Synergy Foundation is launching a circular economy hub development project in qathet to drive economic growth through transforming waste from the construction, renovation and demolition (C&D) industry into new opportunities that boost the local economy.
According to a media release from Synergy Foundation, with funding support from the BC government’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the circular economy hub development project will focus on recovering and repurposing C&D waste for reuse and value-added manufacturing, workforce upskilling and job creation.
“The launch of the circular economy hub in the qathet region is a powerful example of how we can turn waste into opportunity,” stated qathet Regional Board chair Clay Brander. “By repurposing construction and demolition materials, we’re not only reducing environmental impact, but also investing in long-term economic resilience, innovation and local jobs. This initiative reflects our community’s commitment to sustainability as we work toward zero waste.”
To ensure the hub reflects local and strategic priorities and creates real impact, Synergy Foundation is engaging local businesses, organizations, entrepreneurs, artisans, educators and innovators to identify key focus areas and opportunities to stimulate economic growth, diversification and long-term resilience. Local businesses and organizations are encouraged to get involved.
Interviews will take place over the summer, and public workshops are scheduled for October and November 2025. The project is also providing free one-to-one support to four mid-sized construction and manufacturing companies through the accelerator program, according to the release.
Participants will receive an in-depth, on-site assessment with a circular advisor and tailored recommendations to reduce waste, energy use and emissions, while uncovering cost-savings opportunities.
The accelerator program intake is open and will be ongoing until all spots are allocated. More details about the project and how to get involved can be found at project-zero.ca/circular-hubs.
The current economic system follows a take-make-waste linear model, which is resource-intensive and generates high emissions and waste. The circular economy eliminates pollution and waste by retaining resources and manufactured goods within the system through innovation, reuse and repair, redistribution, recondition and recycling processes, all of which are powered by renewable energy, according to the release.
Project Zero is an initiative of the Synergy Foundation, focused on advancing Canada’s circular economy (CE) through business incubation, acceleration, innovation and education. Project Zero’s programs include the Incubator, which supports early-stage startups operating in BC’s CE, and the CE accelerator, which helps established businesses on Vancouver Island adopt CE principles.
Synergy Foundation is a Victoria-based nonprofit organization with a mission to catalyze change and guide communities and local economies toward a more regenerative future. Other Synergy initiatives include BC Green Business and the Ecostar Awards.
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