Resource Library

This study aims to provide a roadmap for retrofitting existing mid-rise building retrofits in order to understand the required capital investment, energy savings, corresponding energy cost savings, and carbon footprint. The findings can assist policy-makers and other stakeholders in gaining a holistic view of energy retrofits and making better decisions on implementing energy retrofit measures to reduce utility bills and carbon emissions.  

Partner: City of Richmond
Funder: City of Richmond
Keywords: green buildings, sustainable development & green economy

The project reviews emissions modeling methods used in the textile and apparel industry to assess environmental impacts of textile waste end-of-life management strategies. Case examples are compared and approaches for performing emissions estimations based on industry standards and guidance are provided. This work contributes to the Textile Lab for Circularity's (TLC) project, Roadmap to Textile Recycling for Western Canada, which aims to inform strategic action planning to enhance textile diversion in the region.

Partner: Canadian Society Promoting Environmental Conservation (SPEC) - Textile Lab for Circularity (TLC)
Funder: UBC
Keywords: supply chain management & green procurement, sustainable development & green economy, waste management & recycling 

This project aims to better understand the impacts of burnout and how to best support mental health in the hybrid/remote workplace. Using the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace to guide the research and after examining UBC's existing programs for wellbeing and hybrid work, this project develops recommendations for better supporting mental health and psychological health and safety in the workplace.  

Partner: UBC Human Resources
Funder: UBC
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability 

Working Gear is a volunteer-run charity located in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES). They provide workwear, safety gear and services (e.g., haircuts) free of charge to low-income and unemployed individuals as they transition back into the workforce. The purpose of this project was to examine Working Gear's clothing donation program to evaluate its environmental and economic impact. Through a comprehensive literature review, organizational assessment, and the development of an evaluation framework, this project created a valuable tool for other organizations to assess their social and environmental impact. Additionally, the project suggests strategies to enhance Working Gear's initiatives and increase its positive impact on society.

Partner: Working Gear
Funder: UBC
Keywords: social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy, fast fashion, textile industry, clothing recycling, clothing recirculation

This study investigates the current state of heat pump adoption in the Township of Langley by conducting and analyzing data from two surveys (one for residents, including both heat pump users and non-users and one for HVAC contractors) to help meet the Township's Climate Action Strategy goals. Six high-level recommendations for the Township and other BC municipalities are given at the end of the report.

Partner: Township of Langley
Funder: Township of Langley
Keywords: green buildings, heat pump

This project developed a framework to evaluate the environmental impact of equipment purchasing in healthcare. The framework consisted of four phases: classifying equipment, literature review, impact calculation, and result interpretation. The developed framework can assist the procurement team in making informed decisions that contribute to sustainability. The framework's strengths include the classification of equipment based on its intended use duration and the use of the spend-based method.

Partner: Vancouver Coastal Health
Funder: Vancouver Coastal Health
Keywords: supply chain management & green procurement 

This report assessed the current climate of women's health and safety in Atira managed single residence occupancy (SRO) buildings, known for substandard living conditions, in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. A series of structured interviews and a self-reported survey by female residents indicated that many don't feel safe in SROs. Main concerns were violence resulting from illicit drug possession, sex work and partners.  Recommendations to enhance women's safety in SROs were made.

Partner: Atira Women's Resource Society
Funder: Atira Women's Resource Society
Keywords:  Women, safety, health equity

This report sets out to better understand density transfer mechanisms in BC and the Coastal Douglas-Fir biogeoclimatic zone, and their potential as a policy tool for conserving valuable forests and supporting affordable housing provision. Includes a scan of current density transfer policies in regional Official Community Plans, a discussion of experiences and insights from case studies, and proposed considerations and next steps for potential wider application of density transfer policies. 

Project Partner: Coastal Douglas-fir Conservation Partnership 
Funding Partner: UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, land use planning, climate change, affordable housing

Invasive plant species can cause a disproportionate amount of damage to native species. Stanley Park is especially vulnerable to invasive plants, due to the cumulative pressures of climate change and urbanization. In this project, we use a data-driven approach to strategically manage the spread of invasive plants. To do so, a citizen science database is used to delineate zones of high invasive plant densities, and pinpoint areas in need of active worksites.

Partner: Stanley Park Ecology Society
Funder: UBC
Keywords: ecological systems, invasive species