By Grayson Benett
We only get one earth, which is why growing businesses and building infrastructure should always come with taking care of the environment. Luckily, there are lots of firms offering the best environmental consulting in Calgary.
Today, we’ve listed tips along with the best consulting firms in the city. We also have a cost guide and a FAQs section to help you prepare for your consultation.
Table of Contents
How Much Do Environmental Consultants Charge in Calgary
The cost for consultations usually depends on the size, history, and location of the site. The duration of the service can also play a part in the final quotation.
Since it’s difficult to provide a quotation without your exact site details, we’ve listed potential starting prices for each service, instead. Here are some of the costs you can expect from environmental consultants.
| Type of service | Expected starting costs |
| Phase I | $2,000 |
| Phase II | $5,000 |
| Environmental audits | $2,500 |
| Environmental management | $3,000 |
| Recycling permits | $1,900 |
| Sustainability analysis and reports | $5,000 |
| Sustainability certifications | $2,500 |
| Sustainability training | $1,000 |
The Best Environmental Consulting Firms in Calgary
We only listed firms with licensed and knowledgeable professionals. We also noted whether or not they’re a part of relevant associations such as:
- Associated Environmental Site Assessors of Canada Inc. (AESAC)
- Alberta Institute of Agrologists (AIA)
- Association of the Chemical Profession of Alberta (ACPA)
- Association of Science & Engineering Technology (ASET)
So, go ahead and just choose which firm closely meets your project goals, budget, and other preferences.
1. Anderson Environmental
| SERVICES | Phase I ESA, Phase II ESA, Phase III ESA, reclamation, restoration, remediation, risk management, BIA, EIA, wildlife and vegetation surveys, soil surveys and assessments |
| WEBSITE | https://andenviro.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 259 Midpark Way SE Office #205, Calgary, AB T2X 1M2 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 808-1826 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Since 1992, Anderson Environmental’s team of environmental and biological consultants has been serving Western Canada.
As a pioneer in the industry, it has the expertise and experience with many different clients. So far, it has handled projects for mining, oil & gas, agriculture, real estate, and other industrial and commercial businesses.
For clients in need of building new infrastructure, Anderson does habitat offset and compensation planning, as well as Phase I through Phase III of environmental site assessments (ESAs).
This environmental consulting firm also caters to those in need of real-time assessments that can get them out of legal trouble. That’s because Anderson also does environmental (EIA) and biophysical (BIA) impact assessments.
With it being a part of the AESAC and AIA, Anderson guarantees high-quality and up-to-date advice. And speaking of advice, Anderson Environmental even provides free consultations!
But since it serves companies in as far as Toronto, it may be difficult to book with Anderson.
Luckily, you can request an appointment with them conveniently online. But you may find it difficult to share your site plans with them initially since its online forms can only handle uploads below 12 MB.
Pros
- Free consultations
- Member of AESAC and AIA
- Full range of environmental services
- Expertise in handling projects from numerous industries
Cons
- Too wide service range
- Contact forms have an upload limit of 12 MB
Customer Reviews
Anderson Environmental is compliant not only with government regulations but also with strict deadlines and client needs. At least, that’s what we’ve heard from reviews such as these:
“Jason was great to work with. He was helpful in meeting tight timelines and keeping in touch through the process for our environmental reporting. Great experience to have.”—GL Electrical
“My firm worked with Jason Anderson to get a Phase 1 ESA for a large inner city project. His price and timeline were excellent.”—Maria Sprengler
2. Applied Aquatic Research Ltd
| SERVICES | Planning, watercourse and wetland crossing and reclamation, soil survey and conservation, identification and sampling, surface and groundwater management and monitoring, wildlife and vegetation inventory, surveys, historical resource impact assessments (HRIA) |
| WEBSITE | https://www.appliedaquatic.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 1929 10 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3C 0K3 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 294-0488 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Now, if you’re looking for the best environmental consulting in Calgary for water-related issues, then Applied Aquatic Research (AAR) can be a great option.
AAR has qualified aquatic environmental and wetland specialists, and authenticating professionals with years of experience in the industry. It also works actively with NGOs and the government.
With its team, AAR delivers a range of services. This firm does historical resource impact assessments, environmental planning, and watercourse reclamation designing for those who are still starting a project.
