Award

J U N E 2 0 2 5 | 53 Sustainable Design Strategies R EN D ER I N G CO U RT E S Y PA R K I N / I N A SS O C I AT I O N W I T H ZG F A RC H I T EC T S; P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y M AC ' S I I AG EN C I E S refining materials, and enhancing internal pro- cesses, the firm is at the forefront of sustainable structural design. As we move into somewhat uncertain times. Rory Roberts, director of sustainability at Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers, points to advancements in construction materials and emerging technologies that present both challenges and opportunities in sustainable structural engineering. "With earlier engagement in projects, we can better integrate low- carbon solutions, optimize material selection, and refine construction sequencing to reduce environ- mental impact," he says. "The more we apply these strategies, the more data we gather – allowing for increasingly informed decisions that drive meaning- ful carbon reduction. Beyond design, we look forward to collaborating with contractors, municipalities, and policymakers to accelerate industry-wide prog- ress in accelerating sustainability efforts." SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES Sustainable design today demands flexibil- ity, especially as firms navigate an increasingly unpredictable landscape. "Like many industries, the design and construction industry is facing challenges ahead with cost and supply-chain uncer- tainties," says Lindsay Oster, architect at Prairie Architects Inc. "Increasingly, clients are looking to source Canadian materials and systems, and archi- tects are having to come up with innovative and flexible solutions in order to meet budgets and pur- chasing policies." Oster explains that Prairie's sustainable projects often rely on a supplier's U.S. manufacturing plant locations, which are closer to Winnipeg than other plants in Canada. However, pivoting for the short- term future will be necessary. "Although having to source Canadian products presents challenges for sustainable projects when it comes to emissions-related carbon for transpor- tation, the door has been opened a bit wider for low-embodied carbon products and systems such as mass timber," explains Oster. "So, from a sus- tainable perspective, it's exciting to see how the financial and geopolitical challenges can align with low-embodied carbon considerations." SUSTAINABLE HEALTHCARE DESIGN Sustainable healthcare design is also rapidly evolv- ing, with evidence-based design (EBD) principles at the forefront. Parkin is leading this shift, ensuring that environmental responsibility enhances both patient care and staff well-being. The Cowichan District Hospital Replacement on Vancouver Island is a prime example, designed to meet LEED Gold and the Net Zero Carbon Building Design Standard. This project integrates energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials, and mass timber construc- tion – an approach backed by research showing that natural materials reduce stress and support recov- ery. By incorporating optimized daylighting, air quality improvements, and noise-reducing strate- gies, the hospital prioritizes wellness at every level. As the first fully electric hospital in B.C. and the first in Canada to target net-zero carbon, it sets a national precedent for high-performance, climate- adaptive healthcare facilities. "The Cowichan District Hospital is setting a new standard for sustainability in healthcare, not just in Canada but globally," says Melinda Lobo, asso- ciate at Parkin. "This project demonstrates that sustainability isn't just about reducing environ- mental impact; it's about creating spaces that truly support people." As the architecture world navigates the challenge of balancing sustainability with cost, advance- ments in geothermal energy, AI-driven modelling, and biophilic design are making carbon-neutral healthcare a reality – proving that environmentally responsible choices and human-centred care go hand in hand. INFLUENCE OF AI As the healthcare sector embraces artificial intelli- gence (AI), it is becoming a key driver in sustainable design and operations for the future. With more than 75 percent of healthcare organizations already investing in AI, the technology is poised to revolu- tionize patient care, operational efficiency, and the design of medical facilities. But integrating AI isn't just about adopting new technologies – it's about building sustainable, future-proof systems that will evolve alongside these advancements. According to Alexandra Faugeras and Pier Vettorazzi, leaders of Introba's medical equipment planning (MEQ ) team, adopting AI in healthcare facilities is a crucial step toward long-term sustain- ability. One of the primary challenges is ensuring that infrastructure can accommodate the vast amount of data AI systems generate. By designing facilities with the capability to support AI-driven technologies, hos- pitals can avoid costly disruptions in the future. For example, planning for additional wireless networks or reinforcing floors for heavy AI-powered equipment ensures that hospitals can integrate new technologies seamlessly and efficiently. Moreover, AI can help hospitals reduce energy usage and optimize space. By facilitating flex- ible, multi-purpose rooms, AI enables healthcare facilities to adapt to changing needs, making bet- ter use of available space while minimizing their environmental footprint. In this way, AI is not only transforming patient care but also helping to create more sustainable, adaptable healthcare environ- ments for the future. LIGHT ME UP Sustainable lighting design is another rapidly evolv- ing area, and Chris Brams, principal at Mac's II Agencies, sees 3D printing as a game-changer. "This 3D printing phenomenon is set to take off. I attended Cooper Lighting's kickoff meeting in February, and the progress in just one year has been incredible. "They've expanded into new categories, including 3D-printed track lighting. What was once die-cast metal is now customizable plastic, offering unique textures and colours – some mimicking basket weave or glass. Even canopies are being 3D-printed, broad- ening manufacturing possibilities. This is a clear sign of where the industry is heading." Mac's II Agencies has also recently partnered with LightArt, a leader in decorative and acoustic lighting that embraces 3D printing and sustainability. "Their Ocean Coil line, created with Oceanworks, incorpo- rates recycled ocean plastics, including discarded fishing nets. The seafoam green and white blend gives the pendants a refined, organic glow that highlights their recycled origins," says Brams. LightArt's advanced recycling process breaks plas- tics down to a molecular level, allowing for infinite reuse – far beyond the two or three cycles of tradi- tional recycling. They even offer a buyback program, ensuring fixtures left behind in vacated spaces are fully recycled into new products. "There's so much happening in sustainable light- ing, and it's exciting to see the industry embrace these innovations," says Brams. MEETING EFFICIENCY STANDARDS And finally, as the demand for higher energy effi- ciency grows, other new technologies are stepping up to the challenge. Advancing energy efficiency in new construction projects is becoming more achiev- able with the introduction of high-performance systems like dual fuel rooftop units. These units combine the power of an electric heat pump and a gas-fired burner, providing both heating (electric or gas) and cooling (electric only), offering a unique solution for reducing energy consumption and cut- ting greenhouse gas emissions. FortisBC has been working with consultants to better understand how these units operate across B.C.'s diverse climate zones. Their research shows that these units can achieve system efficiencies greater than 100 percent, setting a new standard for energy performance. As part of their commitment to improving sustainability, FortisBC is offering rebates of up to $150,000 per qualified unit. A Cowichan District Hospital, Duncan, B.C. 3D-printed Ocean Coil pendant lamp.

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