Smith + Andersen

Introducing Footprint: Taking S+A to the forefront of sustainability

For many years, S+A has incorporated sustainability as a major consideration in its projects. Through this time, the role of sustainability has shifted. Our experience has taught us that sustainability isn’t simply a responsibility – it’s a tangible asset that contributes to the overall value of a project. We realize that sustainability must play an increased role in our work. And that focus can’t be limited to engineering – it has to embrace the broader scope of sustainability issues. Our answer is Footprint – a new S+A firm dedicated exclusively to helping clients develop the most appropriate sustainability strategies for their projects. Our challenge was to find the right leader – someone with proven sustainability credentials, combined with the right people skills to make this firm an invaluable resource for the industry. We found our leader in Lyle Scott, P.Eng, LEED AP BD+C. Lyle brings an expertise honed over 15 years in sustainable design, and through his extensive industry experience in facility management, development and consulting. At Footprint, sustainability isn’t an agenda; it’s a mindset that has the ability to help transform a project. Footprint’s role is to act as a catalyst – to ask the right questions and put forward solutions that advance the overall vision of a project. Contact Lyle to see how Footprint can enhance your approach to sustainability at 416 218 7025 or lyle.scott@sa-footprint.com.

What are the keys to making a new project more sustainable? First and foremost, start by listening – understand the other project success factors. That allows you to search for ways to make sustainability achievements turn into wins in other areas. If sustainability is supporting other initiatives it is more likely to be maintained through a value engineering process… I like the term smart sustainability – I don’t like to propose things that don’t make long-term sense. How has the industry’s approach to sustainability shifted over your career? Sustainability used to be a bolt-on solution – product and equipment upgrades or substitutions made in an effort to try to improve the project after the design was complete. This has been replaced with an integrated design approach where the entire design team works together to try to create the best solution. At what stage of the process should sustainability begin to be addressed? As early as possible. Our industry has come to realize that some of the largest gains in sustainability are made at the planning stage. The proximity of where we choose to live, work and play is very important not only to our health but also to our impact on the planet.

S+A has a proven track record as a leader in the area of sustainability. Our knowledge and awareness of sustainability issues can be seen in the work done on these featured projects. We are now looking to incorporate that learning and experience into Footprint.

KINNEAR CENTRE, BANFF, AB read more >		EDMONTON SOUTHWEST read more >		ALLSTEEL TORONTO read more >
JAMIESON PLACE, CALGARY read more >		NHS HEALTH CARE COMPLEX read more >		MINTO SKYY TOWERS read more >