The world’s first Centre for Ecocities, based at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), will support the evolution of ecocities worldwide. Led by Dr. Jennie Moore, a leader in the advancement of sustainable cities and lifestyles, it will support research and provide the tools, metrics, expert planning and policy advice, training and other services that cities and their partners need to become genuine ecocities.
A legacy of the 2019 Ecocity World Summit in Vancouver, the Centre will anchor the global leadership of BCIT in the restructuring of cities to reduce their carbon and ecological footprints while simultaneously regenerating natural habitat.
It 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.
The establishment of the Centre for Ecocities is made possible with funding from the Real Estate Foundation of British Columiba (REFBC). REFBC is a philanthropic organization that works to support resilient, healthy communities and natural environments.
