We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Building Material Exchange (BMEx Marketplace) on Rheaply with Light House, a leading organization in British Columbia advancing circular practices in the built environment. This initiative aims to reduce waste management costs and minimize the volume of construction materials sent to landfills.
BMEx connects businesses throughout Vancouver Island with surplus or salvaged building and design materials to others seeking affordable resources to complete their projects.
Businesses, including Hansenbuilt Design, are already leveraging the BMEx Marketplace to seamlessly buy and sell building materials.
“We at Hansenbuilt are super excited about the possibilities that a program like the BMEx Marketplace brings to the construction world,” said Kris Hansen, Builder, Hansenbuilt Design. “We strive to keep our environmental impact as low as possible, and the BMEx Marketplace has the potential to help us do that. Our goal is to use the online digital platform to list any extra materials that we inevitably end up with after a job, or usable goods such as windows or doors that we replace. There is so much unnecessary waste that ends up in the landfill and a program like this will give us the chance to reliably divert and recirculate usable goods and materials back into the system.”
What is the BMEx Marketplace ?
The BMEx Marketplace empowers businesses and organizations across Vancouver Island by:
- Mapping Resources: Collecting detailed data on the location, quantity, quality, and characteristics of surplus and waste building materials within the business community.
- Creating Connections: Facilitating relationships between material suppliers and emerging end-markets to ensure materials are utilized for their highest economic and environmental value.
- Tracking Impact: Monitoring real-time data on material movement, including key metrics like carbon savings, landfill diversion, and value recaptured.
- Strategic Support: Helping businesses and organizations identify raw material sources and unlock new revenue opportunities through Light House’s circular economy expertise.
Why is BMEx essential for Vancouver Island?
The Greater Vancouver region is grappling with pressing waste management challenges:
- Landfill Pressure: Existing landfills are nearing capacity, and the environmental costs of managing waste are mounting. BMEx aims to divert a substantial percentage of materials from landfills, and convert “waste” into a “resource”, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for costly new facilities.
- Economic Development: BMEx is more than an environmental solution—it’s an economic catalyst. By creating opportunities in material collection, sorting, refurbishing, and resale, the program can generate new jobs and foster innovation. Small businesses, in particular, will benefit from access to affordable, high-quality materials, boosting their profit margins and encouraging sustainable entrepreneurship.
Fighting Climate Change Through Material Reuse
Every building material carries an embodied carbon footprint, encompassing emissions from production, transportation, and disposal. When materials are discarded, these resources and their associated carbon are wasted. Reusing materials through BMEx reduces the demand for new production, cutting emissions tied to raw material extraction, manufacturing, and distribution. Every item exchanged through BMEx becomes a tangible step toward combating climate change.
Who is BMEx for?
BMEx is for any business on Vancouver Island that has excess building or design-related materials they don’t need, making it possible to find the perfect demand recipient match—a local business or organization looking for affordable, high-quality materials. It’s a win-win that reduces landfill costs and provides access to materials at a fraction of the cost of virgin resources.
What Materials Are Accepted?
BMEx welcomes a wide variety of materials, including, but not limited to:
- Concrete
- Aggregates
- Asphalt
- Metal
- Wood
- Glass
- Carpet
- Doors
- Flooring
- Drywall
- Fixtures
Create your free BMEx account
Follow these easy steps:
- Go to https://go.rheaply.com/BMEx
- Complete the sign up form to request access
- Once approved, you’ll receive an email from Rheaply within 24 hours to set up your user profile
- List your first item through the “Create” button
- Browse for items and make an offer!
Signing up and participating in BMEx is free, thanks to support from the Regional District of Nanaimo’s Zero Waste Recycling Fund, Capital Regional District, Cowichan Valley Regional District and the city of Nanaimo.
Join the Movement
BMEx is a step toward a more sustainable, circular economy in the built environment. Businesses interested in participating or learning more can click here.
Together, let’s reduce waste, lower costs, and give materials a second life!
