British Columbia’s lush landscape of forests, ocean and mountains isn’t the only reason it’s been referred to as Canada’s “green” province. Today, more than 98% of B.C.’s electricity is generated from clean or renewable resources. Its emissions per capita is among the lowest of all Canadian provinces. And its capital, Vancouver, has become a magnet for innovative firms tackling climate change.
According to the Vancouver Economic Commission, approximately 70% of B.C.’s 200+ clean tech companies are based in city, employing more than 3,500 people. The area is also home to the world’s largest hydrogen and fuel cell industries, with a 16% global market share.
The second episode in our three-part special, “Disruptors: The Climate Conversations” features a hands-on journey through the heart of B.C.’s Clean Tech Valley, where host John Stackhouse met with several companies working to decarbonize Canada’s economy: carbon capture innovator Svante Inc., fuel-cell manufacturer Loop Energy and electric motorcycle pioneer Damon Motors Inc.
Decades of innovative, green policy from both city and provincial governments have made Vancouver a clean tech hub for companies like these. Having instituted the world’s first carbon tax in 2008, the city embraced game-changing goals and strategies, including the Greenest City Action Plan and the 100% Renewable Strategy.
Today, Vancouver is at the forefront of global innovation, especially in fuel cell solutions, power electronics, and waste/wastewater treatment technologies. And the world is taking notice. The city was recently recognized as one of the world’s top three clean tech ecosystems by Startup Genome, a finding not all that surprising, considering 13 of the world’s top 100 clean tech firms are Canadian, as reported by the Global Cleantech 100 report.
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