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Brentwood Block: Sustainability

Brentwood Block is an 8-acre masterplan in Metro Vancouver next to rapid transit. The pedestrian-focused, low carbon community will create 3,500 new homes and include a community centre at its heart. By transforming from an asphalted surface parking lot into a pedestrianized public realm, the project aims to be the model for large‑scale walkable developments centred around the human experience.

Grosvenor's 2030 Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment (WGBC)

Brentwood Block will exceed the City of Burnaby's sustainability requirements through 100% electrification of in-suite appliances, space heating and cooling systems, LED lighting and smart thermostats. The project will meet Grosvenor's 2030 Commitment to achieve Net Zero Operational Carbon through efficient envelope design, low carbon systems and renewable energy.

"This low carbon community is predicated on principles of long-term resilience, regeneration, wellness, inclusion, and economic vitality."

Tanja Milosevic, Associate Vice President, Sustainability

Environmental - committed to net zero

Carbon-free homes
(hidden)

3500

New trees planted
(hidden)

300

Reduced parking (vs bylaw)
(%)

20

Environmental highlights

Energy

  • Carbon-free homes powered by clean, renewable hydro-electricity - 100% electric in-suite appliances, space heating and cooling, LED lighting and smart thermostats encouraging reduced energy use
  • Targeting 40% GHGI improvement beyond required BC Step Code 2 Low Carbon

Water

  • 30% water reduction targets through sub-metering and 100% low flow fixtures
  • 90% of all water heating powered by clean, renewable energy

Biodiversity & landscape 

  • Transforming an asphalt surface parking lot into over 4-acres of landscaped, pedestrian-only public realm, including:

- 50,000+ sq. ft. of new soft landscaped area

- 100,000+ cubic ft. of new soil biomass to store rainwater and capture carbon

- 25+ indigenous and adaptive plant species to reduce irrigation demand by 50%  

- 300+ new trees planted to reduce the urban heat island effect  

Transit-oriented development

  • 2-minute walk to Brentwood Town Centre Skytrain Station 
  • 20% reduction in vehicle traffic from the site from reduced parking ratios and transportation strategies:

- 7,000+ bike parking spaces and 200+ throughout the public realm, end of trip facilities, and bike elevators

- 3 new community bike lanes connecting to the Lower Mainland cycling network

- 100% EV parking capability and 30+ community car share stalls

Social

Non-market rental
(homes)

450

Rental homes (vs bylaw)
(%)

250

New Community Centre
(hidden)

1

Social impact

Housing

  • 75% of all homes are rental (250% higher than comparable projects)
  • 450 non-market rental homes

Community

  • 100,000 sq. ft. new Brentwood Community Centre
  • 60 community events hosted by Grosvenor drew 50,000+ visitors to Brentwood Block  (2020-2022)
  • 1,000+ new full-time equivalent jobs created
  • $200,000,000 in municipal fees and taxes, contributing to local community and infrastructure

Arts & Culture

  • $8,000,000+ public art program located throughout the development
  • 250,000 sq. ft.  of curated, community-oriented retail, restaurants and office space
  • 4.5-acre pedestrianized public realm, representing 60% of site area

Governance

2023 GRESB results
(Stars)

4

GRESB Development*
(Ranking)

2

Above peer average
(Points)

14

Governance at Grosvenor

Environmental objectives in North America


  • 2030 WGBC Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment 
  • 4-stars 2023 GRESB Development Benchmark Results 
  • 91/100 Overall Development ranking (14 points above industry peer average of 77)
  • *2nd Ranking for GRESB Development Score within Americas/Non-listed/Core/Closed end (within peer group)
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Principles offer guidance for Net Zero Carbon, Sustainable Buildings, Sustainable Businesses and Communities, Health & Wellbeing, and Nature & Biodiversity objectives


Certain information contained in this page, including, but not limited to, the environment, social and governance targets set within, are forward-looking statements regarding Grosvenor’s goals and objectives, and are based on current expectations, assumptions, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and actual results may differ materially from those reflected within. Grosvenor does not assume any obligation to update such information, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law. 

April 2024.

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