Sustainability Scholars Program

Green Rainwater Infrastructure (GRI) offers a holistic approach to urban stormwater management that aligns with environmental, social, and economic goals. This project aims to envision a toolkit of GRI typologies suitable for rapid transit station locations, creating a more resilient transit infrastructure that promotes climate change mitigation, rainwater and localized flooding treatment to increase the overall public experience and well-being.  

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: green infrastructure, healthy city, climate resilience, transportation, water 

This study aims to develop a GIS-based urban building stock model for city-scale sustainability assessments in Richmond. It involves refining a database, mapping building energy consumption, and GHG emissions using georeferenced data and archetypes. The pilot phase will assess the feasibility of various energy-efficient measures, including regional energy generation through PV panels, extending the District Energy Utility, and prioritizing rezoning applications for GHG emission reduction.

Partner: City of Richmond
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings, sustainable development & green economy, urban sustainability 

This project identifies key observations in existing green network spatial data and proposes a habitat classification system to develop efficient and equitable spatial prioritization strategies to enhance the City of Vancouver's ecological health and biodiversity. It maps habitats ranging from large natural forests in parks to small green infrastructure assets in street rights of way and provides recommendations for green interventions that create habitat diversity and connectivity of the green network.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, green network 

This report seeks to address risks associated with unconventional construction materials often used to meet higher Energy Step Code. Focusing on above-ground wall assemblies, the study provides a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help builders assess the compliance of construction products with the BC Building Code (BCBC). Builders using alternative materials should budget time and resources appropriately.  

Partner: Township of Langley
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings  

This project aims to build knowledge and understanding of how families are making trips to and from childcare for the purpose of supporting families in shifting to active modes. Best practices include increasing the convenience of using active modes, embedding child-friendly design in the City of Vancouver, introducing active travel at a young age, and mobilizing women through programs and infrastructure. The report concludes with seven recommendations to increase family active travel in Vancouver.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: active transportation, equity, diversity, inclusion, healthy city, transportation 

This project aimed to create a database to compile existing partnerships between First Nations in British Columbia and UBC in relation to climate change. The executive summary includes the main findings of the study and a series of recommendations to strengthen the collaboration between First Nations and UBC in addressing the climate emergency and climate change.

Partner: Indigenous Research Support Initiative (IRSI)
Funder: UBC
Keywords: green buildings, social sustainability, sustainability in education 

Extended report, based on the database prepared for this Sustainability Scholars Project. Co-authored by IRSI staff, Jessica Groat (graduate practicum student), and Michael Monclou: Recommendations for bolstering respectful collaboration between Indigenous partners and UBC to address the climate emergency and climate change

This study explores how BC's climate policy, particularly the Carbon Neutral Government mandate for public-sector organizations, has influenced climate action at BC universities. A literature review and interviews with employees from the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions partner universities, the City of Vancouver, and the Climate Action Secretariat suggest the mandate no longer drives emissions reductions. This study proposes recommendations for the province to accelerate climate action.

Partner: PICS
Funder: UBC
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, sustainable development & green economy  

The Bert Brink Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is one of few remaining undiked floodplain habitats on the Lower Fraser River. Using visualizations this project aims to communicate the importance of floodplain habitat; support Rivershed Society's goal of connecting a movement to protect 30% and to restore 2.4% of the Fraser watershed; communicate the restoration plans for the Bert Brink WMA; and foster a community of support for the restoration of the Bert Brink WMA.  

Partner: Rivershed Society of BC
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, invasive species

This project aims to identify some of the gaps facing First Nations in accessing equitable, reliable, safe, affordable, and low-carbon transportation in BC, with a particular focus on remote communities. It offers recommendations and opportunities for government to close these gaps in relation to low-carbon transportation programs and initiatives. This research contributes to BC Assembly of First Nation's (BCAFN) three-year First Nations Low-Carbon Transportation Project.

Partner: BC Assembly of First Nations
Funder: UBC
Keywords: transportation, Indigenous reconciliation, climate justice