Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

BCIT is investing in sustainability innovation, as exemplified by the Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART), aimed at exploring cost-effective technologies for Canada’s evolving electricity grid. We support natural health and food products research, and universal accessibility solutions for people with different physical abilities.

Nationally, BCIT is known as a leader in building science, including envelope technology, zero emissions, green roofs, and living walls. We also lead in ecological restoration, renewable energy and vehicle electrification, forensics research aimed at preventing human trafficking, new approaches to fostering sustainable business, low-cost solutions for filtering drinking water using bio-char, and non-destructive strength tests for building materials.

Understand Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (Primary)

Education & Research

Innovative solutions to real-life problems

BCIT has an impressive track record in sustainability applied research, driven both by the Schools and by the Centre for Applied Research and Innovation (CARI). These activities seek to create a “solution space” for industry.

Current successes are highlighted throughout the SDG pages and include:

the Smart Microgrid Applied Research Team (SMART) has been conducting strategic research in the area of Smart Microgrids, advancing the state of the electric power Smart Grid at national and international levels.
the Factor Four project, focused on achieving a fourfold (75%) reduction in materials and energy use without compromising building service levels, and
the Centre for Architectural Ecology, designed to educate and train the next generation of students and local professionals in leading- edge green roof, living wall, and green façade technologies.

We will extend our support for such efforts and will identify new areas for investment while working closely with our industry partners. Consistent with BCIT direction, we will embed these activities throughout our education model to strengthen outcomes in student learning and practical application.

The news-feed at the bottom of this page links to the latest BCIT news stories on innovation and Applied Research.

Students innovating to solve real-world problems

Students go head-to-head for cash prizes allocated to innovative projects and ideas

Related programs

Explore the program and course catalogue

Architectural and Building Technology

Full-time

Diploma

Architectural Science

Full-time

Bachelor of Architectural Science

Building Science

Full-time/Part-time

Master of Engineering

Civil Engineering

Full-time

Bachelor of Engineering

Construction Management

Full-time/Part-time

Bachelor of Technology

Electrical Engineering

Full-time

Bachelor of Engineering

Interior Design

Full-time

Bachelor of Interior Design

Mechanical Engineering

Full-time

Bachelor of Engineering

Sustainable Business Leadership

Full-time

Advanced Diploma

Engagement

An innovation hub bringing together city staff, students, faculty and community

CityStudio Vancouver is an innovation hub that brings together city staff, students, faculty and community to co-create experimental projects that make Vancouver more sustainable, liveable, joyful, and inclusive. Created in response to Vancouver’s plan to become the greenest city in the world, CityStudio Vancouver was founded to accelerate sustainability in higher education and provide students with direct opportunities to work in and with the city on urban challenges.

Every year, BCIT collaborates with CityStudio on projects that further Vancouver’s strategic aims. In the first ten years of partnership, 1,561 BCIT students collaborated with CityStudio.

Browse the BCIT student projects

Teaching & learning innovation

Innovating for the future requires a variety of learning tools and techniques. We must create environments that free up the ability to experiment, explore and discover what could become the next big idea.

The largest initiative in our 55-year history, the INSPIRE Campaign is transforming the BCIT campus into a dynamic new learning environment where solutions to our most urgent challenges are born, tested and readied for the world.

Get INSPIRED

Administration & Operations

Canada's first education-sector recipient of the Envision Gold award for sustainable infrastructure

The North Campus Infrastructure Project (NCIP) was an ambitious and forward-thinking initiative that leveraged the opportunity of infrastructure replacement to advance sustainability at BCIT and the surrounding community.

The project upgraded the institution’s infrastructure in a way that made it more resilient, sustainable, increased efficient resource use and incorporated clean and environmentally sound technologies. It was Canada’s first smart power microgrid, fostering innovation in the making.