How design drives embodied carbon
Buildings are responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and 23% of a building’s embodied carbon comes from its envelope.

Our report, how design drives embodied carbon, explores innovative strategies to reduce this impact.
Analyzing 44 of our multi-unit residential projects in Toronto, this report highlights the critical role of early design decisions—such as optimizing building forms, refining window-to-wall ratios, and selecting low-carbon materials.
With actionable insights aligned with the Toronto Green Standard, the report serves as a roadmap for those who are aiming to create sustainable, low-carbon buildings without compromising quality.
Special thanks to Jablonsky Ast and Partners, RJC Engineering, Entuitive, Honeycomb, and Salas O’Brien for their invaluable contributions to this study.