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 Spaces 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.

Sustainable Design Elements

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 in some new developments.

CLV Group is also focused on office-to-residential conversion projects like The Slayte, which uses an existing structure and transforms 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.

Future Trends in Urban Green Space 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.