When I first started in construction, “green building” was a niche idea. It sounded expensive, complicated, and—if I’m honest—a little idealistic.

But fast forward to today, and the reality has changed. Sustainability isn’t a nice-to-have anymore. It’s becoming an expectation. From homeowners to municipalities, people are asking better questions about energy use, materials, and long-term impacts. And as builders, we need to be ready with better answers.

The Myth of the “Perfect” Green Project

One of the biggest myths I see is that sustainable building has to be all or nothing. That you need solar panels, passive house certification, and reclaimed wood just to start.

The truth is, you don’t need to overhaul your entire operation overnight. You just need to start somewhere. And you need to be intentional.

At BestLife, we’ve taken an incremental approach. We’re not perfect—but we are progressing. And that matters.

Here’s Where We Started

1. Site Planning: We work with the land, not against it. That means smarter orientation, preserving trees when we can, and minimizing unnecessary grading.
2. Envelope Efficiency: High-quality insulation and triple-glazed windows might not sound sexy, but they’re game-changers for long-term energy use.
3. Durable, Low-Waste Materials: We prioritize materials that last—and we reduce cut-site waste by planning smarter.
4. Vendor Conversations: Sustainability starts with our supply chain. We’ve had real conversations with suppliers about sourcing, delivery frequency, and even packaging.

Are we using cutting-edge tech on every site? No. But we’re making choices every week that will outlast us—and that’s the point.

Sustainability is Risk Management

This isn’t just about doing the right thing. It’s also good business. More and more investors, municipalities, and even insurers are factoring sustainability into how they evaluate projects.

In other words: the greener you build, the more competitive—and resilient—you become.

And in places like Muskoka, where the natural environment is part of what makes our communities thrive, it’s even more critical. We can’t afford to separate construction from conservation.

Advice for Builders Who Want to Do Better

If you’re a builder looking to lean into sustainable practices, my advice is simple:

• Start small and do it well.
• Be transparent with your clients—people value effort and honesty over empty claims.
• Find one champion in your crew or company who cares about this stuff and let them lead a few pilot changes.

You don’t need to change everything all at once. But you do need to change something.

Because in 2025 and beyond, sustainable building isn’t a trend. It’s the baseline.

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About the Author
 Ben Jardine, P.Eng., is the founder of The BestLife Group, a purpose-driven construction and development company based in Muskoka, Ontario. With a focus on long-term impact, Ben is passionate about building communities—and doing it in a way that respects the land we call home.