Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.
This goal drives economic growth and social development by recognizing it is dependent on investment in infrastructure and innovation. It relates to the progress of technology as a key factor in creating solutions that can promote new jobs while aiding in environmental strategies such as efficient use of resources that can improve the standard living for all.
Taking Action
Initiatives at Brock University
Brock Makerspace Produces Face Shields
Brock University Library’s Makerspace is filled with high-tech tools like 3D printers, scanners, and lasers. These resources here were innovatively used to help prevent COVID-19 by creating face shields for Niagara health care workers.
Goodman Group
Goodman Group offers practical and experiential learning at Brock University working with faculty, staff, alumni, community partners, entrepreneurs, and students. Their platform has an entrepreneurial hub to deliver services and programs to the Brock and Niagara community.
Schmon Tower LINC Project
The Schmon Tower LINC Project has created more accessible entrances and routes in the building while bringing in natural light from its skylight. The new construction integrates with older parts of the building to create a second storey collaborative learning and innovation space.
Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI)
An outreach service called VineAlert was developed by Brock’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI). The system will track grapevine bud cold hardiness in the fall to spring to assist grape growers in reducing the impact of a cold weather event, which can cause harm to vines and crop loss. This transfer to technology is lifting the industry high to support grape growers with licensing of VineAlert given to two associations, the Grape Growers of Ontario (GGO) and Centre de Recherche Agroalimentaire de Mirabel.
Brock’s MIWSFPA achieves Gold LEED certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a certification that can be awarded to buildings in pursuit of meeting more sustainable infrastructure. Brock is pleased to announce the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts (MIWSFPA) achieved a Gold LEED certification. Brock is proud of this achievement as it is challenging to get LEED certification on pre-existing buildings. This marks the third building on campus to be LEED-certified.
Goodman Gateway Construction
The Goodman Gateway construction project has finished its demolition period. The final designed area will maximize natural light and provide an accessible space. The project will repurpose 75 percent of A Block in Mackenzie Chown Complex, level 200.
Initiatives in the Niagara Region
Vineland, Town of Lincoln, and Brock Partnership
The ESRC at Brock is partnered with the Town of Lincoln and Vineland Research to collaborate on new ways to incorporate nature-based solutions with intent to implement landscaping policies immediately. Vineland Research and Innovation Centre is dedicated to bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to horticulture science in Canada. Together the three organizations have launched the Prudhommes Project that focuses on building approaches to ecosystem and urban landscape development.
Vertical farm in Welland’s Industrial Zone
A new vertical farm was created in Welland’s industrial zone that uses high-tech to grow crops indoors. The new technique is said to reduce energy and improve food security due to a vertical farm stacking vegetation in layers rather than farming across a wide area.
Individual Actions
Did you know development of psychiatric disorders declines in number during adolescence and adulthood if the person is exposed to green spaces throughout childhood? 
- Use your voice, you can advocate for green spaces in infrastructure and sustainable industrialization. Nature is everyone’s responsibility, and no one should be excluded from it.
- Encourage participation of green roofs.
- Visit regions with basic needs missing to help understand and motivate action.
- Keep updated on latest technologies and innovations.
- Give away items instead of throwing them out, things like old cellphones can be passed along to others.
- Shop local and look where items are made.
- #ShopBrock on Instagram allows you to find small businesses by Brock’s students
- Follow @BUsustainable for more updates!
