Cleantech Sector
TechIsland is a great place to grow your cleantech business given the priority that the federal government, provincial government and our local governments, businesses and communities are placing on becoming a global leader in cleantech. By locating here, you’ll gain access to a world-class innovation ecosystem and learn that Vancouver Island (north of the Malahat) is a great place to grow your business.
What is Clean Technology, Cleantech and the Circular Economy?
- Clean technology is a process, product, or service that reduces negative environmental impacts through environmental protection activities, sustainable use of natural resources, or modifying or adapting goods to be less energy or resource-intensive.
- The cleantech sector is broadly defined to include companies that invent, build, assemble, or service clean technologies. Under this definition, the cleantech sector in Canada accounted for about $75 billion in GDP in 2021 (4% of the Canadian total). Major contributors were clean electricity, construction services, waste management and remediation services, clean technology goods and support services.
- The circular economy forms part of the cleantech sector. Parts and materials in a circular economy have multiple life cycles and re-entry points into the market as they are systematically reduced, reused and repaired, redistributed, reconditioned or recycled into similar or other products.
Why is TechIsland a Great Place to Develop Your Cleantech Business?
- There is a province-wide push to make BC a global leader in cleantech.
- Our cleantech businesses have access to a world-class innovation ecosystem to help them develop.
- Further developing cleantech is a major priority for Vancouver Island.
- Vancouver Island is a great place to grow your business.
Our Companies Already Produce Many Products and Services Related to Cleantech
Tech Island Region
The Tech Island Region is situated on the Pacific Coast of Western Canada and includes the area of Vancouver Island north of the Malahat (i.e. all of Vancouver Island except the Capital Region) and the Sunshine Coast.
Mount Waddington
- 45 businesses
- 332 employees
- 35% in renewable energy systems
- 26% in green building and green construction
- 28% in consulting and support services
- 11% in recycled materials
Strathcona
- 229 businesses
- 2,154 employees
- 38% in renewable energy systems
- 33% in green building and green construction
- 28% in consulting and support services
Alberni-Clayoquot
- 168 businesses
- 1,383 employees
- 63% in renewable energy systems
- 26% in green building and green construction
Comox Valley
- 45 businesses
- 332 employees
- 35% in renewable energy systems
- 26% in green building and green construction
- 28% in consulting and support services
- 11% in recycled materials
Cowichan Valley
- 463 businesses
- 3,759 employees
- 56% in renewable energy systems
- 27% in green building and green construction
Nanaimo
- 808 businesses
- 8,867 employees
- 60% in renewable energy systems
- 30% in green building and green construction
Tech Island Region
The Tech Island Region is situated on the Pacific Coast of Western Canada and includes the area of Vancouver Island north of the Malahat (i.e. all of Vancouver Island except the Capital Region) and the Sunshine Coast.
Examples of Cleantech Companies
Why is Cleantech a Priority for TechIsland?
- Our communities, businesses and residents are firmly committed to taking action to help address climate change, the environment and sustainability.
- Cleantech will be one of the fastest growing sectors of the Canadian economy over the next decade and beyond.
- Opportunities exist for both rural and urban communities on Vancouver Island across a range of economic sectors
- There is a strong connection between cleantech opportunities and the characteristics of our local economies.
- Cleantech and the circular economy can be a vital component in building better relationships with First Nations and advancing socio-cultural as well as economic reconciliation to which all levels of government have committed.
Check Out Our Circular Economy Accelerator Program
The Circular Economy Accelerator Program provides hands-on support to businesses north of the Malahat and on the Sunshine Coast who seek to adopt circular economy principles, reduce waste and emissions, increase revenue, and develop innovative practices. This program – the first of its kind in Canada – will position your business as a leader in the circular economy, attracting talent and investment, increasing revenue, and paving the way to a prosperous, sustainable, and resilient future for your community.
Learn More about the Accelerator Program