Research & Development

The overriding issue of our time is the rapid degradation of the ecosphere. It affects all of us. Recent climate change impact events have served to forcefully inform, if not shock us, into the realization that “systems” originally designed to manage and protect water or air may very well be broken or, at best, not operating effectively. In some case the realty may be worse – the environmental infrastructure may not exist.

Since 1994, GREENLAND^®has been responsible for health & wellness and environmental systems research, including:

Stormwater management facility performance and maintenance;
Surface and groundwater modelling and development web-based information platforms;
Watershed health and stream restoration monitoring tools & best practices;
Remote sensing applications for collaborative river basin protection projects;
Green roof and vegetated or “breathing wall” technologies for new buildings and retrofitted facilities;
Intuitive mobility access systems (incl. “Smart Door” prototype); and,
Design performance verification of Low Impact Development (LID) practices and development of Smart stormwater technologies.

For example, in partnership with other teams, we initiated a research program about a new (yet "natural") water treatment technology for storm water management facilities and waterways. A number of demonstration sites in North America and overseas were identified. Pilot sites were initially constructed. GREENLAND^® was responsible for the monitoring of the Canadian projects and assisted with the preparation of technical publications and conference presentations about the global project findings. The concept for these natural treatment systems is rooted in biomimicry and hydroponics. While these structures are initially being marketed as aesthetically beautiful and able to enhance biodiversity and nurture fish and wildlife, more scientific applications were identified to naturally clean and oxygenate waterways.

Finally, GREENLAND^® was retained to identify alternatives to eradicate invasive fish species in Canadian waterways by using new / existing mechanical and chemical treatment technologies and again to test marketable global products for removing filterable reactive phosphorous from water bodies. Engineering and natural science advice was required on how best to manipulate site-specific problem areas and to design the most effective water body treatment systems, and set of protocols / procedures, while minimizing environmental and property impacts.

Social Media

Client Testimonials

City of Toronto

Mayor David Miller and Members of Toronto City Council extend appreciation to Greenland Group of Companies for your outstanding contribution to the City of Toronto’s Green Roof Technical Advisory Group. As a participant of the City of Toronto’s Green Roof Technical Advisory Board, you have contributed tremendously to its leadership role on climate change and helped support the development of the Toronto Green Roof By-law.

This initiative, the first of its kind in North America, sets the standard in designing sites and buildings across the city that are more environmentally friendly, a key strategy in reducing the effects of climate change.

We thank you for helping our city achieve its vision and goals on climate change – it is this kind of collaboration that makes us proud, prosperous and successful.

Best wishes for continued success.

David Miller
Mayor
City of Toronto
May 2010

Sustainable Buildings Canada

Sustainable Buildings Canada (SBC) has worked closely with Greenland Consulting Engineers (Greenland) as part of the Savings By Design program offered by Enbridge Gas Distribution. The program features an integrated design workshop that exposes builders and developers to the potential environmental and energy performance benefits that can be achieved through a holistic planning process. This includes identifying alternative approaches to site sustainability including low impact development and storm water management.

Inherent in the integrated design process is the need to access experienced and highly qualified individuals and organizations that can identify potential alternative solutions. SBC has a very capable roster of consultants that represent the core expertise required for this kind of expertise. Greenland is one of those organizations, providing critical input related to storm water management, low impact development and site sustainability.

Greenland consulting staff are all extremely knowledgeable and up to date on the various issues related to storm water management and low impact development and have always provided that expertise in a professional manner, recognizing the need to be sensitive to both the needs of the developers and the desire to improve environmental performance. It has been a great pleasure to work with Greenland and we look forward to doing so in the future.

Michael Singleton
Executive Director
Sustainable Buildings Canada
November 1, 2013

Corporation of the Town of Collingwood (Canada)

RE: Town of Collingwood - Master Stormwater Management Final Report

Your team did a great job conveying the output of your work to the Development Committee last night. I think the analysis was well understood by Members, and that there is confidence in the approach you have taken to the work. This topic is very important for Collingwood, and it is great to have this intelligent analysis from which to continue to leap forward.

Sincerely,

Sonya G. Skinner, P. Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer
Corporation of the Town of Collingwood (Canada)
February 15, 2022

Corporate Partnerships & Associations