Project Library

Lack of available labour is hindering the progress of retrofitting BC homes to increase energy efficiency. The report investigates the barriers and opportunities for workforce attraction across the following sectors: HVAC, insulation, window and door, general retrofit, energy advisors, plumbers, electricians, and renewable energy. The study includes a demographic summary, a policy and literature review, global case studies, and summarizes next steps for the Home Performance Stakeholder Council.

Partner: Home Performance Stakeholder Council Association (HSPCA)
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: climate adaptation, equity, diversity, inclusion, green buildings, leadership & behaviour change 

This project involves a feasibility analysis of over 400 sites within the Capital Regional District to identify potential locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The study shortlisted 32 sites, with detailed analysis of the top 10, including hourly energy generation versus consumption, 3D solar PV design, capacity estimation, and shadow analysis. The selected sites, representing the highest energy consumers are recommended for prioritized solar PV integration and investment.

Partner: Capital Regional District (CRD)
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: renewable energy, solar photovoltaic

This project analyzed the lifecycle costs, operational savings, and environmental impact of transitioning the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) fleet to electric vehicles. Through financial modeling, case studies, and data analysis, the report provides actionable recommendations for optimizing fleet operations, highlighting cost-effectiveness and sustainability benefits.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: active transportation, climate mitigation, transportation, zero emission vehicles 

This project evaluated whether Vancouver's green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) soils, such as structural soil and soil cells, enhance street tree canopy growth better than standard tree pits (trees grown in open grass boulevards, back boulevards, concrete pavements or cutouts). Through expert interviews, a jurisdictional scan, and city-wide tree canopy data analysis, this study recommends that Vancouver ensure continued discourse on street tree integration with GRI implementation.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: green infrastructure, urban forestry, stormwater management

This project assesses different aspects of a building decarbonization plan for Musqueam First Nation public buildings, including capital costs, utility bills, and GHG emissions reduction potential. The budget impact will be determined based on upfront costs including equipment and installation, and the utility costs of using different heating, cooling, and water heating systems in the buildings. The decarbonization plan is focused on replacing the existing systems with heat pumps for space and water heating.

Partner: Musqueam Indian Band
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: climate adaptation, green buildings, low carbon buildings 

In response to Vancouver's 2021 heat dome, the report focuses on protecting Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) communities living in social housing through DIY passive cooling techniques. The proposed solutions aim to lower heat risks affordably and quickly. Aligned with Vancouver's Climate Adaptation Plan, the report advocates for sustainable, long-term improvements in urban heat resilience, stressing the need for more robust strategies to ensure a safer living environment for marginalized populations.

Partner: Union Gospel Mission (UGM)
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC (McConnell Foundation Grant)
Keywords: social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy, urban heat resilience, extreme heat, climate action, climate equity 

Focusing on recentering water engagement through an Indigenous lens, anchored by the Fraser River/Estuary model, this project features a workshop and actionable guidance for Sierra Club BC's Mother Tree Local Leaders Program. Empowering leaders to nurture personal and organizational water relationships, it fosters diverse environmental stewardship through land-based education. Includes insights from collaborating environmental NGOs that translate expertise into practical suggestions.

Partner: Sierra Club BC
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: sustainability in education, water, Indigenous knowledge systems 

This project provides insights for the optimization of the City of Vancouver leaf collection seasonal program in anticipation of climate change effects on vegetation. It includes spatial suggestions and a phenology calendar relevant to adjusting Service Operations logistics according to the timing of deciduous trees’ foliage shedding. Analyzed information is based on the tree species abundance, canopy density, and species-specific information on physiological responses to climatic changes.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, waste management & recycling, urban forestry 

This project aims to establish a framework for the Indigenous-focused Climate and Energy Resilience Capacity-building programs within the Fraser Basin Council (FBC). This project introduces three Centre for Economic Research and Capacity Building (CERCB) programs with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and facilities the alignment of these programs through six UNDRIP parameters. These parameters are distilled from UNRP principles, a review of related literature, and input derived from interviews with Indigenous leaders, FBC staff, and stakeholders. The results of this project inform the proposal for a UNDRIP Compliance Measurement Toolkit for evaluation.

Partner: Fraser Basin Council Society
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy