Building Innovation Capacity

Overview

SSRIA has partnered with Unbounded Thinking (UBT) to launch Building Innovation Capacity, a program focused on bridging the “Execution Gap” in Alberta’s Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector.

Despite the availability of viable low-carbon technologies, industry adoption is frequently slowed by tight profit margins, risk aversion, and organizational friction.

Participating firms will transform random innovation into a structured, repeatable business competency, proving the financial ROI of carbon reduction while directly advancing municipal climate targets in Edmonton and Calgary.

Curriculum at a Glance

What You Will Learn (Skills & Capability Building)
  • A Proven, Repeatable Way to Innovate: Ditch random brainstorming and sticky notes for a clear, step-by-step framework that turns good ideas into real, low-carbon building solutions.
  • Empowered Frontline Problem-Solving: Learn how to listen to the people closest to the work. Give site crews, designers, and project teams an easy way to share ideas and solve everyday headaches without bureaucratic friction.
  • Smart Financial & Carbon Decision-Making: Use simple digital tools to easily weigh the financial return (ROI) alongside carbon reduction early on—so you only invest in ideas that actually make sense.
  • Low-Risk, Stress-Free Field Experiments: Master “safe-to-fail” testing so your team can try new materials and techniques on active job sites with total confidence, protecting both your profit margins and your peace of mind.
Key Tangible Deliverables (What Every Company Receives)
  • Your Custom Innovation Blueprint: A tailored game plan built from an anonymous team survey (our Innovation Readiness Assessment) that gives every employee a voice and aligns your firm with local climate goals.
  • 12-Month Access to Kwokka (Our All-in-One Platform): An easy-to-use digital home for your team’s ideas, complete with an intuitive mobile app for field staff, smart trend-tracking, and automated scoring.
  • 2-Day Hands-On Team Training: Interactive, team-building training hosted in Calgary or Edmonton (or right at your office) to upskill your staff and build a shared, problem-solving mindset.
  • 6 Months of Dedicated Coaching & Support: Personal 1-on-1 monthly guidance for leadership, plus collaborative virtual sessions with non-competing peers to troubleshoot real-world challenges together.
  • Simple GHG Impact Calculator: A built-in tool that takes the guesswork out of carbon metrics, letting your team easily see and celebrate the real impact of their ideas.
  • An Operational “Hand-Off” Playbook: A permanent, step-by-step guide given to your leadership at closeout so your internal team can keep the momentum going independently for years to come.
Core Program Benefits
  • A Happier, More Engaged Workforce: Create an inclusive culture where employees feel heard, respected, and motivated because their daily operational ideas are actually put into action.
  • Confidence Without the Financial Risk: Replace guesswork with structured risk controls that safeguard tight construction margins while testing new approaches.
  • Valuable Peer Community: Connect with friendly, non-competing AEC industry peers across Alberta to share lessons, solve supply chain headaches, and lift each other up.
  • Competitive Edge & Faster Approvals: Position your firm as a forward-thinking leader in Alberta, giving you an advantage in winning future projects and navigating municipal permits in Calgary and Edmonton
Measurable Outcomes
  • Turn Everyday Ideas into Lasting Value: Transform scattered, ad-hoc ideas into a smooth, reliable system that boosts your bottom line.
  • Proven Carbon & Financial Savings: Validate both the dollars saved and the emissions reduced before committing big money to a job site.
  • A Stronger, Self-Sustaining Team Culture: Walk away with fully trained internal champions and a permanent operating system so your team continues innovating long after the program ends.

Who Can Benefit

Micro Firm (1-9 employees)

-Direct 1-on-1 monthly coaching helps hands-on owners build practical operational shortcuts rather than sitting through generic, theoretical corporate training.

Small Firm (10-50 employees)

-Connects through Cohort coaching to share cross-company lessons, learn best practices from peers, and refine procurement strategies

Medium Firm (51-200 employees)

-Bridge the gap between your ESG goals and field execution using an ISO-aligned framework that de-risks low-carbon builds and proves financial ROI to project owners.

Enterprise Firm (200+ employees)

-An ISO 56001-aligned execution overlay that turns your frontline workforce into innovation contributors, moving projects out of pilot hell and into verified carbon savings.

Eligibility

Companies that operate in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry who design and build residential or commercial buildings. Must be located in Edmonton or Calgary.

How to Apply

Apply today to reserve your spot in the first cohort of 10 companies APPLY NOW! SSRIA Members are eligible for 10% off.

Or email us at info@ssria.ca with your questions or to book a complimentary consult call to discuss if this program is right for you.

Informational Webinar Dates: (30 mins)

October 27th: 10am MST

October 29th: 12pm MST

This program is made possible with funding from Alberta Ecotrust Foundation