The Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) in partnership with the City of Vancouver , Passive House Canada and the Open Green Building Society has announced the launch of the Vancouver Zero Emissions Building Centre of Excellence (the Centre), a collaborative platform to strengthen the public, private and civic capacities to deliver zero emissions buildings.
As host of the Centre, VRCA will work closely with many key partners as well as industry stakeholders that have voiced their support for this initiative.
The mission of the Centre is to rapidly accelerate the capacity and enthusiasm of local developers, designers and builders to deliver cost-effective, attractive, zero emissions new residential and commercial buildings in Vancouver. Recognizing that knowledge, inspiration, and the building industry itself is not confined to municipal boundaries, the Centre aspires to learn from both local and global leaders and to expand its mission to support zero emissions building across the province.
“The development and launch of the Centre aligns perfectly with our association’s strategic direction to foster an environment that encourages collaboration, innovation and continuous learning across the industry,” says VRCA president Fiona Famulak. “We’re excited to work with our many partners to bring Canada’s first ever Zero Emissions Building Centre of Excellence to life.”
The Centre will be located at the Hive, 128 W. Hastings Street, Vancouver. Helen Goodland of Brantwood Consulting will serve as interim executive director. An official launch of the Centre is planned for summer 2018.
“Vancouver is fortunate to have an innovative and courageous building industry,” says Gil Kelley, general manager of Planning, Urban Design, and Sustainability for the City of Vancouver.
“I am excited that the city could help to establish this Centre where zero emissions industry leaders from across British Columbia and from around the world will share information and lessons learned in developing cost effective, attractive, zero emissions buildings. Our aim is to create healthier, more comfortable and sustainable homes while creating opportunities for local workers and industry to thrive.”
