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 February 2. Please subscribe to the UBC Sustainability Newsletter to make sure you receive notices about future opportunities.
Current Opportunities
Full list of projects as of January 21, 2020 (PDF)
2020-01 Researching a circular economy of plastics in health care (Closes Feb 2)
2020-02 Aligning safer chemicals with patient care in BC health care facilities: research, development and engagement (Closes Feb 2)
2020-03 A Review of Climate Adaptation Planning for Transit Agencies (Closes Feb 2)
2020-04 A review and analysis of transit agency intergovernmental agreements for major transportation investments (Closes Feb 2)
2020-06 Healthy beverage designation program at UBC: Environmental scan and implementation Plan (Closes Feb 2)
2020-07 Mental health literacy campaign best practices review and recommendations (Closes Feb 2)
2020-08 Envisioning a physical food hub at UBCO (Closes Feb 2)
2020-09 Knowledge Mobilization for the Healthy Workplace Initiative Program: Stories of Success (Closes Feb 2)
2020-10 Understanding community resilience and opportunities to provide wellbeing support amidst the climate crisis (Closes Feb 2)
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 (Closes Feb 2)
2020-14 Evaluating and Reducing Microplastics in Metro Vancouver Wastewater Treatment (Closes Feb 2)
2020-15 Investigating the effectiveness of stormwater source controls in managing urban stormwater quality and quantity. (Closes Feb 2)
2020-16 Review of the Emerging Use of Activated Carbon or Biochar Media as Stormwater Source Controls (Closes Feb 2)
2020-17 Integrated Analysis of Economic Methods for Evaluating Environmental Damages from Stormwater Contaminants (Closes Feb 2)
2020-18 Examination of how to measure and manage environmental, physical and experiential capacity of regional parks (Closes Feb 2)
2020-20 Research to understand agricultural waste management practices and barriers to avoiding open-air burning of vegetative waste (Closes Feb 2)
2020-21 Trend Analysis on background levels of ground-level ozone for renewal of Regional Ground-Level Ozone Strategy (Closes Feb 2)
2020-23 Reassessment of the Greater Vancouver Water District Secondary Disinfection Strategy (Closes Feb 2)
2020-24 Developing an embodied carbon primer for B.C. single and small multi-family homes (Closes Feb 2)
2020-25 Energy consumption and greenhouse gas annual inventory report & recommendations (Resort Municipality of Whistler) (Closes Feb 2)
2020-26 Assessing the Embedded Emissions of Building to the Energy Step Code (Closes Feb 2)
2020-27 Role of local governments in supporting Energy Advisor capacity in small and rural communities (Closes Feb 2)
2020-28 Assessing Industry Capacity to Deliver Energy Retrofits in Kamloops (Closes Feb 2)
2020-29 Centering equity and affordability in climate action plans, policies, and programs (City of Abbotsford) (Closes Feb 2)
2020-30 Centering equity and affordability in climate action plans, policies, and programs (District of Saanich) (Closes Feb 2)
2020-31 Recommissining study for city-owned buildings to improve performance and reduce GHG emissions (City of New West) (Closes Feb 2)
2020-32 Impact of architectural design on the solar PV generation potential of a house (Closes Feb 2)
2020-33 Analysis of energy consumption of different architectural design decisions (Closes Feb 2)
2020-34 Land use policy and regulatory barriers to low carbon resilient housing (Closes Feb 2)
2020-35 Low carbon electrification opportunities for social housing: Benefits and barriers to achieve deep GHG reduction (Closes Feb 2)
2020-36 Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis for social housing (Closes Feb 2)
2020-37 Understanding best practices and key barriers to scaling zero emissions homes in B.C. (Closes Feb 2)
2020-38 Implementing the BC Energy Step Code in Part 3 (non-residential) buildings in the Township of Langley (Closes Feb 2)
2020-39 Informing a roadmap for benchmarking energy and emissions associated with Complex Buildings (Closes Feb 2)
2020-40 Incorporating Embodied Carbon into Sustainable Decision-Making in Construction at the Vancouver Airport Authority (Closes Feb 2)
2020-41 Researching a shared transportation program for low-income residents with mobility challenges (Closes Feb 2)
2020-42 Exploring the use of licensed group childcare facilities for community programming outside childcare hours (Closes Feb 2)
2020-43 Investigating barriers to electrical panel upgrades in home retrofits (Closes Feb 2)
2020-44 Strategy for transitioning the False Creek Neighbourhood Energy Utility to 100% renewable energy (Closes Feb 2)
2020-46 Determining the impact of retail/commercial redevelopment on existing businesses (Closes Feb 2)
2020-47 Understanding the Impacts of ride-hailing vehicles on congestion and the City of Vancouver’s climate emergency response (Closes Feb 2)
2020-48 Roadmap for equitable engagement strategies to support the City’s transportation planning (Closes Feb 2)
2020-49 Supporting the Urban Freight Strategy: Mapping the City’s loading facilities for on- and off-street delivery activity (closes Feb 2)
2020-50 Best practices for a business sector campaign to reduce wasted food: encouraging behaviour change and sustainable practices (Closes Feb 2)
2020-52 What does “Access to Nature” mean to Vancouverites, and can we map it? (Closes Feb 2)
2020-53 Understanding the best way to advance natural capital valuation of Vancouver’s parks and open spaces (Closes Feb 2)
2020-54 Biodiversity Audit of Vancouver Park Board Golf Courses (Closes Feb 2)
2020-55 Exploring Opportunities & Challenges Associated with Managing Rainwater from Private Properties on Public Lands (Closes Feb 2)
2020-57 Clean Transportation Market Forecast (Closes Feb 2)
2020-58 Feasibility Study: Electrifying the Stanley Park Train (Closes Feb 2)
2020-60 Advancing sustainable commuting: Demonstrating city leadership in response to the Climate Emergency (Closes Feb 2)