Sustainability Milestones: An International Perspective

Welcome back to Architecture 5 10 20! I’m your host, Guy Geier, Managing Partner of FXCollaborative Architects in New York. My guests for this podcast are pioneers and visionaries shaping the future of the built environment across various disciplines. Join me in exploring their remarkable journeys, discovering how they reach their current heights, and envisioning what lies ahead in the next 5, 10, and 20 years.

I am really excited to have Hugo Lafrance on the podcast for this episode! Hugo is the Director of Sustainability at the international design firm lemay, and he joins me to share his story and unique background starting with a biology degree before moving into the built environment industry. He talks about joining lemay about 9 years ago to lead its sustainability efforts, including big projects like the Phoenix building renovation, and he also explains how lemay developed its “net positive” approach, which looks beyond energy efficiency to consider a wider range of impacts.

We also dig into how lemay’s design teams set priorities differently on each project instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach, with Hugo pointing out how this has helped them spot areas to improve, like gaining a better understanding of embodied carbon in building materials.

Looking ahead, Hugo shares some key sustainability trends that he sees gaining traction such as the circular economy and regenerative design. He stresses the important role architects play in tackling climate change and creating resilient buildings, while also giving insight into the sustainability landscape in Canada - from national net zero commitments to the new building code on the horizon. He also highlights the need for regional strategies that reflect differences in energy grids, resources, and climate impacts across the country!

Overall, our conversation really highlights lemay's holistic, data-driven approach to sustainable design as well as its efforts to push the industry forward on critical environmental and social issues. Enjoy my conversation with Hugo Lafrance!

Time stamps:
[01:50] - Hear how Hugo Lafrance shifted from biology to sustainability consulting, blending ecological passion with construction.
[04:58] - Many still misuse “green” claims, but concepts like circular economy encourage more efficient products.
[06:35] - Hugo asserts that the market has evolved and that contractors progress in sustainability while many still must improve.
[08:59] - Hear how, transforming an abandoned warehouse, lemay proved that old structures can achieve high-performance certifications and awards.
[12:28] - Hugo points out how net positive emphasizes health, climate, and measurable benefits.
[14:42] - Hugo explains how the tool benchmarks projects on health, environment, and carbon, revealing patterns and continual improvement.
[16:34] - It's so important for architects to optimize materials and carbon impacts.
[19:21] - Canada’s 2030 and 2050 net zero commitments drive innovation, momentum, and stricter building standards.
[22:58] - Net positive helps boost climate resilience by shaping designs that can handle future crises like floods, fires, and strong winds.
[25:43] - Hugo predicts that the future points toward circular economies and regenerative design, creating buildings that restore rather than reduce.

Links / Resources:
Guy Geier
Instagram | Twitter

Hugo Lafrance / lemay
Hugo's LinkedIn | lemay Website | lemay LinkedIn