Resource Library

This project supports the City of Port Moody in advancing mandatory energy benchmarking and disclosure for Part 3 buildings. By reviewing local policies, examining programs across Canada, and synthesizing academic literature, the research identifies challenges and best practices to guide policy design. The purpose is to help Port Moody reduce building emissions, improve energy efficiency, and align with broader climate goals through data-driven decision-making and increased transparency.

Partner: City of Port Moody  
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: climate mitigation, green buildings, low carbon buildings 

This project investigates opportunities for the reduction of non-energy greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Metro Vancouver's drinking water treatment and transmission systems. A jurisdictional scan identified four important domains with high carbon emissions potential. The findings emphasize that procurement choices based on environmental produce declarations and sourcing sustainable alternatives are key to achieving climate-resilience in water systems.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: climate resilience, supply chain management & green procurement, sustainable development & green economy, water 

This project explores the environmental impacts of healthcare delivery by comparing life cycle emissions from in-person and virtual clinic visits. Using a life cycle assessment framework, it examines key emission sources like patient travel, facility energy use, and digital infrastructure. The goal is to identify the potential environmental benefits of virtual care models and inform sustainable decision-making in healthcare systems.

Partner: Providence Healthcare
Funder: Providence Healthcare
Keywords: climate resilience, climate mitigation, zero emission vehicles, other (separate each tag with a comma) Sustainable healthcare system

This project identified sustainable funding and collaboration models to support long-term maintenance of Green Rainwater Infrastructure (GRI) in Vancouver's parks and roadways. Drawing on case studies from Victoria, Seattle, and Pittsburgh it evaluated tools such as utility fees, workforce partnerships, and nonprofit collaborations. The goal was to inform City planning with strategies that maintain GRI performance while advancing climate resilience, equity, and community stewardship.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, climate adaptation, green infrastructure, waste management & recycling 

This project develops an indicator-based framework to assess Transit-Oriented Area performance in Vancouver. It synthesizes policy documents, academic literature, and interviews to define indicators, pilots it citywide with spatial data, and uses a case study to demonstrate tailored recommendations. The framework supports planning decisions that align land use, street connectivity, micromobility capacity, and transit node strength with demand to advance an integrated multimodal transit system.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: active transportation, land use planning, transportation 

This project evaluates the environmental impacts of artificial turf on private properties in Vancouver, focusing on rainwater management, urban heat, and biodiversity. Using policy analysis, a literature review, expert interviews, and case studies the report identifies risks from runoff, pollution, elevated temperatures, and habitat loss. The study aims to inform coordinated, evidence-based city policies that advance climate adaptation, enhance sustainability, and guide turf management.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, climate adaptation, ecological systems, water 

This report presents a comprehensive evaluation of prospective pathways for developing and implementing a training program on sustainable driving habits. The research is based on comprehensive study of sustainable driver training programs from around the world to identify best practices pertaining to municipal light-duty vehicle fleets. This project also proposes strategies that the City of Coquitlam can use to promote sustainable driving techniques and habits to employees, and improve the efficiency of its light-duty vehicle fleet. This project is an action item in the City of Coquitlam's Environmental Sustainability Plan.

Partner: City of Coquitlam
Funder: City of Coquitlam
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, transportation, zero emission vehicles 

This project continues work that was initiated last summer to assess the impacts of gravel extraction on salmon habitat and flooding in the Chilliwack/Vedder River system, while also evaluating potential mitigation strategies. It compiles and analyzes hydro-climatic, topographic, and sediment data to support integrated modelling under climate change scenarios. The work aims to inform nature-based flood management that balances community safety, ecological health, and long-term resilience in a changing climate.

Partner: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Funder: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate mitigation, ecological systems, flood management, nature-based solutions

This project evaluates the City of New Westminster's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment and recommends strategies to enhance operational performance, customer engagement, and climate resilience. Drawing on best practices from peer utilities, the report identifies gaps in utility, planning, communications, and technology categories.

Partner: City of New Westminster
Funder: City of New Westminster
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, other (separate each tag with a comma) advanced metering infrastructure