Sustainability - Silva Rithen Quinth Architects

Why We're Obsessed with Sustainability

Look, we'll be honest—when we started this practice back in 2008, "green building" was still kinda niche. Fast forward to now, and it's not just about slapping some solar panels on a roof and calling it a day.

We've watched Toronto grow and evolve, and honestly? The buildings that'll still matter in 30 years are the ones designed with actual environmental intelligence. That means thinking about energy use, material sourcing, water management, and yeah—how people actually live in these spaces.

Our approach isn't about hitting some arbitrary green rating (though we do that too). It's about creating buildings that cost less to run, feel better to inhabit, and don't leave a massive carbon footprint for the next generation to deal with.

87%

Average energy reduction vs. standard builds

42

LEED certified projects delivered

100%

Carbon offset commitment on new projects

Certifications We Actually Care About

We've got the credentials, but more importantly—we know how to use 'em

LEED Accreditation

Our team holds multiple LEED AP credentials across different specializations. We've guided projects from Silver to Platinum—and we know which strategies actually deliver ROI vs. which ones just look good on paper.

Passive House Certified

Yeah, we're nerds about building envelopes. Passive House is probably the most rigorous energy standard out there, and we've completed 8 certified projects that barely need heating or cooling.

Living Building Challenge

This one's intense—buildings that generate their own energy, treat their own water, and use zero red-list materials. We've got two projects pursuing this certification right now.

Net Zero Carbon

We're committed to the Canada Green Building Council's Net Zero pathway. Every new project we design aims for net-zero operational carbon by default—not as an upgrade.

Real Projects, Real Impact

LEED Platinum Net Zero Ready

Riverdale Community Hub

This 32,000 sq ft community center in East Toronto was a game-changer for us. The city wanted a gathering space that wouldn't drain their utility budget, and we delivered something that actually generates more energy than it uses during shoulder seasons.

94%

Energy use reduction

$42K

Annual utility savings

180 tons

CO2 offset yearly

78%

Recycled materials used

Key features: Geothermal heating/cooling, 85kW solar array, rainwater harvesting system, daylighting throughout, locally-sourced timber structure

Passive House Heritage Restoration

The Junction Lofts

Converting a 1920s warehouse into modern residential units while hitting Passive House standards? Yeah, that was a fun puzzle. We kept the brick facade and timber beams everyone loved, but completely reimagined the building envelope and systems.

91%

Heating demand reduction

0.6 ACH

Airtightness achieved

100%

Original brick preserved

24 units

With <$30/mo heating bills

Key features: Triple-glazed heritage-style windows, HRV system with 92% efficiency, super-insulated walls with original exterior, radiant floor heating, on-site greywater recycling

LEED Gold WELL Certified

Greenfield Tech Campus

A software company wanted their office to reflect their values—and they actually meant it. We designed a 4-building campus that's basically a park with buildings in it, complete with bioswales, native plantings, and a building management system that learns from occupancy patterns.

88%

Less water use than baseline

3.2 acres

Native habitat restored

Zero

Stormwater runoff

45%

Better air quality metrics

Key features: Green roofs on all buildings, permeable paving, EV charging infrastructure, occupancy-responsive lighting and HVAC, on-site composting, bike facilities for 200+ cyclists

How We Actually Do This

Our process isn't magic—it's just paying attention to details most folks skip

Energy Modeling

We run energy simulations from day one—not as an afterthought. This means we can test ideas digitally before committing to expensive systems that might not deliver.

Material Sourcing

We've built relationships with suppliers who get it—low-VOC finishes, FSC-certified wood, recycled content, and local sourcing whenever possible. No greenwashing, just actual transparency.

Passive Strategies First

Before we spec any fancy mechanical systems, we optimize orientation, window placement, shading, and natural ventilation. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones.

Water Management

Rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, low-flow fixtures, and native landscaping that doesn't need irrigation. Water's gonna be precious—we design like it already is.

Smart Building Tech

Building automation that actually makes sense—not just bells and whistles. We integrate systems that learn from real usage and optimize accordingly, cutting waste without anyone noticing.

Post-Occupancy Analysis

We don't just hand over the keys and disappear. We track actual performance vs. predictions, learn from what works (and what doesn't), and use that data to make the next project even better.

Let's Build Something That Matters

Whether you're aiming for a specific certification or just want a building that won't cost a fortune to operate, we've been there. Let's talk about what's actually possible for your project.

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