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Our Green Building

Pioneering Sustainability in Castlegar

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Canada's first certified Passive House - Mass Timber commercial building—using 85% less energy while boosting comfort and productivity.

The Confluence proves green buildings aren't just good for the planet—they're great for people too. Explore our innovative features below.

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What is

Passive House

The world’s toughest energy-efficiency standard — up to 85 % less heating and cooling, super-quiet, fresh air all day.

⧉  Super-insulated walls & triple-pane windows

  Airtight construction (no drafts)

  • Heat-recovery ventilation (fresh air without losing     

     warmth)

  • 85 % lower energy use than typical buildings

  • Comfortable year-round, even in Kootenay winters

Read our full Passive House story & FortisBC award

Mass Timber

Construction

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This isn't just eco—it's a blueprint for future buildings in BC

We used locally-sourced mass timber (from Kalesnikoff in Castlegar) for strength, beauty, and carbon storage—locking away CO2 instead of emitting it

  • Lighter + faster to build than steel/concrete.

  • Warm wood aesthetic boosts mood/productivity.

  • Sustainable sourcing: Supports Kootenay forests and jobs.

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Green Strategies

& Productivity

Our green features don't just save energy—they make you more productive.

  • Natural light + fresh air reduce fatigue (studies show 15-20% productivity boost).

  • Quiet, comfortable spaces for focused work.

  • Eco-vibe inspires creativity (e.g., views of the Kootenays while brainstorming)

Multiple studies show that people working in green-certified buildings report higher satisfaction, take fewer sick days, and even score 26 % higher on cognitive tests — proving sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, it’s great for people too.  

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health at Harvard University, 2017

Awards & 

Our Green Future

Proud winner of the 2025 FortisBC Efficiency in Action Award—recognizing our 85% energy savings.

Passive House-Certified Mass Timber Pioneer:

One of the few commercial buildings in Canada combining Passive House certification with mass timber construction—using local Kootenay-sourced wood for strength, beauty, and carbon storage while achieving 85% lower energy use.

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Model for Sustainable Civic Design

Showcasing mass timber's role in public spaces like ours, where wood's warmth and efficiency inspire community hubs that blend innovation with the natural landscape.

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Greener Mobility Features

New bike racks and an electric vehicle (EV) charging station in our parking lot—making it easier to arrive sustainably and supporting Castlegar's shift toward low-emission transport.

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These milestones aren’t endpoints — they’re invitations to build even greener together.

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Join the

Green Movement

Whether coworking, renting a room, or donating—be part of Canada's greenest hub

Questions? Get in Touch

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