Resource Library

This research investigates the challenges and success factors of implementing energy efficiency and carbon reduction projects in BC healthcare facilities. It employs mixed methods, beginning with a literature review and interviews involving BC's health organizations and utility providers. Identified barriers span economic, educational and behavioural, technological, and governmental aspects, while success factors include early engagement, robust measurement and continuous optimization.

Partner: Provincial Health Services Authority
Funder: Provincial Health Services Authority
Keywords: energy efficiency, carbon reduction 

The current project investigates the resiliency practices, guidelines, and adaptation strategies prevalent in major transit agencies across North America. In doing so, the project has identified key approaches, which serve as a hallmark for boosting climate resiliency and adaptation efforts in such transit agencies. These key practices provide TransLink the opportunity to design robust resiliency programs, policies, and guiding principles for design and engineering against climate change

Partner: TransLink
Funder: TransLink
Keywords: social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy, transportation  

In order to understand how Vancouver's public bikeshare system has supported, and can continue to support in the future, the Climate Emergency Action Plan (CEAP), this study analyzes over 5 million rides to understand rider behavior and offer insight into future improvements to the system based on these findings. In particular, this study investigates the sustainability and equity benefits of both the introduction of e-bikes as well as of the system overall.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver
Keywords: active transportation, equity, diversity, inclusion transportation 

Green Rainwater Infrastructure (GRI) offers a holistic approach to urban stormwater management that aligns with environmental, social, and economic goals. This project aims to envision a toolkit of GRI typologies suitable for rapid transit station locations, creating a more resilient transit infrastructure that promotes climate change mitigation, rainwater and localized flooding treatment to increase the overall public experience and well-being.  

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: green infrastructure, healthy city, climate resilience, transportation, water 

This study aims to develop a GIS-based urban building stock model for city-scale sustainability assessments in Richmond. It involves refining a database, mapping building energy consumption, and GHG emissions using georeferenced data and archetypes. The pilot phase will assess the feasibility of various energy-efficient measures, including regional energy generation through PV panels, extending the District Energy Utility, and prioritizing rezoning applications for GHG emission reduction.

Partner: City of Richmond
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings, sustainable development & green economy, urban sustainability 

This project identifies key observations in existing green network spatial data and proposes a habitat classification system to develop efficient and equitable spatial prioritization strategies to enhance the City of Vancouver's ecological health and biodiversity. It maps habitats ranging from large natural forests in parks to small green infrastructure assets in street rights of way and provides recommendations for green interventions that create habitat diversity and connectivity of the green network.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, green network 

This report seeks to address risks associated with unconventional construction materials often used to meet higher Energy Step Code. Focusing on above-ground wall assemblies, the study provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help builders assess the compliance of construction products with the BC Building Code (BCBC). Builders using alternative materials should budget time and resources appropriately.  

Partner: Township of Langley
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings  

This project aims to build knowledge and understanding of how families are making trips to and from childcare for the purpose of supporting families in shifting to active modes. Best practices include increasing the convenience of using active modes, embedding child-friendly design in the City of Vancouver, introducing active travel at a young age, and mobilizing women through programs and infrastructure. The report concludes with seven recommendations to increase family active travel in Vancouver.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: active transportation, equity, diversity, inclusion, healthy city, transportation 

This project aimed to create a database to compile existing partnerships between First Nations in British Columbia and UBC in relation to climate change. The executive summary includes the main findings of the study and a series of recommendations to strengthen the collaboration between First Nations and UBC in addressing the climate emergency and climate change.

Partner: Indigenous Research Support Initiative (IRSI)
Funder: UBC
Keywords: green buildings, social sustainability, sustainability in education 

Extended report, based on the database prepared for this Sustainability Scholars Project. Co-authored by IRSI staff, Jessica Groat (graduate practicum student), and Michael Monclou: Recommendations for bolstering respectful collaboration between Indigenous partners and UBC to address the climate emergency and climate change