Grant: Technology Access Centre

The Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC) at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) plays a pivotal role in addressing the crisis in its region’s building design and construction industry. The sector grapples with labour shortages, affordability concerns, climate change pressures and evolving regulations, all placing immense pressure on an industry that is struggling to adapt. GBTAC is applying for its renewal as a Technology Access Centre, continuing to build upon its demonstrated successes and achievements, increasing its service to underrepresented groups and solidifying its foundation for self-sufficiency. As the only TAC delivering holistic green building training, research and innovation services in Alberta and surrounding regions, GBTAC aims to continue meeting industry challenges with its unique facility and 15 years of applied research expertise. Aligning with the needs of Alberta and extending across the country, GBTAC emphasizes both housing affordability and greenhouse gas emission reduction in its projects that focus on 1) building science and durability, 2) building monitoring and energy systems integration, and 3) architectural environment. With buildings being responsible for up to 40% of Canada's emissions and Calgary buildings alone contributing to 65% of total emissions as a cold-climate region, GBTAC's efforts include substantial energy retrofits in existing structures and contribution to the national goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. GBTAC addresses the industry's struggles with affordability, timeliness and quality by offering a suite of services including applied research, technical testing, modelling, data analysis, developing new construction materials and practices, and training students and industry professionals. GBTAC's engagement at the conceptual phase of projects, multi-year collaborations and active participation in policy development demonstrates its strong commitment to continue building lasting competencies in the sector and impacting positive change. The TAC actively engages industry, municipalities and communities in its projects and in its governance, collaborating with nearly 300 partners over the past five years and delivering over 500 services to advance technologies, policies and educational programs. GBTAC is dedicated to maintaining and increasing its Indigenous partnerships, co-developing solutions for Indigenous housing, energy resiliency and community planning.