Project Library

The project aimed to enhance biodiversity conservation messaging in the Fraser Estuary, effectively communicating conservation efforts amidst ongoing biodiversity threats. Its objective is to raise awareness, shape attitudes, and prompt action toward biodiversity conservation in the region. The project outlined a six-step approach to crafting and delivering tailored conservation messages, emphasizing credibility, framing, storytelling, visuals, connections, and co-benefits for diverse audiences.

Partner: Garden City Conservation Society
Funder: UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, leadership & behaviour change 

Energy upgrades and retrofits have been identified as key measures to reduce energy consumption and associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the building sector in Canada. This study aims to assess the cost-effectiveness and environmental impacts of energy-efficient new build construction on the Musqueam Indian Reserve. The findings can help the indigenous community select economical building energy upgrade measures to reduce building energy use and associated GHG emissions.

Partner: Musqueam Indian Band
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings, sustainable development & green economy 

This report provides recommendations to the City of Vancouver for an envisioned Green Roof Asset Tracker tool and program that would allow the City to quantify and qualify the benefits of green roofs in Vancouver across diverse categories, including stormwater management, biodiversity support, and climate change mitigation. Recommendations for program operational requirements and features of a public-facing green roof map are made based on a mixed-methods approach involving case studies.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: green infrastructure, land use planning, climate resilience, green buildings, sustainable development & green economy, water 

The Museum of Vancouver leads the Sustainable Arts and Green Ecosystems Project (SAGE). SAGE is a partnership of museums, galleries and theatres collaborating on development of tools to advance sustainability and circular design, construction and de-construction of staged events and exhibitions. This project assesses the sustainability of materials commonly used in staged events: wood paneling, lumber, and paints. These findings will be incorporated into the SAGE Exhibition Planning and Design Toolkit. For information on the full SAGE Project please visit [link].

Partner: Museum of Vancouver
Funder: UBC  
Keywords: green buildings, waste management & recycling 

This educational resource is a toolkit for engaging adults in British Columbia and beyond in meaningful, locally situated, and long-term climate action. The resource is comprised of four modules: Building Socio-Emotional Resilience to Engage in Climate Action, Climate Communication, Climate Justice, and Local Problems and Solutions. Each unit is comprised of a variety of information, videos, and activities that engage participants in climate action.

Partner: British Columbia Sustainable Energy Association
Funder: UBC  
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, sustainability in education, climate action

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