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health and wellness

health and wellness

Is Your Space Designed with Consideration to Diverse Health Needs or Abilities?

Reimaging Workplace Wellness

Thinking of Incorporating Sustainable Design in Your Home or Multi-Family Project?

Beginners Guide to Building a Workplace Wellness Program

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matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Feb 1

Did you know?⁠
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More than 1 billion people, (about 15% of the global population), live with some type of disability. Among this population, nearly 200 million individuals experience difficulties in functioning within the built environment. By 2050, the global population of individuals aged 60 years and older is expected to total two billion, while children between the ages of 10-19 years currently make up 16% of the world’s population.⁠
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Buildings host a wide array of individuals from these diverse communities, yet despite the profound impact design can have on who is able to access, use and interact with a space, many environments are not designed with consideration of diverse⁠
individual needs or abilities. Universal design seeks to enhance the opportunity for all individuals to exist independently and comfortably in that space.⁠
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What should be done? Integrating universal design principles is the first step. When you accommodate diverse needs, you create a fully inclusive environment. Spaces and places that are truly inclusive are not limited to compliance with local code. Rather, they invite⁠
diverse individuals to use the space. Universal Design addresses multiple aspects of a built space, including infrastructure, signage, and technologies, and seeks to enhance the opportunity for all individuals to exist independently and comfortably in that space.⁠
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By investing in building upgrades, enhancing amenities, and implementing new initiatives, Building developers and employers are working to cultivate a living and workplace environment that values and supports the health and well-being of its occupants.⁠
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to cultivate a living and workplace environment that values and supports the health and well-being of its occupants.⁠
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Accessibility & Universal Design is an optimization found within the WELL Building. For more information on this topic contact us at info@matthewsdesigngroup.ca

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 30

As a result of recent world events, our homes have become more than just a home for many of us. We now use this space for work, learning, exercise, and maybe even meditation.⁠
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According to recent green building standards, elements that contribute to Healthy Building Interior Design include:⁠
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☀️ Increase access to natural light to improve sleep, mood and more.⁠
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🌿 Bring in natural elements into the space to decrease levels of depression and anxiety.⁠
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☁️ Implement proper air ventilation to improve symptoms of respiratory illness and improve cognitive health.⁠
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Matthews Design Group is proud to be part of the global movement to transform our buildings and communities in ways that help people thrive. For more information on Healthy Building Certifications visit our website - link is in our bio! 🤍⁠
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matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 25

Did you know?⁠
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Poor nutrition remains a top contributor to the global burden of disease, accounting for more than one in every five deaths globally.⁠
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What's the solution? Healthy diets have the potential to nurture human health and prevent several diet-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.⁠
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Let's take this knowledge and make a conscious effort to eat mindfully. Strive to consume locally grown, nutritious food as fuel and energy for our bodies.🍎🥕🍉🥗🍽️

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 23

Tomorrow's Workplace⁠
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We only have to look back at the past ten years or so to understand how much in life and society have changed and how quickly. And there’s more to come with developments that promise to transform how we live and work over the next twenty or so years.⁠
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According to an article by CBRE, work life in the future will have the following features:⁠
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CHOICE: ⁠
The ability to decide where and how you want to work.⁠
ADAPTABILITY:⁠
The ability to adapt work patterns to meet private needs and family commitments.⁠
WORK: ⁠
Entrepreneurship – moving across jobs, contracts, and organizations choosing which to prioritize according to their own personal values and those of the company. ⁠
LOCATION: ⁠
Deciding where we work.⁠
WORKPLACE:⁠
Access to ‘trophy workplaces’ that make going to work an easy, comfortable, or even luxurious experience.⁠
SERVICES:⁠
Services in real-time that respond to peak demands.⁠
WELLNESS:⁠
Emphasizing health and well-being over work.⁠
NETWORK: ⁠
Reliance on an extremely wide network of experts in order to do work. ⁠

