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The Government of Canada is investing in the University of British Columbia (UBC) to strengthen research on sustainability. The funding will help the university secure, install and bring into operation innovative sustainable building technologies and systems.

Federal support for this project was announced today by Andrew Saxton, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

"Our Government is proud to help equip UBC with leading-edge equipment to train students and foster collaborative research between academia and industry," said Mr. Saxton. "This initiative will help grow British Columbia's emerging clean technologies sector and increase its ability to compete in the global market."

Today's funding will allow UBC to secure essential knowledge infrastructure for UBC's new Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability. The Centre is expected to be an internationally recognized centre dedicated to accelerating the adoption of sustainable practices, technologies and services in building and urban development.

"We are grateful for the federal government's support for what will be one of the greenest buildings on earth - not only in terms of its built environment but the research on sustainability it will house and generate," said John Hepburn, UBC Vice President Research and International. "This knowledge is especially important considering that our urban population worldwide is set to double over the next 40 years."

The Government of Canada is delivering the $1.5 million investment through the Western Diversification Program to strengthen UBC's Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability.

The University of British Columbia holds an international reputation for excellence in advanced research and learning, and has been consistently ranked among the world's top 40 universities. UBC offers more than 45,000 students a range of innovative undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in applied science, arts, science, medicine, law, commerce and other faculties.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.

For additional information, contact:

Donna Howes
Communications Manager
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Vancouver, British Columbia
Tel: (604) 666-1318
Cell: (604) 505-6616

Randy Schmidt
Associate Director
UBC Public Affairs
Telephone: (604) 822-1266
Cell: (604) 828-0787