Sustainability Scholars Program

The purpose of this project is to provide a high-level summary of laws governing sea level rise adaptation and nature-based solutions in B.C. This report explores the questions: What barriers exist within the current regulatory regime that hamper the implementation of nature-based solutions along the south coast of B.C.? What sort of conceptual framing of these issues can allow for policy change?

Partner: UBC (Living With Water)
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, equity, diversity, inclusion, green infrastructure 

As part of their goals for the upcoming Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP), the District of Squamish is looking to expand the scope of emissions being addressed to include embodied carbon. A scan of other jurisdictional action plans, as well as a review of the current CCAP and other internal documents was conducted. The research was compiled and distilled into draft actions & recommendations for tackling embodied carbon in the new plan.

Partner: District of Squamish
Funder: UBC (Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pathways Grant)
Keywords: low carbon buildings, waste management & recycling, embodied carbon, scope 3 emissions

This project involves testing and adapting an evaluation framework for City of Vancouver staff to support equity and justice in their climate action work. The latest iteration of the evaluation framework was delivered to the City for internal use only. This executive summary reviews the testing process and offers recommendations for continuing progress on the framework and supporting its implementation.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, climate action, justice, evaluation

This project identifies, discusses, and scrutinizes mechanisms for transferring property to Indigenous People in other jurisdictions to align the British Columbia Escheat Act with the BC Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (UNDRIP).  It considers the legal framework for transferring property to Indigenous People following Escheat in Ontario, Alberta, Quebec, New Zealand and Australia.

Partner: British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI)
Funder: British Columbia Law Institute (BCLI)
Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, land use planning, social sustainability 

This project defines, inventories, and assesses Vancouver's high streets, analyzing the public realm, regional connectivity, and retail focus to guide future urban planning and design. The multidimensional findings reveal diverse high street characteristics, informing an evaluation toolkit that supports inclusive policies and enhances residents' quality of life, promoting economic and social vitality across the city.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, sustainable development & green economy, transportation 

The City of Vernon aims to increase the uptake of home energy retrofits to reduce associated carbon emissions. However, homeowners often face challenges implementing energy retrofits, such us limited energy retrofit knowledge and difficulty accessing retrofit financial incentives. This report provides recommendations for the development of an energy retrofit toolkit to help homeowners and other interest groups understand various retrofit measures, financial incentives, and retrofit tactics.

Partner: City of Vernon  
Funder: City of Vernon
Keywords: climate mitigation, green buildings, low carbon buildings 

This project analyzed and prioritized updates to Kamloops' policies and guidelines using a hybrid method that combined qualitative and quantitative data. Through literature review, policy evaluation, and interviews the project identified five major challenges and proposed thirteen recommendations. The findings aim to equip Kamloops with strategies to better prepare for climate-related hazards, fostering a sustainable and resilient community.

Partner: City of Kamloops
Funder: City of Kamloops
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, green infrastructure, sustainable development & green economy 

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