As Binder is an industry leader in innovation and customer service we pride ourselves on our sustainable practices.

The structural elements of a sustainable building must be built to high standards, employing the best construction strategies. The project, the teams involved including design and final product must function properly together to create an integrated whole that will be sustainable, functional, durable and beautiful. A successful sustainable building makes the best possible use of the given site, materials, client needs and available knowledge and resources. Sustainable buildings are unique in many aspects of their design. They must be well-integrated into the environment, incorporate passive solar aspects, and use a range of low-impact foundation and drainage strategies. Materials must be selected to create an appropriate balance between thermal performance, building mass, day-lighting and aesthetics must all blend together to provide a practical, functional, beautiful and healthy environment.

The Killam Lab at the University of Alberta is a 1911 vintage structurethat was completely renovated by Binder to provide office & meeting spaces for three departments. Portions of the second floor were removed and reinstated. Skylight systems, exterior windows replaced along with new mechanical & electrical systems. Duncan Binder our president is well underway to his LEED certification.

Although new technologies are constantly being developed to complement current practices in creating greener structures, the common objective is that green buildings are designed to reduce the overall impact of the built environment on human health and the natural environment by:

• Efficiently using energy, water, and other resources
• Protecting occupant health and improving employee productivity
• Reducing waste, pollution and environmental degradation

A similar concept is natural building, which is usually on a smaller scale and tends to focus on the use of natural materials that are available locally. Other related topics include sustainable design and green architecture.