Applied Research Library
Investing in Research
We support research projects focused on innovation in the built environment including, but not limited to, the enhancement of safety, improvement of industry practices, and increased focus on sustainability of the construction industry.
As research projects are completed, the final reports are shared with the public on this website.
Two Eyed Seeing Network
The Two Eyed Seeing Network launched in 2020 to strengthen links between industry, training providers, workforce development services and Indigenous populations. British Columbia has increased demand for skilled workers across multiple industries, which is intensified by trying to keep up with global technology advances. Indigenous youth provide a significant source of labour and would solve future skills shortages. However, they are primarily left out of conversations for future skills and training.
Between March 2021 and March 2023, the Two Eyed Seeing Network hosted a series of round table discussions to uncover new pathways forward to support First Nations youth into employment. The reports and findings are available here.
Good Talk: Gathering Indigenous Youth Voices Across BC
This report discusses the importance of establishing meaningful connections with Indigenous youth and ensuring they are included in the conversations and decisions that will impact the trajectory of their lives. This report is written by Justin Young, a Heart Speaker and Circle Keeper with over 13 years of experience working with Indigenous youth in their communities. Justin has made youth advocacy his life passion after living through his own challenging experiences as an Indigenous person. He has spent years on a transformative healing journey which has enabled him to grow into the incredibly compassionate and empathetic mentor he is today.
ESG: Indigenous Perspectives Research Study - 2022
The purpose of this research is to provide initial input from Indigenous perspectives on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) to help inform provincial ESG strategies moving forwards. The outcomes of this research will recommend how the government should include an Indigenous lens and perspective on ESG early on; how to incorporate this input into the development phase of the ESG Centre of Excellence; and continue engagement and mechanisms for continuous perspective and evaluation.
The research in this report constitutes initial feedback from Indigenous participants who shared their personal perspectives. It does not represent the entirety of the Indigenous Peoples’ residing in British Columbia.
Northern British Columbia Manufacturing: Gaps, New Technologies and Solutions - 2022
The purpose of this project is to ensure that manufacturers in northern British Columbia can compete for service, supply, and construction contracts on major projects. The region is subject to investments by a number of industries, principally from oil and gas proponents, who have committed to engage local services for their projects. Other industries with interests in the north include: mining, hydroelectric, construction, among others. Manufacturers typically consist of steel fabricators, welding services, electronic engineering, and construction companies.
BC Construction Cleantech - Industry Whitepaper July 2021
Stringent zero-emission and net-zero building targets established by municipal and provincial governments are currently challenging BC’s construction industry. Policies like the BC Energy Step Code and the Zero Emissions Building Plan are demanding high-performance, low-carbon building products and technologies for new construction. Additionally, further efforts are being made to retrofit existing buildings to meet the energy efficiency goals and climate change drivers. To satisfy the increased demand and develop local supply chain resilience, BC needs to strengthen its capacity to produce sustainable, green building products and technologies.
The purpose of this report is to define and map the BC-based low/no carbon clean/green-tech construction ecosystem to inform industry and stakeholders on the current state of BC’s cleantech construction sector. Along with the inventory of companies attached, the report presents a preliminary overview of the active companies, and their revenue and employees.
Key Performance Indicators for BC's Construction Industry
This study explores the question, “Would it be useful if the performance of BC’s construction industry as a whole was tracked and reported?” Construction KPIs paint a picture of the health of the industry as a whole. They also provide a set of tools that can be used by companies across the sector to evaluate their performance and raise their game against their peers, bringing lasting benefits to the whole industry.
BC Construction Innovation Accelerator
This study demonstrates the feasibility of a construction innovation centre sufficient for an industry advocacy organization (individually or in partnership) to gather the support and funds necessary to host and launch the programs and services that industry stakeholders need to foster a culture of innovation.
By fostering a culture of innovation, BCs construction industry will advance in the following 5 ways:
- Leadership – A cohesive industry that embraces and celebrates innovation.
- Performance — A responsible industry that continually improves projects’ economic, environmental and social performance.
- People – A talented industry that attracts a skilled, technologically-savvy workforce
- Growth and resilience – An efficient, competitive and profitable industry that drives economic growth.
- R&D – An advanced industry that develops and implements innovative new products, processes and business strategies.
Supporting Syrian Refugee Integration in the Construction Sector
The purpose of this project was to support refugees to identify employment opportunities in the construction sector. The main contacts were primarily the recently arrived group from Syria on Vancouver Island. This was a ten‐week project led by a summer student on behalf of the Construction Foundation of BC and it focussed on providing information about construction jobs, trades training and apprenticeship, while gathering information about previous work experience and general interest in construction based employment.