While most of its services are applicable for pre-construction, AAR still offers maintenance services like monitoring. And to help companies stay compliant with environmental laws, AAR does control, inspection and inventories, and reclamation support services.
Most of its services center on protecting its clients and the environment. But AAR also takes care of its employees by carrying a total of $10 million of insurance, subscribing to ISN health and safety standards, and having the Certificate of Recognition (COR) for Workplace Safety.
Pros
- Expertise in aquatic biology, hydrology, and water services
- Full range of environmental services
- High-value general liability insurance and automobile insurance
- COR-certified and active subscriber of ISN online
Cons
- Experience is limited to a few industries
- No online appointment forms
Customer Reviews
Here are some reviews to tell you more about what Applied Aquatic Research may give you and your project:
“Exceptional Environmental consultant locally owned and operated right in the heart of Calgary. Provides professional biologist that specialize in aquatics, wildlife, vegetation, and soil. Services include pre-construction field surveys, construction monitoring, and regulatory approvals.”—David Egan
“Amazing team over there. Have dealt with these guys many times over the last year or two and they always give the best customer service. Highly recommend.”—Melissa Rose
3. Environmental Diagnostics Inc.
| SERVICES | Phase I ESA, Phase II ESA, risk management, mitigation & remediation, indoor air quality, soil vapour evaluations, compliance, compliance testing & monitoring, HAZMAT & radon testing |
| WEBSITE | https://environmental-diagnostics.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 5050 106 Ave SE # 140, Calgary, AB T2C 5E9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 212-3888 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Environmental Diagnostics Inc (EDI) is yet another long-time environmental consultant for Western Canadian multi-residential, commercial, and industrial properties.
This firm mostly does land evaluations and ESAs, covering all phases of this process. It even provides free additional reliance letters for you to submit to concerned parties.
What makes it special is that it tests air quality, soil vapour, and even hazardous chemicals (HAZMAT) and radon in-house. EDI does these services not only to ensure safety during demolitions and constructions but also for long-term monitoring in commercial and industrial buildings.
It makes all these services possible because it has a large team of scientists, engineers, and technologists. Besides, EDI’s team has some of the few experts who are part of the Canadian Association of Radon Scientists and Technologists (CARST).
All of these provide EDI with the credibility for just about any environmental concern.
But the real deal with EDI is that it provides free consultations and quotes. And you’ll definitely need this if you have any questions for them because their website’s FAQs page doesn’t really answer much.
Pros
- Reliance letters at no extra cost
- Member of CARSAT and numerous other associations
- In-house air quality and HAZMAT testing
- Long-term and short-term testing options
- Free consultation and quotation
Cons
- Too wide service area
Customer Reviews
Environmental Diagnostics may only have a few reviews, but most of them have praised it for its expertise and professionalism. Here are some reviews to tell you more:
“Always professional and provides practical solutions for our site development issues.”—Andrew Wallace
“I have been using Environmental Diagnostics for at least five years now and never disappointed. They are professional, on time and I always pay what I am quoted no surprises. I strongly recommend!”—Najel Salem
4. 3 Point Environmental
| SERVICES | Building certifications, commissioning, energy modelling, sustainability studies and planning, policy development, training and workshop |
| WEBSITE | https://www.3pointenvironmental.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 808 42 Ave SE #135, Calgary, AB T2G 1Y9 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 404-0040 | [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
3 Point Environmental does energy simulations using advanced computer software to determine building performance. This service then helps contractors and owners adjust deadlines, budgets, and project scopes accordingly.
3 Point’s one of the best environmental consulting in Calgary because it ensures that projects attain numerous green building certifications. Whether LEED and Net-Zero Design, Fitwel, BOMA BEST, or BuiltGreen High Density, 3 Point can handle it.
With knowledge and expertise in numerous building certifications, this consulting firm caters mostly to multi-residential and commercial clients.
To ensure the quality and safety of its services, 3 Point boasts of its COR certification, APEGA permit, and Canada Green Building Council and IFMA memberships.
Additionally, 3 Point does feasibility studies to create solid management plans for your building. To go a step further, 3 Point also does policy detailing for air quality, waste management, habitat protection, and green procurement.
The best thing about 3 Point Environmental is that it also does training and workshops. With this service, its client companies can also create their own compliance and sustainability departments in time.
