The BCIT Centre for Ecocities advances the transformation of cities to become socially just and ecologically sustainable. We do this through applied research, education, advisory services, and tool development for municipalities and other stakeholders.
A legacy of the 2019 Ecocity World Summit in Vancouver, the Centre anchors the global leadership of BCIT in the restructuring of cities to reduce their carbon and ecological footprints while simultaneously regenerating natural habitat.
The Centre adds new capabilities to assess a city’s energy and materials requirements relative to climate stability thresholds and ecological carrying capacity. As well, it identifies the top actions a city and its citizens can take to close the sustainability gap, through urban restructuring and changes in lifestyle related to food, buildings, consumables and wastes, transportation, and water. This approach leverages BCIT’s world renowned research in building science, including green roofs and living walls, smart micro-grid technology, and ecological restoration.
Kathy Kinloch, Past President, BCIT“There are few more pressing issues today than helping humanity find ways to lighten its ecological footprint and live within the planets ecological carrying capacity. The Centre will contribute applied research, tools and training to help cities, in Canada and around the world, meet this essential challenge.”
Our vision
The Centre for Ecocities advances the transformation of cities to become socially just and ecologically sustainable. We work to create a world in which humanity lives within the Earth’s carrying capacity.
Our mission
To help cities and communities close their sustainability gap.
