Green Spaces and Urban Places: Sustainable Features at CLV Communities

In an increasingly urbanized world, the importance of green spaces in cities cannot be overstated. These vital areas not only provide residents with a place to connect with nature but also offer significant mental and physical health benefits. In this blog post, we explore how CLV Group is leading the charge in building and managing sustainable purpose-built communities by embracing innovative design elements that prioritize both people and the planet.

The Role of Green Building Design in Urban Areas

Green spaces can have a huge impact on people’s mental and physical health, especially in urban environments. Access to nearby parks and community gardens can help people feel connected to their communities and encourage mental wellness, giving people much-needed vitamin D from the sun and clean air.

In the past, CLV Group has added beehives to the roofs of residential communities and has installed outdoor dog runs to improve available greenspace in managed buildings with access to usable outdoor areas. Our property management team maintains these spaces and encourages residents to enjoy and embrace them. 

On the development side, we have focused on rooftop patios and lounge areas featuring gardens and greenspace for residents. Our projects are also mass-transit-oriented, striving to build near transit nodes and public transit so residents gain easier access to larger parks or other outdoor amenities.

Features of a Sustainable Building

CLV Group is committed to including sustainable design elements in both our developments and the properties that we manage. This includes:

• Using smart, Wi-Fi programmable thermostats to regulate temperature in hot Canadian summers and cold winters;
• Using smart Energy Star appliances to make an efficient use of energy in kitchens;
• Installing energy-efficient windows to avoid losing heat to a cold winter;
• Improving boiler systems to high-efficiency boilers;
• Reusing waste heat through micro-cogeneration;
• Installing solar lights for energy efficiency and resident safety;
• Electric vehicle charging stations are being installed in some new developments to meet the property’s demands.

CLV Group is also focused on office-to-residential conversion projects, such as The Slayte and 360 Laurier, which use an existing structure and transform it to give it new life. Repurposing an old structure instead of demolishing and rebuilding can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and allows us to recycle, repurpose, or donate materials like wood and cabinets. New appliances, upgraded electrical infrastructure, better windows, and EV charging stations can also be added to make these projects more sustainable.

The Economic Case for Green Building Design

Beyond the environmental benefits, green buildings present compelling financial advantages for property owners and developers. 

• Sustainable building strategies can significantly lower long-term ownership costs by reducing utility bills through enhanced energy efficiency and smart systems.
• Technologies such as programmable thermostats and cogeneration systems can support environmental quality. 
• Green retrofits and upgrades are increasingly seen as smart investments, attracting tenants who prioritize sustainability while improving indoor air quality.
  • With Canadians spending approximately 90% of their time indoors, air quality can become a growing concern among residents.

Renewable Energy and Efficiency in Construction

Innovative design and construction choices are redefining the built environment. CLV Group integrates renewable energy sources, like solar-powered lighting, while leveraging energy recovery systems to optimize HVAC performance. 

Additional technologies such as LED lighting, variable frequency drives, and even geothermal heating help buildings function more efficiently and with fewer emissions. 

Combined with efficient construction practices, these approaches conserve natural resources and lower operational costs, making every unit more affordable to manage and more appealing to live in.

Sustainable Building Choices That Make a Difference

Sustainable developments don’t just focus on energy, but also prioritize responsible water use through features like rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling. By managing consumption wisely and respecting local construction materials regulations and ethical sourcing practices, green buildings support broader climate goals, such as reaching net-zero targets while also enriching residents’ quality of life.

Future Trends in Sustainable Development

The integration of green spaces in urban developments is not only essential for enhancing the quality of life for residents but also aligns with the future of sustainable city living. CLV Group’s commitment to incorporating green design elements, such as energy-efficient systems and outdoor amenities, reflects our forward-thinking approach to urban development. As we continue to innovate, including trends like vertical gardens and smart technology, the impact of these efforts will help shape healthier, more connected, and sustainable communities.s we continue to innovate, including trends like vertical gardens and smart technology, the impact of these efforts will help shape healthier, more connected, and sustainable communities.