Sustainability and Social Innovation in the Okanagan Valley

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Okanagan College, located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, is applying to the NSERC Mobilize fund to grow applied research capacity in alignment with the greatest needs of the communities we serve in the Okanagan region - climate change, environmental sustainability, reconciliation, and equity, diversity and inclusion and social justice. These issues threaten the socio-economic resilience and vibrancy of our region. With Mobilize funding, and armed with our expertise, cutting-edge infrastructure and "Inspire", Okanagan College's new strategic plan, we will grow three programs of applied research, Social Innovation, Sustainable Building and Sustainable Environments, that are deeply integrated with regional partners and communities. Over the five years of Mobilize funding Okanagan College will impact the environmental sustainability of the Okanagan by promoting the adoption of sustainable practices, products and processes; support regional economic development by supporting industry to develop new intellectual property, products, and efficiency measures; support the development of highly qualified personnel and the wellbeing of our communities with a focus on improving equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice for underrepresented groups; and mobilize knowledge broadly for greater impact across Canada. These objectives focus on a triple-bottom line of supporting people, the world and prosperity and align closely with our new strategic plan "Inspire".