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 with an aim to help reduce waste management costs as well as the amount of construction materials that end up in landfills.
Through the BMEx program, 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 with others in need of resources to begin or complete projects.
“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 concrete, aggregates, asphalt, metal, wood, glass, carpet, doors, flooring, drywall, and fixtures.
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.
South and Central Vancouver Island businesses that are interested in learning more about BMEx or who would like to get involved, are encouraged to attend or participate in BMEx Challenge events in Victoria and Nanaimo next month. Both BMEx Challenge events are free to attend and are presented by Coast Capital Savings.
Additionally, 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 related to incorporating circular economic principles into their operations or products.
“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.”
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 also aim to help 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 using the Exchange Hub as well those interested in donating extra materials from job sites.
Later this fall, BMEx participants will also have access to BMEx Marketplace, an online platform designed to exchange, donate, or acquire excess, unused, or salvaged building and/or design-related 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.”
To learn more about BMEx, click here.
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