Research to Action: Advancing Urban Sustainability 2025

Presented by the UBC Sustainability Scholars Program: A conference on urban sustainability research

What happens when you give bright and engaged students real-world sustainability problems to solve?

UBC Sustainability Scholars are helping to generate real change in the world. Join us to learn more about what our local governments, institutions and NGOs are doing to future-proof our people, our cities, and our urban spaces.

In person: Wednesday, September 24, 12:00 - 3:00 PM
Online: Thursday, September 25, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Two afternoons of engaged discussions on a diverse range of applied sustainability projects produced by UBC graduate students in collaboration with partner organizations including the City of Vancouver, Metro Vancouver, BC Hydro, TransLink, local health authorities, local governments, and many others. Following the opening remarks and keynote presentations by George Benson (on September 24) and Stefan Pauer (on September 25), this year's Sustainability Scholars cohort will present their projects in concurrent themed panel sessions throughout the afternoon. There will be different students presenting each day. Panels will be moderated by experts from UBC and Sustainability Scholars Program partners.

Attendance is free to all. Registration is required.

REGISTER

Guest Speakers

Wednesday, September 24
 

 

George Benson

George P. R. Benson is a globally recognised leader on economic development, cities, and climate action. He has worked across the public, private, and non-profit sectors and currently leads the Zero Emissions Innovation Centre (ZEIC)’s economic development team. George’s team supports businesses, especially small ones, in finding profitable ways to join or expand the zero-carbon economy. Outside of ZEIC, George has previously been involved with the Canadian and American urban planning associations, work with the World Economic Forum, and as a ministerial advisor on BC’s Climate Solutions Council. https://georgeprbenson.com/now/

Thursday, September 25
 

 

 

Stefan provides strategic leadership to Clean Energy Canada by advancing its work on clean technology and policy issues through rigorous research, data, and economic analysis. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Political Science at Simon Fraser University. Before joining Clean Energy Canada, Stefan carried out interdisciplinary research on climate policies in California and Europe at the University of British Columbia. He also worked as a Policy Officer at the European Commission, where he helped develop and implement the European Union’s carbon market. Stefan holds a PhD in law from the University of British Columbia and a master’s in international law from the University of Bern. He is the recipient of numerous research grants, scholarships, and awards from organizations that include the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions, Economics and Environmental Policy Research Network, Centre for International Governance Innovation, and the University of British Columbia.
 

Download PDF of event program

The UBC Vancouver campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people.

This event is part of Student Sustainability Fest on September 24! Join this event to learn more about sustainability education and opportunities at UBC.