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 20

The materials industry has been able to develop and adapt products to satisfy the needs of the market. However, some newly introduced chemicals that pose to be advantageous from a performance or cost perspective, may be associated with negative health effects.⁠
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Selecting products that are devoid of or have reduced amounts of chemicals associated with health concerns may help to prevent exposure to these compounds. While we know that wood is a sustainable material, it is important to understand where our wood comes from to help us reduce the number of trees cut down. The first rule according to an article by EcoHome is choosing “local” wood. Not sure where to find local wood? Here are some options:⁠
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🍃Reclaimed Wood⁠
⁠🍃Shipping Pallets ⁠
⁠🍃Local Shops ⁠
🍃Online⁠
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Check out our blog for more information: https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/articles/part-4-can-material-selection-reduce-hazards-to-occupants/⁠

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 18

Did you know?⁠
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Most individuals around the world do not meet the daily recommended five servings (400 g) of fruits & veg. Insufficient⁠ fruit and vegetable intake is attributed to 5.2 million deaths worldwide.⁠
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We need to increase the availability and accessibility of fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of various diseases and ensure adequate nutrient, micronutrient, and dietary fiber intake.⁠
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Let's take this knowledge and make a conscious effort to eat mindfully. Strive to consume locally grown, nutritious food as fuel and energy for our bodies.🍎🥕🍉🥗🍽️

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 16

Incorporating a wellness program into your organization can harness many health-related benefits. ⁠
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Employers can invest in either short-term or long-term wellness solutions. Typically, short-term solutions are the most cost-effective, and today’s blog post will focus on short-term solutions. Here is a glimpse of some short-term solutions you can implement into your organization: ⁠
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🍃Provide healthy food options (cafeterias/vending machines)⁠
🍃Frequently open windows & blinds⁠
🍃Encourage employees to take regular stretching breaks⁠
🍃Facilitate fitness programs⁠
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To learn more about these short-term solutions for implementing wellness in your workplace, check out our blog post here: https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/articles/beginners-guide-to-building-a-workplace-wellness-program/ 🤍⁠

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 13

What is Design for Well-being? ⁠
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Good design supports the health and well-being of all people. When designing for well-being, the space is created while considering the physical, mental, and emotional effects on building occupants and the surrounding community.⁠
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Wellness focussed designers ask questions such as:⁠
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💙How can the design encourage a healthy lifestyle?⁠
💙How can the project provide for greater occupant comfort?⁠
💙How can the project be welcoming and inclusive for all?⁠
💙How can the project connect people with place and nature?⁠
💙How can material selection reduce hazards to occupants?⁠
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If you want to learn more about this topic check out our blog post: https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/articles/what-is-design-for-well-being/💙⁠

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 11

What is Veganuary?⁠
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Veganuary is an annual vegan diet challenge that takes place throughout the month of January.⁠
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Did you know?⁠
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Full or partially plant-based diets are often heralded as being more environmentally friendly and healthier than meaty diets. Animal welfare is the biggest reason to follow a vegan diet.⁠
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Studies show that people that adopted a vegan diet experienced benefits including increased energy (60%), improved mood (59%), better skin (52%), and a desired change in body weight (48%).⁠
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Would you consider exploring the elements of a vegan diet? 🥕🥬⁠
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Check out this article for more information: https://www.nationalworld.com/lifestyle/food-and-drink/veganuary-2022-what-is-vegan-month-how-to-take-part-and-vegan-food-explained-3514157

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Jan 9

Back to work!⁠
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Our work environment and daily routines have a profound impact on our health influencing everything from our mental well-being to our chronic disease risks. A large percentage of workers are now working from home. With this new normal it is all the more difficult to separate our work lives from our domestic life, therefore, increasing our stress levels. ⁠
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Fitwel has identified several health-promoting workplace strategies and interventions that can be readily adapted to support holistic health while working from home. Here are 7 ways to optimize health:⁠
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1. Connect with Nature - views of nature have a calming effect, which can contribute to reduced stress⁠
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2. Prioritize Daylighting - greater access to sunlight during the workday is associated with higher melatonin levels at night (better sleep)⁠
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3. Build in Regular Activity - decreasing sedentary behavior by taking a walk, using a standing desk, or working out can promote feelings of well-being ⁠
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4. Install Shading Options - having control over the amount of sunlight in your space can increase comfort levels and enhance mental health⁠
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5. Establish Cleaning Schedules - regular cleaning of bathrooms and kitchens can reduce the transmission of diseases⁠ and keep your space tidy for working⁠
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6. Eat Healthy & Stay Hydrated - strive for more mindful eating by ⁠
stepping away from your computer at lunchtime⁠
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7. Integrate Fresh Air - ventilation, can help improve air exchange, and enhance indoor air quality⁠
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To learn more about FitWel click the link in our bio!⁠
https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/services/well-fitwel-certification/

