On April 18, 2013, Smith + Andersen and Footprint hosted Eco Jam in support of Trees Ontario, where architects, engineers developers, contractors and treehuggers gathered at Toronto’s Courthouse Nightclub to express their inner Jimi Hendrix and to give back to the planet. The Smith + Andersen jam session showcased talent from some of Toronto’s most well-respected architectural firms and raised funds to help Trees Ontario plant more trees across the province.
Over 400 guests enjoyed electric performances featuring over 30 industry performers from some of the country’s best architect- and engineer-led bands, backed by professional musicians Cadre. Performers included architects from architectsAlliance, B+H Architects, Diamond Schmitt Architects, HOK, IBI Group, Perkins Eastman, Perkins+Will, WZMH and Zeidler Partnership Architects. Attendees were encouraged to make a donation to Trees Ontario.
Sustainable design and engineering have always been a key consideration in Smith + Andersen projects. From their leadership in energy-efficient design to the 2011 formation of the Footprint sustainability division, the firm remains an innovator in the field.
In honour of Earth Week, Smith + Andersen’s Eco Jam acknowledged the importance of trees to the construction industry, and provide support to ensure the future of Ontario forests. Committed to the regreening of Ontario, and addressing the concern that planting levels have decreased by 90 percent since the 1980s, Trees Ontario works with agencies across the province with the goal of increasing planting from 2 to 10 million trees per year. Since 2004, Trees Ontario has planted almost 16 million trees.