Resource Library

This project analyzes the comparability of fenestration Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) across diverse Product Category Rules (PCRs). It details methodological variations in declared units, reference geometries, cut-off rules, and electricity modeling. The report demonstrates how these factors affect reported Global Warming Potential and provides a brief overview of harmonization steps to facilitate clearer industry comparisons.

Partner: Cascadia Windows Ltd.
Funder: Cascadia Windows Ltd.
Keywords: climate mitigation, green buildings, low carbon buildings, supply chain management & green procurement, fenestration 

Our goal is to help young Canadians understand how STEM, environmental, and agricultural science can work together to improve the health of all the earth’s communities. Students work with community gardeners, Elders, and science educators in garden spaces to learn through hands-on experience about growing food crops and the science of plants, soil health, and environmental care.

This project identifies opportunities to convert aging local roads into ecological corridors, supporting Vancouver's climate emergency commitments and 11% road space reallocation target. Drawing on case studies from municipalities worldwide, it highlights effective approaches to reallocation. A mapping analysis of the City's internal datasets produced a recommended list of 17 local road candidates for transformation within the next 5 to 10 years.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: active transportation, climate resilience, ecological systems, green infrastructure 

This report synthesizes interviews and conducts an economic multiplier analysis to assess the feasibility and equity impact of Vancouver's Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) policy. The findings show that developers perceive ambiguity and financial risk, social enterprises seek stronger targets and access, and monitors cite procurement constraints. Recommendations call for clearer language, a clearer definition of "local," dedicated CBA coordinators, unbundled contracts, improved monitoring, and more incentives for developers.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver
Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, land use planning, social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy 

Produced by the UBC Climate Hub student team, this is a pocket guide to community and collective action rooted in shared dignity. The guide includes sections on Heat, Wildfire, Air Pollution, Flooding, and Justice & Care.

This project analyzes pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation data from 5,923 Saanich homes (2007 to 2024) to understand community retrofit activity and its role in meeting climate goals of 50% GHG reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The study evaluates retrofit trends, fuel switching, and upgrade bundles, providing insights to guide the District of Saanich's 2025 Climate Plan Update and support local energy retrofit programs and policy design.

Partner: District of Saanich
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings, low carbon buildings 

This report presents a bottom-up assessment of non-road engine (NRE) populations in Metro Vancouver to support the development of a more accurate and regionally representative air emissions inventory of greenhouse gases (GHG) and health harming contaminants. Non-road engines, used in sectors such as construction, commercial, manufacturing, and yard and garden contribute significantly to local air pollution and climate impacts, yet their emissions are not as accurately quantified compared to on-road vehicles (Hagan, 2022). The study draws on structured interviews, data collection from regional equipment suppliers and dealers, and public and institutional datasets from sources such as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to cross-validate and enrich the data.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: emissions, transportation, non-road engines, GHG emissions inventory

This project examines recent risk assessments undertaken for local BC governments. The research anticipates upcoming Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) regulations expected in late 2025, which will enforce new local government risk assessment requirements. The analysis explores the number of local governments that may need to undertake new or supplementary risk assessments, the capacity of the private sector to provide support, and the potential costs associated with this work.

Partner: Union of British Columbia Municipalities
Funder: Union of British Columbia Municipalities
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience 

This project calls for urgent action to advance equitable and quality childcare, centring children with disabilities while benefiting all children and families. It underscores three pressing priorities: inclusive physical design, investment in the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) workforce training, and systemic reform with resources and policy support. Childcare is part of an ecosystem, and stronger collaboration across stakeholders is essential to build inclusive spaces that uphold every child's right to care and well-being.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, social sustainability, sustainability in education