Before you dive in, take a moment to review the program eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Applying to the Sustainability Scholars Program is easy, but be sure to allow yourself time to review the many opportunities we have available.
how to apply
1. Review the program details and the list of opportunities
Read all the information on this page and in the Summer 2020 Application Guide to make sure you understand the eligibility requirements and how the program works.
2. Update your resume and cover letter
You may apply for up to three different opportunities. Please make sure your resume is up-to-date and that you customise your cover letter for each opportunity that you’re applying for. Applying to the Scholars Program is competitive so it’s worthwhile to give yourself extra time to polish your cover letter and resume.
3. Prepare your application
You will need to provide a separate resume and cover letter for each opportunity. You will also need to provide references. Your cover letter, resume, and references must be saved as one PDF document, using the following naming convention: Project number_First name_Last name.pdf (e.g., 2020-36_Jenny_Smith.pdf).
4. Submit your application online
Summer 2020 internships are posted below. Be sure to apply by midnight March 8. Please subscribe to the UBC Sustainability Newsletter to make sure you receive notices about future opportunities.
APPLY HERE
Current Opportunities
We are currently recruiting for the following opportunities. Deadline to apply is midnight, March 8.
Some of these opportunities are new, and some are reposts of previous opportunities. If you previously applied for one of these opportunities, you are welcome to apply again although you are encouraged to update your cover letter to describe more specifically how your background and skills meet the needs of the project.
*NOTE: projects are being added as they come available over the next few days. Please check back before you apply (approximately February 21) for the complete list of new and reposted opportunities.
2020-31 Recommissioning study for city-owned buildings to improve building systems performance and reduce GHG emissions (repost, closes March 8)
2020-40 Incorporating Embodied Carbon into Sustainable Decision-Making in Construction at the Vancouver Airport Authority (new, closes March 8)
2020-58 Research to understand best options for electrifying the Stanley Park train (repost, closes March 8)
2020-61 Research to understand opportunities to improve a GHG community energy program (new, closes March 8)
2020-62 Strategic benchmarking to inform sustainability goal-setting for the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (new, closes March 8)
* * * * The followiing opportunities are now closed. * * * *
2020-01 Researching a circular economy of plastics in health care (Closed)
2020-02 Aligning safer chemicals with patient care in BC health care facilities: research, development and engagement (Closed)
2020-03 A Review of Climate Adaptation Planning for Transit Agencies (Closed)
2020-04 A review and analysis of transit agency intergovernmental agreements for major transportation investments (Closed)
2020-05 Culturally-Appropriate and Energy-Efficient Housing on Reserve: Considering the role of housing standards in promoting energy saving opportunities among First Nations in B.C. (Closed)
2020-06 Healthy beverage designation program at UBC: Environmental scan and implementation Plan (Closed)
2020-07 Mental health literacy campaign best practices review and recommendations (Closed)
2020-08 Envisioning a physical food hub at UBCO (Closed)
2020-09 Knowledge Mobilization for the Healthy Workplace Initiative Program: Stories of Success (Closed)
2020-10 Understanding community resilience and opportunities to provide wellbeing support amidst the climate crisis (Closed)
2020-11 Research to understand climate grief/anxiety impacts on student mental health and wellbeing (Closes Feb 2)
2020-12 Laying the groundwork for quantification of carbon sequestration and emissions for land-applied Metro Vancouver biosolids (Closed)
2020-13 Identification of potential significant dischargers to the wastewater system in the Metro Vancouver region that are not currently captured in the permitting process (Closed)
2020-14 Evaluating and Reducing Microplastics in Metro Vancouver Wastewater Treatment (Closed)
2020-15 Investigating the effectiveness of stormwater source controls in managing urban stormwater quality and quantity. (Closed)
2020-16 Review of the Emerging Use of Activated Carbon or Biochar Media as Stormwater Source Controls (Closed)
2020-17 Integrated Analysis of Economic Methods for Evaluating Environmental Damages from Stormwater Contaminants (CANCELLED)
2020-18 Examination of how to measure and manage environmental, physical and experiential capacity of regional parks (Closed)
