Rob Lawrance brings a Green Building perspective to the Vancouver Island Coordinating Team
Nanaimo's Green Building Policy
Rob Lawrance, City of Nanaimo Environmental Planner, is the architect of Nanaimo's Green Building Policy. This policy requires that all new public buildings over 500 square 
metres meet the LEED Silver standard.
“The first City building to meet this standard is the Oliver Road Community Centre,” states Rob Lawrance. “This project was a learning experience, and the lessons learned transferrable to other communities that are considering LEED policies.
The City showcased the Oliver Road Community Centre at the first event in Showcasing Green Infrastructure Innovation on Vancouver Island: The 2007 Series.
“Rob Lawrance was the leader of a 6-person team from the City. His energy and their dedicated efforts ensured a successful launch for the 2007 Series. The City of Nanaimo set a high standard for the Cowichan and Comox hosts to match,” recalls Kim Stephens, Program Coordinator for the Water Sustainability Action Plan for British Columbia, and Series organiizer.
Nanaimo's support for VICT and CAVI
Rob Lawrance played a crucial role in bringing the 2007 Showcasing Innovation Series from embryo concept to fruition. The genesis for City of Nanaimo participation was an afternoon working session that Rob Lawrance organized in February 2007 in order to introduce Nanaimo engineering staff to VICT.
“From a City of Nanaimo perspective, the Showcasing Innovation Series was timely,” recalls Rob Lawrance. “Our participation served as a catalyst for the CIty to evaluate our progress and reflect on lessons learned.”
“Looking at things from a VICT perspective, the February 2007 workshop set in motion a chain of events that continue to reverberate almost three years later,” adds Kim Stephens.
“It was the City of Nanaimo's wholehearted support that allowed us to get the Showcasing Innovation Series off the ground. The 2007 Series has proven to be a cornerstone for the over-arching CAVI – Convening for Action on Vancouver 
Island program. It gave us early credibility. The CAVI Leadership Team says kudos to Rob Lawrance for being a champion,” concludes John Finnie, CAVI Chair (and General Manage, Water & Wastewater Services, Regional District of Nanaimo).
Posted September 2009