As reported in the Vancouver Courier, Rick Gregory, vice-president of Henson Developments, shifts the conversation away from height when asked about the company’s plans for a 60-storey tower on Nelson Street.

“You can make any buildings you want but the planet is on fire…” he told the Courier at the spring open house for the project before calling attention to what he sees as a key feature of the proposal — the plan to earn Passive House certification.

Passive House is an international standard for energy efficiency focused on creating an airtight structure, having high-quality windows, super-insulation and good ventilation.

“You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem. Up until now, I think I’ve been part of the problem. I drive a car every day, I heat my home with natural gas, so I don’t feel I’ve done my part to address what is a substantial problem that we’re all facing,” he said.

“I don’t want this to sound preachy but you asked me the reason [for building to Passive House standards] and that’s really what’s in my mind, and is driving it from my perspective and the company’s.”

The project, envisioned for a site at 1059 to 1075 Nelson St. near Thurlow Street in Vancouver’s West End, will be among the city’s highest buildings if it’s approved and it also promises to be the tallest Passive House tower in the world.

Keep reading in the Vancouver Courier