Founded in 2008, the Green Building Technology Access Centre (GBTAC) partners with industry to identify and develop environmentally friendly technologies, processes, programs, systems, and services that will fundamentally change how we build, educate and develop skilled labour.
Our mission is to prove, implement, and commercialize new building materials, systems, and methods that lead to the construction or retrofit of buildings to be higher-efficiency, lower-emission, healthier, and more environmentally friendly. We collaborate to de-risk and deliver holistic high-performance building solutions that address environmental, social, and economic realities, while also developing training and support systems to upskill both the residential and commercial construction industries.
We support a broad range of industry partners, industry organizations, municipalities, governments, academic institutions, and community groups through a suite of services in building science, energy management, environment, education, and training. With a mandate to transform industry, our focus is primarily on SMEs, government, and non-profit industry organizations — where the greatest impacts can be made.
Services
- Early-stage business development for commercialization
- Net-Zero energy and Net Zero emissions advisory and analysis
- Design and construction consultation
- Site ecology and environment
- Energy systems and energy storage
- Integrated renewable energy
- Envelope fabrication, prototyping and testing
- Performance monitoring and management
- Policy and planning development and advocacy
- Enhanced education, workshop and seminar development and delivery
Areas of Focus
- Advanced Building and Material Science
- Energy Management Information Systems
- Environmental and Architectural Ecology
- Affordability and Carbon Impacts
Our facilities
Green Building Technology Lab and Demonstration Centre
Explore our 6,350-square-foot living, breathing example of energy efficiency, building-integrated green technologies and renewable energy solutions.
Integrated Solar and Rainwater Harvesting Labs
Used primarily for research, training and demonstration this lab is home to industry-leading solar energy generation and water filtration solutions.
Solar Roller Mobile
Lab
The lab is designed for plug-and-play and is a fantastic hands-on learning tool for students. Beyond its practical application, it's an inspiring space, flooded with natural light and brimming with possibility.
Melanie Ross
Research Chair, Green Building Technology Access Centre
Projects and initiatives
Canada's changing building and energy codes
This applied research project is a partnership with RFS Energy and involves creating resources for the Alberta Real Estate Foundation (AREF) to prepare the province's real estate sector for current and future building code changes.
Kuugalaaq Cultural Campus
This applied research project is a partnership between the Green Building Technology Access Centre and Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq / Kitikmeot Heritage Society (PI/KHS) and involves the design, manufacture and monitoring of a space dedicated to Inuinnaqtun immersion.
Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association collaboration
A partnership with Alberta Native Friendship Centres Association (ANFCA) which involves energy retrofits to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy performance, and lower operating costs of member Friendship Centres.
Living Building Challenge
A house like no other is taking shape in the foothills of southern Alberta. One that produces more energy than it uses, captures water on site, and is anticipated to achieve full certification through the Living Building Challenge.
Kanaka Bar resilient housing solutions
The Kanaka Bar Indian Band partnered with SAIT on a pilot project focused on climate-resilient housing options for evacuees who lost their homes in the June 30, 2021, wildfire in Lytton, BC.
Do you have a project in mind?
Whether you're starting with an idea or an early design concept, we want to learn more. Our commitment is to provide exceptional value to our partners, staying mindful of budget constraints while actively pursuing funding opportunities on your behalf. Let's talk ideas and numbers. Please use the link below to submit your inquiry or contact applied.research@sait.ca for any questions.
A hub of innovation
The ARIS research and innovation hub brings together researchers, innovators, industry and students to develop skills and collaborate. Join the network now.
Contact us
Applied Research and Innovation Services
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Phone - 403.284.7056
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Email - applied.research@sait.ca
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.