Toronto, Canada— Lemay, one of Canada’s leading architecture, planning and design firms, has laid out a rigorous Net Positive framework to maximize the firm’s considerable influence on the key determining factor in human health: the built environment.
Addressing the urgency of climate change, Lemay’s Net Positive approach proposes sustainable strategies and metrics at every stage of the firm’s projects. Going beyond traditional environmental certifications, it aims to transform urban environments to the benefit of their users and the community.
“Protecting the environment doesn’t have to cost more,” said Louis T. Lemay, president and excellence facilitator. “Our projects are proof that they can be sustainably developed for the same capital costs as comparable projects. The Net Positive approach also gives projects greater social acceptability, which generates more ROI and boosts market value.”
Lemay Net Positive focuses on three critical areas:
Promotion of user health
- Using eco-friendly materials, maximizing indoor air quality and natural light, integrating biophilic and active design (etc.)
Environmental protection
- Managing stormwater responsibly, reducing heat islands, protecting green spaces and developing biodiversity (etc.)
Carbon emissions reduction
- Performing carbon quantification and life-cycle assessments, reducing carbon footprint, increasing resiliency, adapting design to climate change (etc.)