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Circular Food Innovation Lab launches to help businesses cut food waste and costs
As food prices rise, many Vancouverites are feeling the effect on their budgets. Impacts on our local food industries from extreme weather events and supply chain interruptions are highlighting the importance of eliminating avoidable food waste across Vancouver. Through the VEC's Economic Transformation Lab, and in partnership with Emily Carr University of Art and Design and Mitacs, the City has created the Circular Food Innovation Lab to test solutions to this problem. -
[Closed] Job Opportunity: Manager, Economic Transformation (Inclusive Workforce Development)
As a member of the Economic Transformation team, this exciting new role will focus on activities that build justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in the local business communities. Apply by April 10, 2022 to be considered. -
21st Century Economics: Measuring Happiness
Dwindling faith in GDP metrics has renewed interest in assessing a population’s wellbeing by exploring new subjective metrics, incl. measuring happiness. -
Envision the Future: Celebrate 23 Black Leaders in Vancouver
In the spirit of centring Black contributions to our community, and the important role they play in building a future that is sustainable, equitable and powerful, we’ve compiled a diverse – but by-no-means-comprehensive – list of Black leaders in Vancouver whose work is too important not to commemorate. Uplift your feed by following these 23 Black leaders in Vancouver championing a just, resilient and more sustainable future. -
Meet the Startups | 2022 Angels for Climate Solutions Startup Cohort
These 20 startups were selected through a rigorous process and are ready to hit the ground running in 2022, rising to the challenge presented by the Angels for Climate Solutions program. -
Editor’s Pick: Top 10 Stories from Vancouver’s Economy in 2021
We’ve done exactly what it says on the tin. The Vancouver Economic Commission has published more than 50 articles and 10 reports in 2021. If you only intend to read one thing from us all year, we suggest you pick from this shortlist of can’t-miss stories on developing trends and topics in the Vancouver economy. -
[New Video] Future-proofing Vancouver: Climate Talk vs Climate Action
When we’re in this mode of conversation about climate change … we tend to talk about these long-term objectives: net zero by 2050, half our emissions by 2030, 100% renewable by 2030. But we are not in 2050; we are in 2021. And we can achieve a great many things here. -
Can a Just Transition Solve Climate Change and Social Inequality?
What is the just transition? What does a just transition mean for workers in Vancouver? And what are some next steps to realize a just transition in Vancouver? For further studies on the just transition, read the Best Practices for a Just Transition Report. -
Business for Good: An Interview with Coro Strandberg on the Purpose Economy
To commemorate both Purpose in Business Week and the first-ever Propelling Purpose Summit (November 17–18), we chatted with Coro Strandberg, a leading expert on how market innovation can drive social change, and how social change can in turn unlock dividends for businesses, people and planet. -
Is the Green Economy Good for Business? Reflecting on the Greenest City Action Plan
By embedding sustainability metrics and climate action within our business ecosystem, our urban economy has become increasingly competitive and resilient. The number of green jobs in Vancouver grew by almost 90 percent over the past 10 years, and the number of businesses greening their operations quadrupled. The takeaway: going green has been good for business, innovation and the economy. -
The $10B+ Opportunity: BC’s Emerging Retrofit Economy
Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the city of Vancouver, and one of the largest in the region. Retrofitting them is a clear economic, climate, and health priority. The general direction is clear: levels of carbon pollution must go down in an orderly way towards 2050, beginning with our largest commercial buildings in the region, and equipment and envelope efficiency must rise. -
A Guide to a Just Circular Economy of Food in Vancouver
In a just circular economy of food, there is no wasted food, and every person has access to healthy, nutritious meals. It's a daunting but achievable vision -- with the right action plan. Stay tuned for the upcoming publication “A Right to Food Framework for Tackling Food Waste and Achieving a Just Circular Economy.” -
$10aDay: Affordable Childcare is Coming to BC
After decades of advocacy, the provincial and federal governments have announced an investment of $3.2 billion over five years in quality, universal and affordable childcare. -
What We’re Reading: 6 Books We’re Taking to the Beach this Summer
We’re taking these six economic-inspired books on our summer travels… and you should, too. After all, the economy is central to our lives, and inextricably connected to hot-button issues like climate change and reconciliation. Don’t you think it’s time to learn what it’s all about? -
Indigenous Peoples Day: A Spotlight on Economic Reconciliation
However heartfelt and sincere, land acknowledgements become rote – even lip service – unless backed by meaningful and effective action to redress past and ongoing harms perpetuated against Indigenous peoples both locally and across the country. Here are some organizations leading the way on economic reconciliation. -
Unlocking the Other 50% Through Innovation Challenges
In this guest article written by Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight, talks about why it’s time to move beyond “business as usual” to address urgent climate challenges. Instead, Jeanette argues the best ways to accelerate innovation is through challenge programs that match needs with solutions. -
Gaining Momentum: 24 People of Asian Descent To Watch
As May draws to a close, so too does Asian Heritage Month, which celebrates and recognizes the vibrant social, economic, cultural, political, research and other innumerable community contributions by people of East, South, Southeast, Central and Western Asian descent. -
VEC’s Bryan Buggey named among 26 Canadian Climate Champions in lead up to COP26
Yesterday, the British High Commission and Canada Climate Law Initiative recognized VEC Director Bryan Buggey as one of 26 Canadian Climate Champions working towards building a net-zero future. -
Earth Day Reflections: Why We Need Cities to Protect our Planet
While the task of reversing climate change seems monumental, change is already happening at the city level. -
[New Video] Future-proofing Vancouver: How to Build the Future We Want to Live In
During the March 5 webinar, panelists spoke about how economic reconciliation and integration of Indigenous values into GDP economics are mechanisms that could improve wellbeing for all, about the importance of entrepreneurship, affordable housing, and transformative transportation to build a just, inclusive and resilient future for the region.