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Dec 23

Season's Greetings from our team at MDG!⁠
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We hope you all have a safe and happy holiday, see you next year ✨❄️

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Dec 21

Did you know?⁠
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Studies show that public art has a host of benefits for communities. Its community-building powers can combat feelings of anxiety and social isolation. When locals participate in creating public art, these effects are amplified. Research has found art to correlate with well-being. ⁠
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Additionally, an active celebration of a place’s culture and a social, economic, and political history reinforces local identity and character. Programming and design strategies that recognize unique aspects of the community and foster a sense of place can also highlight local assets for community members and visitors.

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Dec 19

According to the International Energy Agency, (IEA) electric vehicles may be the solution to decarbonizing road transport. The road transport sector accounts for an alarming amount of global emissions of 16%. As electric vehicles are increasing in popularity and improving in performance, sales have exponentially grown. The IEA predicts that C02 emissions from cars can be put in line with the Net Zero Emissions path by 2050, if the electric car sales growth is sustained.⁠
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Since electric vehicles are not yet a global phenomenon, sales in developing and emerging countries have been slow due to higher purchase costs and a lack of charging infrastructure availability. ⁠
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Have you noticed the recent increase in charging ports around your city? This is because the Government of Canada is actively supporting this transition by making significant investments in purchase incentives and charging stations. By investing in electric vehicle sales, we will be well on our way to Net Zero Emissions by 2050. The Government is also providing rebates on electric vehicles for people who live in British Columbia, find out more here: https://goelectricbc.gov.bc.ca/personal-rebate-offers/passenger-vehicle-rebates/⁠
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For more information on Canada’s Action Plan for Clean On-Road Transportation, check out this link:⁠
https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/publications/canada-s-action-plan-clean-road-transportation⁠
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Article Reference: https://www.iea.org/reports/electric-vehicles

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Dec 16

It is known that freshwater sources are becoming threatened with the passage of time. If the present situation of water does not change and precautionary measures are not taken, then the world will start to run out of fresh water by 2050.⁠
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Rainwater harvesting is a sustainable process that helps in conserving rainwater for different purposes and for future needs as well.⁠
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LEED Rating system has put a special emphasis on Rainwater Management in their SS credit. The intent of this credit is to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site, based on historical conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the region. A rainwater harvesting system equipped with UV Pure disinfection can help you gain LEED points across several categories.⁠
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Learn more about rainwater harvesting here: https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/es-watersheds-pdf/green-stormwater-infrastructure-crd/rainwaterharvestinginfosheet.pdf?sfvrsn=f906b6cd_2⁠
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Media Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/yn-2hKBciQM⁠
Photo by Jade Stephens on Unsplash

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Dec 14

Did you know? ⁠
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Research had found that social inequality causes a wide range of health and social problems, from reduced life expectancy and higher infant mortality to poor educational attainment, lower social mobility, and increased levels of violence and mental illness.⁠
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How can we minimize the impact of social inequality? ⁠
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Providing flexible & accessible community spaces within the community, such as support groups can positively impact the social and public lives of community members. Social cohesion has been positively associated with self-rated health, as well as objective outcomes including stroke and stroke mortality. ⁠
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Design strategies that improve access to shared, public, and democratic social spaces that encourage diverse use and welcome diverse users can help facilitate the social cohesion and trust needed to build social capital. Developers, community stakeholders, and designers should consider how social spaces can be used and integrated into the surrounding environment, who will benefit from these spaces and how the spaces can be designed, redesigned, and operated to promote equitable use across all social sectors and cultures to promote a more civil society.

