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.
Federal funding of $500,000 and a $25,000 research grant will enable the expansion of applied research and demonstration projects of green roof and living wall technologies. The announcement was made today by 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 and on behalf of the Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development.
"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 outcome of this research will help to 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. BCIT also received a $25,000 grant under Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation External Research Program to conduct research on the benefits of green roofs with respect to storm water runoff, roof deck thermal performance and space conditioning energy savings. 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.
For additional information, contact:
Donna Howes
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel: (604) 666-1318
Cell (604) 505-6616
Email: donna.howes@wd.gc.ca
Allison M Markin
Media Relations Manager
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Burnaby, BC
Office: 604.432.8773
Cell: 604.836.6700
Email: allison_markin@bcit.ca
