Resource Library

Different types of windows have different environmental impacts. However, research contrasting embodied carbon emissions of traditional windows such as aluminum versus innovative materials such as fiberglass is lacking. This project evaluated the global warming potential of fiberglass windows manufactured by Cascadia Windows and Doors; reviewed and listed the GWP of traditional windows production reported in the environmental product declaration; and compared the results.

Partner: Cascadia Windows Ltd.
Funder: Cascadia Windows Ltd.
Keywords: green buildings, social sustainability, supply chain management & green procurement

The goal of this project was to determine where to build new public drinking fountains in the City of Vancouver. It achieved this by way of a GIS map showing access to public drinking water across Vancouver. Analysis of spatial data yielded 29 potential sites for priority construction, as well as 18 secondary sites for further consideration. This report recommends building a total of 47 new drinking fountains to ensure equitable access to drinking water for all Vancouver residents.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: clean water, climate adaptation, healthy city, water

Vancouver Park Board is encouraging residents across the city to engage in environmental action through the recreation sector. Environmental programming offered at Vancouver community centres, however, is currently limited. This report outlines the importance of environmental action at the grassroots level to cultivate a sustainable and equitable future. Examples of recreation-based environmental programs from other jurisdictions are featured for the Park Board to reference to promote action.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: access to nature, active transportation, climate action, leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability, sustainability in education 

The City of Vancouver is in the process of developing a living roof webpage as part of the implementation of the Rain City Strategy. This report aims to provide support for the development of a living roof webpage, design guidelines and standard design drawings to improve public engagement and knowledge sharing. The report provides suggestions on webpage design, layout, and content, design guideline structure and a list of typical drawings. 

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: clean water, climate adaptation, green infrastructure, green buildings, sustainable development & green economy, water

The guide takes a holistic approach by considering how buildings, infrastructure and land use can work together to create resilient communities through a low carbon resiliency (LCR) lens. LCR is the intersection between climate change mitigation and adaption measures that maximize co-benefits to communities. A compilation of existing research, policy examples, and case studies combined with stakeholder interviews provide recommendations on how local governments can rebuild better.

Partner: Community Energy Association
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: ecological systems, green buildings, sustainable development & green economy

Settler colonial-capitalist policies have reduced the ability of Indigenous peoples to harvest foods from and enact food sovereignty within the Fraser River estuary. This report explores the repercussions of environmental change on traditional foods in the estuary, focusing on pollution, invasive species, and climate change. The report culminates in recommendations to support healthy habitat for traditional food species and recommendations for collaborating with Musqueam on food sovereignty.

Partner: Centre for Sustainable Food Systems
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: ecological systems, food systems, social sustainability

This project provides insight into the regulatory environment and business practices of suite-level sub-metering of thermal energy services in the Vancouver area. The purpose is to identify the issues for thermal energy sub-metering in multi-unit residential buildings from an affordability and equity perspective. Recommendations were made for the City of Vancouver and stakeholders to raise the accountability and optimize the transparency for third-party sub-meter arrangements.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: climate action, equity, diversity, inclusion, low carbon buildings, green buildings

This project aims to shed light on how childcare and early learning can be more culturally safe for urban Indigenous children and families. Through a literature review, interviews with community members, and visits to childcare facilities this report highlights a few issues that urban Indigenous families and children face along with some suggestions to tackle these issues.

Project video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10hEkoFNEBxa5S_KKtXLbOL69d3722R_t/view?usp=sharing

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

Rising sea levels, increased storm events, and an ecologically damaging seawall present the need for a change. This report re-envisions the Stanley Park seawall as a multifunctional coastal pathway that naturally protects the shoreline from erosion, increases intertidal habitat, and creates meaningful experiences between park visitors and the marine environment. The design proposals in this report aim to inspire and initiate further dialogue on an alternative future for the seawall.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: access to nature, climate adaptation, healthy city, biodiversity, ecological systems, water