A BCIT employee and the BCIT Library received prestigious recognition for their contributions to environmental sustainability at the City of Burnaby’s 2025 Environmental Awards. Joe Cosh, BCIT Director of Facilities Improvements, received an Environmental Award in the Planning and Development category for his work on the Guichon Creek Daylighting and Fish Barrier Mitigation Project. The BCIT Library received an Environmental Star in the Green Choices category for their environmental leadership and commitment to sustainability through programs like the Food for Thought events, and the BCIT Seed Library.
They will collect their recognition at a special ceremony at the Burnaby City Hall on June 24.
Recognition in the Planning and Development category
The Planning and Development category features developments that use green building technologies and innovative environmental features, including manage water better and protect ecosystems.
Joe comments, “I’m honored to be receiving this award on behalf of the talented project team who were able to turn a problem with old underground infrastructure into a newly daylit and restored section of creek.”
Guichon Creek is more than a piece of infrastructure; it’s a valuable habitat for a host of native plants and animals, and a wonderful amenity for the local community
“As Guichon Creek flows into Still Creek, we’re also pleased that this project helps support efforts by the City of Burnaby to enhance the health of the network of waterways that run across Burnaby,” adds Joe.
Recognition in the Green Choices category
The Green Choices category recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations, who are committed to being environmentally friendly at home and in their community.
Alison Griffin is accepting the award on behalf of the BCIT Library. She manages the Seed Library and is involved in several of the sustainability events that take place in the library.
Alison notes: “BCIT library is an integral part of campus and provides a place for students to gather, study and socialize. This also makes it a perfect place to raise awareness of sustainability efforts and goals. We do this by hosting documentaries, pub quizzes, Food for Thought workshop series, and boardgame events, all with a sustainability theme.
We also run a seed library which boosts the local biodiversity in the area and helps connect gardeners from across campus to share their knowledge. It is very rewarding to watch a student excited to grow basil on their windowsill for the first time because of the low barrier of the seed library. I am honoured to accept this award on behalf of the library staff for their collective efforts.”
“This recognition demonstrates how employees are leading the way at BCIT. Enabling a teaching and learning environment based on sustainable practices is an important commitment in our Strategic Plan” says Jennie Moore, BCIT’s Director of Sustainability.