Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson’s green business mission to China is seeking to tap that country’s demand for sustainable buildings.
In a deal announced Tuesday, the mayor said a new research and development centre to promote Canada’s green building capabilities and technologies will be built in Tianjin, China.
“Vancouver is renowned for our green building expertise, and this new R&D centre in Tianjin will help our companies tap into China’s growing demand for more efficient, sustainable buildings,” Robertson said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase our talent, and, in the process, secure new investment and strengthen our local economy.”
The new centre will serve as a one-stop location for Canadian technology companies operating in China.
The centre will be located in Tianjin Eco-City, a bilateral project between China and Singapore, and is meant to target northern China’s demand for clean technology and energy.
Vancouver Global Green, an association of the key design professionals involved in the Olympic Village, have partnered with EnVision (Shanghai) Co. to develop the centre.
“Vancouver is developing a strong profile in China for our focus on green technology and innovation, and this new centre will reinforce that image while at the same time expanding our market opportunities,” said Roger Bayley, an advocate for sustainable community development.
Construction on the new centre will begin next year.
Project costs were not disclosed.