This year marks 15 years of Footprint! Over that time, the built environment has changed dramatically, and so has how we think about sustainability, performance, and our role in moving the industry forward.
To mark the milestone, we asked team members across the country to reflect on what they have seen, what they are seeing now, and what makes Footprint what it is today.
1. Sustainability is no longer an add-on
“[Sustainability] isn’t just a passing thought in the background, it is a driver of design decisions where all stakeholders in a project share their knowledge to attain the project goals and requirements.” – Jakub Policht, Senior Project Manager | Vancouver
2. The industry has moved beyond energy alone
“When I arrived in Canada in 2016, all the talk was about energy efficiency…Now, embodied carbon is a part of our common services, it has more wide attention in conversations about GHG emissions, and more people are developing frameworks to study whole life carbon, including structure, MEP, and so on.” – Raf Santiago, Project Manager | Edmonton
3. Carbon cannot be overlooked
“Sustainability is always evolving as we learn more and the industry progresses with advancing codes and product innovations. The most dominant change is the heavy focus on carbon which, with its relation to global warming, is the most important environmental issue we are seeing today.” – Lyle Scott, Principal | Toronto
4. Regulations raised the bar
“What was once largely checklist‑driven is now shaped by overlapping standards, policies, and stakeholder expectations, requiring earlier coordination and more nuanced decision‑making.” – Padraic O’Connell, Associate | Winnipeg
5. Design has evolved with higher performance standards
“Buildings today are different from those built 10 years ago. In cold climates, designs now typically include reduced glazing, improved building envelopes, advanced controls, widespread use of air heat recovery, and increased sub-metering. Overall, design practices have evolved and improved.” – Mohammad Al Masri, Associate | Calgary
6. Measurable outcomes are raising the bar
“I’m also seeing more focus on implementation and measurable outcomes. Clients are looking more closely at decarbonization, electrification, and resiliency, especially across larger portfolios and institutional environments. There’s a stronger push to make sustainability strategies practical, achievable, and integrated into long-term planning rather than treated as a standalone initiative.” – Cindy McCormack, Senior Associate | Toronto
7. Sustainability is not just a buzzword, it’s part of the baseline
“…Sustainability has evolved from a buzzword into a concrete, actionable objective within the built environment. What was once seen as an afterthought is now embedded into the core of how buildings are designed, constructed, and operated.” – Sam Newman, Analyst | Toronto
8. Data and technology are changing how we work
“…AI and smart-building technologies are making it easier to measure, manage, and optimize building performance in real time.” – Amir Darbandi, Analyst | Calgary
9. Sustainability demands coordination, not checklists
“Sustainability in the built environment has broadened significantly over the past 15 years, moving beyond straightforward efficiency measures to encompass a wider range of performance considerations. What was once largely checklist‑driven is now shaped by overlapping standards, policies, and stakeholder expectations, requiring earlier coordination and more nuanced decision‑making.” – Padraic O’Connell, Associate | Winnipeg
10. Whole building life cycle thinking is becoming the norm
“There is a growing focus on embodied carbon and whole building life cycle assessment (wbLCA). It isn’t just reserved for green building rating systems (like LEED and Green Globes) but is now part of Vancouver Building By-Law and Toronto Green Standard requirements, and something many clients are opting for!” – Christina Michayluk, Project Manager | Calgary
11. Technical depth defines the Footprint team
“A very technical, professional, and detail-oriented approach, supported by a strong national team and the S+A team, helps Footprint stand out in the industry.” – Brian Fountain, Technical Specialist | Ottawa
12. Footprint works as one team
Our team fosters a friendly and collaborative environment across the country, built on mutual respect and support for one another. I appreciate being part of a team that values innovation, sustainability, and practical problem-solving while still maintaining a supportive and approachable culture.” – Shaheen Asif, Associate Principal | Toronto
13. Our team goes beyond the basics
“We’re not just energy modellers we are building performance engineers; we have in depth knowledge of mechanical and architectural [disciplines as well].” Tai Lieu, Associate | Toronto
14. Learning is built into the culture
“Footprint is a platform to contribute meaningfully toward protecting nature while continuously growing and upskilling professionally. It feels like a safe environment to thrive, take on challenges, and still achieve personal and career goals.” – Gauri Darekar, Sustainability Specialist | Toronto
15. The work is challenging, and that is the point
“I enjoy the challenge of finding the right solution for each client. Each existing building is a little bit different, therefore the ideal solution for each one is also often different.” – Sarkis Platis, Project Manager | Hamilton