Building towards a low carbon future.
We work at the nexus of sustainability, policy, and design.
Origin helps local governments, utilities, First Nations, and private sector clients prioritize, assess, and realize their sustainability goals.
We enable organizations to rethink their relationship with sustainability and climate change, and have extensive experience working with and for local governments and leading organizations across Canada to create innovative sustainability plans and policies. We work collaboratively, pragmatically, and proactively to deliver value to our clients.
What we do.
Climate Action Policy + Planning
We assist local governments, First Nations, and institutions undertake important policy and planning projects such as BC Energy Step Code adoption, electric vehicle strategies, and Climate Action Plans.
Sustainable Design Advisory Services
We provide strategic guidance and coordination for projects, whether it is LEED, Living Building, WELL Standard, or a custom approach.
Strategic Planning + Research
We help organizations think holistically about sustainability, and how to improve their operations and corporate culture to be more sustainability-oriented.
Our recent work.
CleanBC Indigenous Community Energy Coach Program
BC MINISTRY OF ENERGY, MINES AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES
Origin is designing and leading this innovative incentive and capacity building program to improve energy literacy and facilitate heat pump installations in Indigenous communities across BC. The program is a key component of the CleanBC plan.
Climate Lens Policy and Climate Emergency Declaration Response
CITY OF VICTORIA
Origin helped coordinate a response to Council’s declaration of a climate emergency, including robust and ambitious policy recommendations to help the City achieve net zero carbon emissions by the year 2030. The project also included developing an approach to applying a climate lens to all corporate decisions.
Official Community Plan Climate Action Policy
TOWN OF SIDNEY
Origin is working with MODUS, Integral Group and Barefoot Planning on this OCP project in a similar role to that proposed, here. Origin’s role is to establish policies that align with best practices and set up the community for successful climate action, including development policies that encourage low impact, low carbon development, such as BC Energy Step Code and EV readiness requirements.
Who we are.
Devon Miller
Founder and Principal
p: 250.857.4416
e: devon@originplanning.com
Devon is a sustainability planner with nearly a decade of experience working with governments, First Nations and leading organizations across Canada. He has expertise at the nexus of design, policy, and sustainability, with experience working on complex and innovative projects at a variety of scales.
Devon was previously the Community Energy Planner for the City of Victoria, leading on progressive initiatives such as the adoption of the BC Energy Step Code, as well as innovative building retrofit strategies and programs. Prior to that, he led the sustainability practice at Perkins+Will’s Toronto office, working with a variety of clients on industry-leading sustainable design projects. He brings an open, collaborative and pragmatic approach to his projects.
Origin is proud to be a business member of 1% for the Planet!
As a member, 1% of our gross sales go to supporting nonprofits doing great work on environmental issues.
Since launching, 1% for the Planet has certified more than $250 million in suppoort to approved environmental nonprofits.