Government of Canada invests $500,000 into B.C.’s Green Building Sector

May 24, 2008

Vancouver, B.C. — The Government of Canada is investing in research being conducted by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) to strengthen the sustainable building technology (green building) sector in British Columbia.

Mark Warawa, Member of Parliament for Langley, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification today announced federal funding of $500,000 toward expansion of applied research and demonstration projects of green roof and living wall technologies. 

“Canada’s diverse climate is the perfect environment to test and improve the development of green roof and living wall technologies,” said MP Warawa. “The research outcomes will build a green technology legacy for the next generation of Canadians.”

The funding from Western Economic Diversification Canada will allow the British Columbia Institute of Technology Centre for Advancement of Green Roof Technology to continue to expand its activities.  Green roofs and living walls incorporate the use of vegetation with building envelope materials to produce environmental, economic and social benefits. For example, the major components of green roofs include plants, a growing medium such as soil, a layer of drainage, a root barrier and other materials.  Benefits of green roofs and living walls include reduction of energy consumption, improved air filtration, and refreshing city landscapes.
 
“This support from Western Economic Diversification will help move our green roof research forward in new and exciting ways,” said Don Wright, President of BCIT. “At BCIT, our applied research activities directly involve industry so that we can work together to bring solutions to business. This funding and the support of our industry partners will help bring new ideas to architecture, design, construction and more.”

The program’s activities will include research and demonstration projects around living wall technology, expanding green roof research into various climate zones, developing industry partnerships, and securing support equipment for demonstrations. 

In 2003, BCIT formally opened its Centre for the Advancement of Green Roof Technology. The new facility provides space to advance green roof research, technology and policy development in the Metro Vancouver region and ultimately supports the development of a green roof industry in B.C.  With the green building industry continuing to gain momentum, funding of research programs such as these is critical.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy and to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.