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Light House, an organization focused on advancing circular practices in the built environment, has announced the launch of the Building Material Exchange program (BMEx).
BMEx was created to help reduce waste management costs and the amount of valuable construction materials that end up in landfills. Businesses in and around Nanaimo, Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Duncan and the surrounding islands with excess, unused, or salvaged building and/or design-related materials are matched through the BMEx program with others in need of affordable, high-quality, local resources to begin or complete projects. The program is free to sign up and participate in and is funded by the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Zero Waste Recycling Fund, the Capital Regional District, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
“BMEx is for any business in South or Central Vancouver Island that has a surplus of building or design-related materials they don’t need,” said Gil Yaron, managing director, Circular Innovation, Light House. “Their perfect match is out there – a local business or organization that is seeking more affordable materials. Through BMEx, we’re making these connections possible while reducing landfill costs and creating an opportunity for paired businesses to get their hands on high-quality, raw materials for a fraction of virgin material costs. We are excited for the connections that will be made and the positive environmental impact we expect BMEx will have.”
Materials accepted through the BMEx program include, but are not limited to: concrete, aggregates, asphalt, metal, wood, glass, carpet, doors, flooring, drywall, and fixtures.
South and Central Vancouver Island businesses that are interested in learning more about BMEx or who would like to get involved, are invited to attend and/or actively participate in BMEx Challenge events in Victoria and Nanaimo this November. Both BMEx Challenge events are free to attend and are presented by Coast Capital Savings.
There will be an opportunity for eight businesses to pitch to an audience of local community members, investors, and innovators about a challenge they are facing as incorporating circular economic principles into their operations or products. Participating businesses must apply to pitch their idea and will receive expert pitch coaching from Spring, a global incubator, accelerator, and advisory. At the Challenge events, the audience will offer potential solutions and networking opportunities will follow.
“The BMEx Challenge events will be similar to Dragon’s Den or Shark Tank, but with a focus on circularity,” said Yaron. “The audience can offer up possible solutions to unwanted materials, and they are also invited to meet one-on-one with the pitching companies to establish partnerships.”
Szolyd is one business that is preparing to pitch at the BMEx Challenge in Victoria. Szolyd President Trevor Harmon will share the company’s development of mass timber accessories utilizing re-used building materials. These materials help reduce the cost of mass timber construction and further improve the CO2e impact of the product. Harmon aims to connect with funding partners to support their next phase of business and product development.
At the Nanaimo Challenge, Habitat for Humanity Mid Vancouver Island Executive Director Jeff Krafta will share his idea to establish a physical hub for the receiving and resale of excess and salvaged building materials. The Material Exchange Hub will expand Habitat’s offerings to include a full range of building materials, including wood, siding, roofing and gutters. This physical hub will help to fill a gap in the exchange community for those who have occasional and inconsistent amounts of materials to offload. At the Challenge, Habitat aims to connect with local contractors interested in utilizing the Exchange Hub and donating excess materials from job sites.
Apply to Pitch your Business Idea: submit a short application to pitch your business idea at a Challenge event in Nanaimo or Victoria.
Attend the BMEx Challenge Nanaimo: Tuesday, November 5 from 4-6 pm PST at White Sails Brewing, 125 Comox Rd, Nanaimo, BC. Learn more about this event and how to participate here.
Attend the BMEx Challenge Victoria: Wednesday, November 6 from 6-8 pm PST at KWENCH, 2031 Store St, Victoria, BC. Learn more about this event and how to participate here.
BMEx Marketplace
Coming late fall 2024, BMEx participants will also have access to BMEx Marketplace: a dynamic, digital online platform designed to exchange, donate, or acquire excess, unused, or salvaged building and/or design-related materials. Similar to Facebook Marketplace, the platform will provide a tailored place for industry to exchange excess and salvaged building materials.
“The BMEx Marketplace will include a custom interface for those involved with building materials so they can list materials they have and find what they need fast,” said Yaron. “The online community will be vetted to ensure confidence in the exchange materials and partners, with detailed product profiles so users have access to more information about materials they are sourcing. A resource hub will also be included that will include educational content like articles, guides, and best practices on sustainable construction, material reuse, and waste reduction tips.” |
