Resource Library

This report seeks to assist the UBC Human Resources Equity Inclusion working group and the UBC Equity & Inclusion Office to understand current, effective, and leading equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) human resources practices and approaches for the workplace. The aim of the report is to provide the HR Equity and Inclusion working group with information to support the development of a road-map that prioritizes EDI initiatives within HR and across UBC.  

Partner: UBC Human Resources
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, human resources, employment equity, marginalization

A policy assessment to support the implementation of UBC's Green Building Action Plan with a focus on reduction of embodied carbon in building projects through whole-building lifecycle assessment (LCA). Research includes a review of policies, standards, regulations and available market tools related to LCAs. The results of this study will inform how embodied carbon is measured with the overall objective of reducing the environmental impact of building construction through improved organizational decision-making.

Partner: UBC Sustainability Initiative (Urban Innovation Research)
Keywords: green buildings, supply chain management & green procurement, sustainable development & green economy

This project reviews the research program at UBC's Bioenergy Research Demonstration Facility (BRDF). The main research topics have been tar cracking, fuel quality, and emissions. In 2020, the BRDF will expand to include a 12 MWth boiler that produces thermal energy by combustion. Interviews with key UBC faculty and operators identified enablers and barriers for collaboration and for conducting applied research in an operating facility. 

Partner: UBC Sustainability Initiative (Urban Innovation Research)
Keywords: green buildings, bioenergy, campus as a living lab

This project aims to support the development of the City of Surrey's existing buildings strategy by providing an analysis of the policies and programs of nearby local governments using the Market Transformation Framework. Key takeaways from the analysis include adopting building-specific targets, expanding incentive programs, advocating for a provincial energy labelling program, collaborating with local governments and stakeholders, and exploring targeted marketing options.

Partner: City of Surrey
Keywords: green buildings

This project explores policy options on how Metro Vancouver and member municipalities can lead the implementation of building energy benchmarking, an ongoing measurement of a building's energy performance. The research report includes lessons learned from leading jurisdictions, an overview of existing benchmarking requirements in the region and findings from stakeholder interviews, and presents four policy alternatives for consideration by Metro Vancouver and member jurisdictions. 

Partner: UBC Campus & Community Planning
Keywords: green buildings, building energy benchmarking, policy solutions for existing buildings

This project was conducted for TransLink on how remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), or drones, could be a future option for freight and passenger transportation. Includes an overview of RPAS technology, Canadian and American regulation frameworks and the challenges facing the RPAS industry. Includes policy and technological considerations for TransLink to consider once RPAS passenger and freight travel has been approved by Transport Canada. 

Partner: TransLink
Keywords: transportation, drones, RPAS

Interest in transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources has encouraged the development and refinement of new technologies. This report researches the alternative technologies available for off-grid microgeneration applications for Metro Vancouver sites. A high-level feasibility study was conducted to determine which technologies might replace current solar, thermoelectric, and battery energy-based systems, and to recommend next steps for exploring promising technologies.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: sustainable development, green economy, water infrastructure

This project looks at the costs and benefits of transitioning full-service restaurant kitchens from gas-powered ranges and griddles to induction ranges and griddles in order to reduce the carbon footprint of Vancouver’s restaurant industry. The research draws on low carbon best practices examples found in California and Ecuador to make recommendations on policies and strategies that the City of Vancouver can employ.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: climate and renewables, green buildings, green economy

The Brock Commons Tallwood Building is unique in the use of mass hybrid timber structure: 16 storeys of mass timber over a concrete podium with concrete stair cores. Learn more about the building services, structural systems, and construction and design process.