Pros
- Advanced energy simulations
- Expertise in numerous green construction certifications
- Training and workshops available
- Full range of environmental services
Cons
- Relatively small team
- Online contact forms are not as detailed
- No environmental assessments
Customer Reviews
Aside from its expertise in energy and sustainability efforts, 3 Point Environmental is also praised for its excellent customer service. Here are some of the reviews that will tell you so:
“3 Point Environmental is a flexible, professional consulting firm with extensive knowledge in environmental design and LEED project execution. They are well trained individuals that go above and beyond to mentor and guide project teams with systems that have proven success. I would recommend 3-Point to anyone as they have been a pleasure to work with.”—Nicholas Peloso
“A great team with extensive knowledge. Always a pleasure to work with!”—Josh Watts
5. Northshore Environmental Consultants
| SERVICES | Remediation, reclamation, emergency spill response, air quality testing, methane and MSAPR services, assessments, emissions quantification and reporting, corporate consulting |
| WEBSITE | http://www.northshoreenv.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 12143 40 St SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 228-3095 |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
North Shore Environmental Consultants does assessments not only for pre-construction phases but also for annual audits. It helps companies avoid any sanctions because it’s updated on all regulations and has strong relations with provincial and federal regulators.
Aside from ESAs and remediations, it also does emissions quantification, air quality, methane reduction, and multi-sector air pollutants (MSAPR) services.
North Shore even takes these services a level higher as it uses thermal measurement gas detection cameras, which are among the most advanced equipment for quantifying emissions.
But what really sets North Shore apart is that it does emergency spill response. With its 24/7 hotline, North Shore can respond in the shortest amount of time possible to avoid further ecological damage.
However, there are also a few things we found detrimental about North Shore. The first is that it caters to all of Western Canada, making Calgarians only a portion of its target clientele.
Next, it doesn’t have online booking forms. So, your chances of booking them for appointments may rely on your ability to reach their hotline.
Pros
- Advanced equipment for gas detection
- 24-hour hotline for emergencies
- Available for annual compliance audits
- Strong relations with indigenous communities and federal regulators
Cons
- Too wide service area
- No online appointment forms
6. Birdseye Environmental Ltd.
| SERVICES | Wildlife Assessments, Vegetation Assessments, Wetland Assessments, Pre-Disturbance Assessments, Environmental Impact Assessments, Regulatory Compliance, Spill and Release Response |
| WEBSITE | http://birdseyeltd.ca/ |
| ADDRESS | 81 Silverado Skies Cres SW Calgary, AB T2X0J6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 475 3285 / [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm |
Birdseye Environmental Ltd is an environmental consulting firm that provides a wide range of wildlife flora and fauna assessments, inventories, and monitoring services. True to their name, their approach involves a big picture perspective in safe work environments in all services that they offer.
Their website is informative and organized in a way that clients can know the company’s approach and inclusions of their services as well. Both innovative and reasonable, their strategies are flexible and are largely based on the environmental and regulatory conditions they are assessing.
Some services are however seasonal and available for months a year only whilst most are available all-year-round. No price rates and packages are readily available for clients to avail of but they can request services individually online on their website.
All of their contractors and employees are fully insured and has had around at least 12 years in the industry already and makes it to a point to follow safe work training standard in the area during all jobs.
Pros
- Comprehensive service descriptions
- Easy to navigate website
- Effective approach
Cons
- Price ranges not readily available
- Operating hours unclear
What Environmental Consulting Firms Do
In general, environmental consultants ensure that their client companies are compliant with federal and provincial laws and regulations. Specifically, they:
- Conduct field and desk-based research and report findings to the concerned parties
- Assess water, soil, and air quality and contamination levels
- Recommend actions to ensure environmental health and safety
- Audit environmental compliance
- Testify for or against parties in environmental liability cases
- Advice on handling of chemicals and biohazards
- Draft waste management, environmental, and sustainability policies
With these services, their client companies can maintain health and safety while also avoiding any sanctions or fines.
Most companies seek environmental consulting firms before construction. Others continually work with these consultants for energy and environmental audits and policies.
FAQs about Environmental Consulting
And that concludes our list of the firms for the best environmental consulting in Calgary. So, contact one now to avoid any potential violations in the future.
We made our list as thorough as possible. But if you think we missed out on any other firms, feel free to inform us!
Waste management is also one of the key aspects of environmental care. If you’re worried about your waste policies, then try calling up the best waste management contractors in Calgary to help you out.
