Sustainable Living: Eco-Friendly Practices in Vancouver
Vancouver is widely recognized as a forward-looking and sustainable city, and its success in the Green Economy sector exemplifies this reputation. Over the past decade, Vancouver's Green Economy has experienced exponential growth, encompassing seven sub-sectors. This remarkable progress is closely tied to the City of Vancouver's world-leading sustainability strategy, which aims to make Vancouver the greenest city in the world by 2020. The Vancouver Economic Commission (VEC) has played a pivotal role in achieving this vision, pioneering a robust green jobs counting system and implementing various programs to double the number of green jobs and businesses greening their operations by 2020.
Currently, one in 15 Vancouverites works in the green economy, a testament to the sector's significant impact. The VEC's State of Vancouver's Green Economy 2018 report highlights the achievements of over 200 leading green businesses in areas such as innovation, low-carbon solutions, and resource management. Notably, the city has witnessed the addition of 15,885 new green and local food jobs in the past decade, representing an 87% increase since 2010. Green and local food jobs now account for approximately 10% of all jobs in Vancouver, up from 4.2% in 2010.
Among the sub-sectors of Vancouver's Green Economy, local food stands out as the second largest. This success can be attributed to strong consumer demand, public sector procurement policies, and the emergence of new supply sources. For instance, the expanded network of local farmers' markets currently contributes $15 million to the local economy, a significant increase compared to the $40,000 earned over 11 weeks in 1994, the first year of operation.
Another prominent sector within Vancouver's Green Economy is green building design and construction, which has experienced a remarkable 146% growth since 2010. This growth can be attributed to Vancouver's world-leading regulations, including the green rezoning policy and the renowned green building code, often referred to as the greenest building code in the world. These regulations have not only driven growth in the sector but have also positioned Vancouver businesses as global exporters of green building practice and technology.
Vancouver's status as a hub for cleantech companies further solidifies its position in the Green Economy. With 25% of Canada's cleantech companies based in Vancouver, the city is also home to the BC Cleantech CEO Alliance, the province's industry association. Cleantech companies in Vancouver are making significant contributions across various sectors, including alternate transportation fuels, industrial wastewater treatment, smart grids and energy analytics, and bio-pesticides and agri-tech.
Looking ahead, Vancouver's commitment to sustainability and climate change remains unwavering. The city has implemented comprehensive strategies such as the Greenest City Action Plan and the Renewable City Strategy, which aims to achieve 100% renewable energy usage by 2050. Additionally, the Vancouver Economic Commission continues to collaborate with government entities and institutions to provide training, resources, and connectivity to help businesses increase their revenues by adopting green practices.
Vancouver's reputation as a green city extends beyond its economic achievements. The city consistently ranks among the greenest international cities, attracting top experts in sustainability and hosting renowned conferences like the GLOBE conference. Vancouver's vibrant downtown core, coupled with its access to mountains, ocean, and green spaces, contributes to a happier and more productive workforce, further enhancing the city's appeal.
British Columbia leads the way in Canada for go green incentives, with specific federal and provincial programs supporting sustainability efforts. The introduction of a carbon tax, along with various funds and assistance programs, has been critical to the success of Vancouver's Green Economy.
In conclusion, Vancouver's Green Economy is a testament to the city's commitment to sustainability and forward-thinking practices. With exponential growth in various sub-sectors, Vancouver has positioned itself as a global leader in green building design, cleantech innovation, and local food production. The city's comprehensive strategies, collaborative efforts, and favorable incentives have paved the way for a greener future. As Vancouver continues to prioritize sustainability, it is poised to maintain its status as one of the world's greenest cities.