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Dec 12

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Dec 9

The Community Space in an urban environment serves many functions: it is the center of a District’s activities, assists in orientation, it is an outdoor room for social interaction, and provides variety in recreation and the built environment. Its design should be pedestrian Friendly, create a meaningful Public Realm, which invites use. Adjacent buildings should engage with the Community Space, to ensure it is vibrant and lively.⁠
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Some examples of communal spaces are:⁠
- playgrounds⁠
- parks⁠
- community centers⁠
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If you would like to learn more about incorporating community spaces into your design, contact us at info@matthewsdesigngroup.com

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Dec 7

Did you know? ⁠
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Inclusive architectural design addresses social inequities. Architectural design can be a tool to improve the well-being of all communities. Many architects are exploring how architectural design can respond to the major challenges of our times, including social and economic inequality. They recognize that inequities based on wealth, race, gender, and physical ability are reinforced by patterns of land use and ownership.⁠
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Equitable architecture is proactively inclusive of all people—of different socioeconomic statuses, physical abilities, genders, family types, sexual orientations and gender expressions, races, and ethnicities—and acknowledges the ways architecture and interior design have not served their needs in the past. It focuses on creating affordable and fair housing, healthy and safe communities, and welcoming and accessible public spaces.⁠
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Designing for equity also means putting people first. "Equitable architecture begins with learning about the people we are designing for," says Campos. "As designers, we always start with understanding communities as they are. It informs everything we do." Architectural design that treats all users equally while acknowledging their differences, often called equitable architecture, is a growing field of socially responsible architectural practice.⁠
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Projects that improve social equity through architectural design include cohousing with shared common spaces, schools in low-income neighborhoods that incorporate healthcare services, barrier-free facilities for veterans with disabilities, neighborhoods where vacant ground-floor retail spaces are repurposed for community services, and solar energy cooperatives.⁠
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"Architecture, at its root, shapes lives. It has real social repercussions, so it must be inclusive, " says Brian Price, chair of the graduate program in architecture at CCA.⁠
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For more information check out this article: https://www.cca.edu/newsroom/architectural-design-improves-social-equity/#:~:text=It%20focuses%20on%20creating%20affordable,designing%20for%2C%22%20says%20Campos⁠
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matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Dec 5

Better Your Health & Reduce Your Carbon Footprint⁠
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We all know that bike riding is a beneficial activity for our health, planet, and economies. Since it is a low-impact activity, it can be easily incorporated into your day-to-day lives as a mode of transport, casual activity, or competitive sport. To encourage biking, building owners should consider making bike-friendly buildings a standard practice – suitable for every season. Opting to bike to work rather than driving or using public transport has numerous health and environmental advantages. Here are some examples of the benefits related to bike riding:⁠
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1. Improves your heart health⁠
2. Helps reduce blood pressure over time⁠
3. Can help with weight management⁠
4. Keeps the lungs healthy⁠
5. Improves your mental health⁠
6. People who cycle tend to be fitter⁠
7. Safe choice for older adults as it is a low-impact exercise⁠
8. Most sustainable mode of transportation- environmentally friendly⁠
9. Helps improve motor learning and balance⁠
10. Accessible and easy to pick up⁠
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Check out today's blog for more information on biking: https://matthewsdesigngroup.ca/articles/the-benefits-of-bike-riding/
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Link is in our bio!🚲️❤️

matthewsdesigngroupinc

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Dec 2

What is Regenerative Design? ⁠
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Projects that strive toward "net-zero''-using no more resources than they can produce. For example, net-zero energy projects use no more energy from the grid than they generate on-site. These projects may be connected to the grid, drawing electricity from it at night and contributing energy from onsite renewable energy systems during the day, such that their total energy cost is zero. ⁠
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Other projects strive for carbon neutrality, emitting no more carbon emissions than they can either sequester or offset. Still, other projects are designed to achieve a more even water balance: they use no more water than that which falls on-site as precipitation, or they produce zero waste by recycling, reusing, or composting all materials. Not all projects can achieve those levels of performance. Nevertheless, on average, green buildings save energy, use less water, generate less waste, and provide more healthful, more comfortable indoor environments. A good example of regenerative design is the Vandusen Botanical Garden and Visitor Centre located in Vancouver, BC Canada.⁠
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Contact us for more information on how to improve your space. Advancing human health and sustainability through better buildings through green building certifications.⁠
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Photos: Nic Lehoux / Courtesy: Perkins+Will

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