Sustainability Scholars Program

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 

This project aims to equip building owners in Burnaby with an accessible retrofit toolkit, primarily focused on strategies to mitigate the effects of extreme heat events. The toolkit has been developed through a combination of research into current best practices and interviews with various professionals. This toolkit provides building owners with a range of retrofitting activities, with a focus on quick wins, to mitigate overheating and improve the performance and resilience of their buildings.

Partner: City of Burnaby
Funder: City of Burnaby
Keywords: green buildings, sustainable development & green economy, climate action

This project explores the City of North Vancouver's building inventory and retrofit strategies, aiming to streamline their emissions reduction and fortify climate resilience. The focus is on bridging gaps in building stock analysis by classifying major structures by use and size, refreshing the multi-family building database, and investigating retrofit practices from foremost municipalities in Canada. The insights garnered will guide the City's strategy for retrofitting its prominent structures.

Partner: City of North Vancouver
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings 

The objective of this project is to conduct research and summarize opportunities for local governments to promote food-growing in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs). The project utilizes a literature review, policy scans, and interviews with communities and governments to identify successes, challenges, and suggestions for food cultivation initiatives. Includes recommendations for the Township of Langley to enhance food security and address the climate crisis through the implementation and practice of residential food cultivation

Partner: Township of Langley
Funder: Township of Langley
Keywords: food systems, green buildings, social sustainability 

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