Friday December 18, 2020 | VICTORIA, BC
by Kiley Verbowski | Island Social Trends | Mary P Brooke, editor
B.C.’s building-sector businesses can now tap into an additional $8 million for projects to accelerate the availability and affordability of low-carbon building solutions.
The funding was announced on December 11, 2020 and is now available through the CleanBC Building Innovation Fund (CBBIF). Low-carbon building solutions include a wide range of energy-efficient developments in the building sector, including advanced building components and designs, new construction methods, low-carbon heating, ventilation and air conditioning (known as HVAC) systems and digital technology solutions.
This newest announcement is the third installment of funding for energy-efficient and low-carbon building by the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation.
“With this fund, we are investing in innovative projects that will reduce pollution and increase energy efficiency in our homes and buildings – and we’re boosting local economies,” said Bruce Ralston, Minister for Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation the second installment in September 2020. “These 13 projects across the province are great examples of how made-in-B.C. innovations are putting us on the path to a cleaner, better future.”
and Low Carbon Innovation.
Distribution of funding:
The CBBIF provides funding to promote building-sector innovation in four separate streams:
- Material, component and system manufacturing ($300,000 to $1 million) – funding to support investment in manufacturing facilities to diversify and expand existing product lines or commercialize new low-carbon product lines
- Digital technology solutions ($200,000 to $500,000) – funding for low-carbon technology development for new or improved digital solutions
- Demonstration projects (up to $250,000) – funding to help offset the incremental capital or operational costs of low-carbon demonstration projects
- Open call for innovations ($250,000 to $500,000) – an open call for other types of low-carbon projects not covered by the other funding streams
Part of the larger economic picture:
This funding is part of StrongerBC, B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan, which sets out the government’s next steps to move forward from the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan outlines new investments in health care, getting people back to work, supporting businesses and helping communities.
The $8 million will support economic recovery by helping to maintain existing jobs and create new jobs as energy-efficient and low-carbon product lines and sales opportunities are developed.
The CBBIF application intake actually opened in mid-November and will close on January 10, 2021. More information, and the application process can be found here.
Building on previous funding success:
prefab home from Winston Homes.
In September 2020, CBBIF announced support to 13 projects throughout the province, amounting to $8 million. This was the second installment, which built on the success of a $1.65 million fund distributed to 13 projects in 2019.
Winton Homes in Prince George was one of the successful 13 projects in 2019, receiving $250,000 to manufacture highly energy-efficient prefabricated wall, floor and roof assemblies suitable for the northern B.C. climate.
CORE Energy Recovery Solutions was another recipient, awarded $200,000 for the development of high-efficiency heat and energy recovery ventilators for moderate and cold climate zones.
