Turning the Tide on Canada’s Clean Economy
The BC Net Zero Innovation Network (BCNZIN) Water Cluster accelerates sustainable water innovation by uniting a powerful network of collaborators, including communities, utilities, and industry leaders. Together, we drive the development and early adoption of cutting-edge solutions that ensure BC’s water systems support both economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
BC communities and industries rely heavily on our water systems. While innovative water management technologies are emerging, more work is needed to ensure their widespread adoption across key sectors.
How We’re Decarbonizing BC’s Water Sector:
- Collaborating with Indigenous Peoples to create inclusive opportunities
- Addressing water and climate through mitigation and adaptation
- Advancing circular water with resource recovery and reuse
- Empowering smart water solutions, including sensors, software, and analytics
Why It Matters
In Canada, nearly 40% of municipal energy use goes toward water treatment and distribution, while climate-driven water disasters such as floods, droughts, and storms are projected to cost the economy $139B over the next 30 years.
Adopting sustainable water management solutions can decarbonize operations, improve wastewater treatment efficiency, and protect vital water sources. These innovations create value across critical sectors, including municipalities, as well as areas such as mining and food and beverage. To address emissions and inefficiencies, the BCNZIN Water Cluster aims to reduce municipal and industrial water loss to 10% or less through cutting-edge, sustainable practices.
Foresight, through its BCNZIN initiative, has been a valued partner in the Working for Watersheds network, informing our roadmap for BC's watershed sector and supporting projects to grow BC's watershed innovation capacity.
Team Working for Watersheds
What We Offer
Capital Attraction & Matchmaking
Connecting water initiatives with funding opportunities.
Innovation Challenges & Scouting
Identifying and piloting cutting-edge solutions.
Business Feasibility Studies
Evaluating opportunities for commercial success.
Project Management
Facilitating impactful initiatives from concept to execution.
Market & Industry Research
Providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making.
Events & Consultations
Creating opportunities to learn, connect, and collaborate.
Join a Working Group
Our Working Group Membership includes access to industry-led focus areas, affordable industry research, project development services, a network of participating organizations, and proportionate cost-sharing of initiatives among working group members.
If a working group isn’t the right fit for you, stay connected by subscribing to the BCNZIN newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events, networking opportunities, and advancements in BC’s cleantech ecosystem.
Be part of the movement driving sustainability and innovation in British Columbia. Take the next step and help shape a net zero future.
Your Essential Guide to Water Technology in Canada
Canada’s Ventures to Value Chains: Water Technology is part of a Foresight initiative leveraging data from technology companies and other key stakeholders to map, categorize, and analyze strategically important industry value chains, such as water, for Canada in the clean economy.
Want to learn more? Download the detailed value chain report.
BCNZIN News
-
![Electric Vehicle Charging Alliance]()
February 27, 2026 Report Electric Vehicle Charging Alliance Through strategic collaboration, BC's educational institutions have the power to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles throughout the province. Simon Fraser University and Foresight Canada, through the British Columbia Net Zero Innovation Network, are unlocking this opportunity. Learn more about Phase I of the Electric Vehicle Charging Alliance. View Report -
![Lignin is the Untapped Catalyst for BC’s Green Economy]()
November 26, 2025 Report Lignin is the Untapped Catalyst for BC’s Green Economy By investing in the commercialization of BC's lignin, Canada's forestry industry can achieve three major benefits: new revenue, innovation, and a circular economy. A new report highlights how we can tap into this opportunity. View Report -
![BC Cleantech Export Report: Water]()
May 23, 2025 Report BC Cleantech Export Report: Water Water is an essential and irreplaceable resource. However, this critical resource is increasingly threatened, leading to scarcity and impacting communities worldwide. BC has a strong and growing water technology sector with expertise in water management, and an opportunity to lead on the global stage. View Report
Our Partners
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support from Pacific Economic Development Canada, as well as support from the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Low Carbon Innovation.
