CleanBC Boosts the Clean Energy Sector
British Columbia has always been at the forefront of green innovation. Home to some of the top clean tech companies in the world, our province exports a significant volume of products and technologies globally to countries like the United States, Europe and Asia. British Columbia is also a leader in clean energy, with 98% of our electricity coming from renewable resources. With climate change being a crucial global concern of our time, the Province is embracing a cleaner future with a B.C.-specific approach. In December 2018, the Government of British Columbia announced CleanBC, a plan to reduce climate pollution and create low-carbon economic growth and opportunities.
CleanBC will not only help us meet our climate commitments at home but also open new doors for innovation, investment and partnerships in the energy and clean tech sectors. CleanBC was developed to achieve the Province’s legislated climate targets of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by the year 2030. By 2032, all new buildings in the province will be net-zero energy ready, which means they’ll be 80% more efficient than today. By 2040, all new light-duty vehicles sold in the province will be zero-emissions. To lead by example, the Government of British Columbia unveiled the new CleanBC Government Buildings Program which will create greener and smarter government facilities. By 2022, all new government facilities will run on100% clean energy. For older buildings, energy usage will be reduced by implementing energy efficient solutions to create energy neutral buildings, meaning they will produce as much energy as they consume. These energy efficient technologies can be applied in major cities all over the world.
British Columbia has one of the highest tech sector growth rates relative to GDP in Canada, and serves as home to more than a quarter of Canadian clean technology companies. Seven B.C. clean tech businesses are on the 2019 Global Cleantech 100, which lists companies from around the world with the most innovative and promising ideas in clean tech. This includes research and development of efficient hydrogen and fuel cell technology, and natural gas engines for clean transportation. In energy efficiency measurement, B.C. is home to innovators like Corinex Communications, a leader in smart metering and smart grid infrastructure. The province also has innovative companies like Nexterra Systems that turn waste water and solid waste into drinking water.
With the new CleanBC plan, we can create a low-carbon future that advances B.C.’s economic competitiveness while improving environmental impacts both at home and around the world. For the latest news in this sector, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