2020-19 Scan of the International Status of Engine Electrification & Assessment of Opportunities for Key Sectors in the Metro Vancouver Region (Closed)
2020-20 Research to understand agricultural waste management practices and barriers to avoiding open-air burning of vegetative waste (Closed)
2020-21 Trend Analysis on background levels of ground-level ozone for renewal of Regional Ground-Level Ozone Strategy (Closed)
2020-22 Developing long-term forest monitoring strategies to address the impacts of climate change on Metro Vancouver’s water supply areas (Closed)
2020-23 Reassessment of the Greater Vancouver Water District Secondary Disinfection Strategy (Closed)
2020-24 Developing an embodied carbon primer for B.C. single and small multi-family homes (Closed)
2020-25 Energy consumption and greenhouse gas annual inventory report & recommendations (Resort Municipality of Whistler) (Closed)
2020-26 Assessing the Embedded Emissions of Building to the Energy Step Code (Closed)
2020-27 Role of local governments in supporting Energy Advisor capacity in small and rural communities (Closed)
2020-28 Assessing Industry Capacity to Deliver Energy Retrofits in Kamloops (Closed)
2020-29 Centering equity and affordability in climate action plans, policies, and programs (City of Abbotsford) (Closed)
2020-30 Centering equity and affordability in climate action plans, policies, and programs (District of Saanich) (Closed)
2020-31 Recommissining study for city-owned buildings to improve performance and reduce GHG emissions (City of New West) (Closed)
2020-32 Impact of architectural design on the solar PV generation potential of a house (Closed)
2020-33 Analysis of energy consumption of different architectural design decisions (Closed)
2020-34 Land use policy and regulatory barriers to low carbon resilient housing (Closed)
2020-35 Low carbon electrification opportunities for social housing: Benefits and barriers to achieve deep GHG reduction (Closed)
2020-36 Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis for social housing (Closed)
2020-37 Understanding best practices and key barriers to scaling zero emissions homes in B.C. (Closed)
2020-38 Implementing the BC Energy Step Code in Part 3 (non-residential) buildings in the Township of Langley (Closed)
2020-39 Informing a roadmap for benchmarking energy and emissions associated with Complex Buildings (Closed)
2020-40 Incorporating Embodied Carbon into Sustainable Decision-Making in Construction at the Vancouver Airport Authority (Closed)
2020-41 Researching a shared transportation program for low-income residents with mobility challenges (Closed)
2020-42 Exploring the use of licensed group childcare facilities for community programming outside childcare hours (Closed)
2020-43 Investigating barriers to electrical panel upgrades in home retrofits (Closed)
2020-44 Strategy for transitioning the False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility to 100% renewable energy (Closed)
2020-45 Supporting the creation of walkable complete communities built on a foundation of understanding diversity and unique human qualities (Closed)
2020-46 Determining the impact of retail/commercial redevelopment on existing businesses (Closed)
2020-47 Understanding the Impacts of ride-hailing vehicles on congestion and the City of Vancouver’s climate emergency response (Closed)
2020-48 Roadmap for equitable engagement strategies to support the City’s transportation planning (Closed)
2020-49 Supporting the Urban Freight Strategy: Mapping the City’s loading facilities for on- and off-street delivery activity (Closed)
2020-50 Best practices for a business sector campaign to reduce wasted food: encouraging behaviour change and sustainable practices (Closed Feb 2)
2020-51 Identifying a range of typologies and favorable conditions for regenerative and low-maintenance green rainwater infrastructure in right-of-ways (Closed)
2020-52 What does “Access to Nature” mean to Vancouverites, and can we map it? (Closed)
2020-53 Understanding the best way to advance natural capital valuation of Vancouver’s parks and open spaces (Closed)
2020-54 Biodiversity Audit of Vancouver Park Board Golf Courses (Closed)
2020-55 Exploring Opportunities & Challenges Associated with Managing Rainwater from Private Properties on Public Lands (Closed)
2020-56 Assessing challenges and opportunities associated with obtaining mandatory home warranty for developments that incorporate rainwater harvesting or resilient roofs (Closed)
2020-57 Clean Transportation Market Forecast (Closed)
2020-58 Feasibility Study: Electrifying the Stanley Park Train (Closed)
2020-59 Best practice review of circular economy design certification practices and applicability for procurement at the City of Vancouver (Closed)
2020-60 Advancing sustainable commuting: Demonstrating city leadership in response to the Climate Emergency (Closed)
