Insights

Navigating sustainability in new developments is an important consideration. Yet the topic of sustainability can quickly become overwhelming with evolving standards. From the BC Energy Step Code to the National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings (NECB) and even Passive House methodologies.   

Many clients express an interest to integrate sustainable practices into their construction projects but are unsure where to start. Establishing a clear understanding of sustainability requirements early in the design process not only lays the foundation for a successful project. But in turn helps avoid costly rework, budget overruns and missed deadlines. In the following sections, we explore three key strategies that can help build long term sustainability in your developments.  

1. Defining clear sustainability goals early

Ambiguity can set back sustainable developments. To overcome this challenge; owners, design teams and funders need to collaborate from the beginning to establish clear and actionable sustainable goals. Whether adhering to the BC Energy Code, NECB or Passive House standard, these objectives should:  

• Align with the funders’ requirements – Funder expectations often determine which standard to follow, particularly for projects on reserve or in specific jurisdictions. 
• Fit the project’s budget – Capital costs can be a concern when adopting higher-performance standards, so ensuring that sustainable measures are planned within the available budget is critical. 
• Match the operational capabilities of the end user. High-performance buildings may require advanced operational knowledge. If the building’s future users are unfamiliar with these systems, training or simpler alternatives may need to be considered. 

Initiating these conversations early not only streamlines the process but also ensures that all stakeholders remain aligned throughout the project.  

2. Choosing the right sustainability standard for your project  

Navigating the different standards can feel intimidating but selecting the right one can have a lasting impact on a building’s performance and user satisfaction. We will compare some of the most prominent standards:  

When deciding on which standard consider factors such as local industry familiarity, long term operational savings and the end user’s ability to manage the building effectively. The right choice for your project will ensure that the building performs optimally for years to come.  

3. Balance capital and operational costs for maximum ROI 

Sustainability in construction often raises concerns about higher upfront costs but these investments can deliver substantial returns through reduced operational expenses over time. When weighing sustainability choices, it is good to consider the following:

• Capital costs vs operating savings – while a higher performance standard may increase initial costs, it’s important to ensure these disbursements yield measurable savings in energy usage or maintenance over the building’s life cycle. For example, Passive House buildings, despite their higher upfront costs, often offset these through significantly lower monthly energy bills.  

• User operation needs – complex systems can create barriers for users that are unfamiliar with advanced building technologies. Simpler and more intuitive designs may be more sustainable in practice.  

• Local supply chains – ensuring that they chose standard doesn’t overcomplicate suppliers’ selection or limit access to skilled contractors that are familiar with the methodology.  
• Finding the right balance ensures the project is sustainable not only in design but also in day-to-day operation.  

Building long term sustainability into new developments requires early planning, informed decision making and collaboration among all stakeholders. By setting clear goals, selecting the appropriate standard and balancing cost effectively; developers can create projects that are not only environmentally responsible but practical and cost effective.  

The key is to embed sustainability into the foundation of your project from day one. Our team can help support navigating the complexities of sustainable development. Whether you need guidance on standards, funding alignment or operational planning, we are here to help. Connect with us or email contact@bridgedevelopment.ca.