green space and future flexibility for the park challenged the team. To offset this, the design prioritized encouraging active and public transportation and other low-carbon strategies including, but not limited, to the use of mass timber. "There's always a balance," Inglis explains. "At Marpole, we couldn't com- promise on the program or function. As a community and childcare centre, it needed to feel open and inviting. But large openings make Passive House targets harder to reach." The solution lay in the form itself. By keeping the building's geometry restrained, the team reduced the exterior envelope, optimizing energy perfor- mance, while ensuring the space remained functional and welcoming. It's this kind of strategic design that is shaping the future of sustainable architecture – where meeting carbon goals means knowing where to push and where to adapt. SUSTAINABLE STRUCTUR AL ENGINEERING Harrison Glotman, principal at Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers, high- lights the growing awareness of embodied carbon in the structural engineering sector as well. "More conversations are happening earlier in the design process, which is a positive step toward meaningful carbon reduction," he says, adding that integrating sustainability from the outset – not as an afterthought – often leads to both carbon and cost savings. Glotman Simpson's approach to sustainability is grounded in education, research, and continuous innovation. By collaborating with industry leaders, Marpole Community Centre, Vancouver, B.C. www.parkin.ca Toronto Ottawa Vancouver toronto@parkin.ca ottawa@parkin.ca Vancouver@parkin.ca Providing Sustainable Solutions. Parkin Architects.indd 1 Parkin Architects.indd 1 2025-04-22 9:53 2025-04-22 9:53 Proudly contributing to a more sustainable approach to building in the prairies.

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