A new building material exchange (BMEx) program developed by Light House has launched on Vancouver Island.
Light House, an organization focused on advancing circular practices in the built environment, created the BMEx program to help reduce waste management costs and the number of valuable construction materials in landfills.
“BMEx is for any business in South or Central Vancouver Island that has a surplus of building or design-related materials they don’t need,” said Gil Yaron, managing director, Circular Innovation, Light House. “Their perfect match is out there – a local business or organization that is seeking more affordable materials. Through BMEx, we’re making these connections possible while reducing landfill costs and creating an opportunity for paired businesses to get their hands on high-quality, raw materials for a fraction of virgin material costs.”
The program is free to sign up and participate in and will see businesses in and around Nanaimo, Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Duncan and the surrounding islands with excess, unused, or salvaged building and/or design-related materials are matched through the BMEx program with others in need of affordable, high-quality, local resources to begin or complete projects.
Materials accepted through BMEx include—but are not limited to—concrete, aggregates, asphalt, metal, wood, glass, carpet, doors, flooring, drywall and fixtures. More information and organizational examples will be showcased at BMEx Challenge events in November.
Lighthouse also plans to launch BMEx Marketplace, an online platform designed for the exchange, donation and acquisition of excess, unused and salvaged materials.
“BMEx Marketplace will include a custom interface for those involved with building materials, so they can list what they have and find what they need fast,” said Yaron. “The online community will be vetted to ensure confidence in the exchange materials and partners, with detailed product profiles. A resource hub will include educational content like articles, guides and best practices for sustainable construction, material reuse and waste reduction.”
The BMEx program is funded by the Regional District of Nanaimo’s zero waste recycling fund, the Capital Regional District, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
