Project Library

This project evaluates the environmental impacts of artificial turf on private properties in Vancouver, focusing on rainwater management, urban heat, and biodiversity. Using policy analysis, a literature review, expert interviews, and case studies the report identifies risks from runoff, pollution, elevated temperatures, and habitat loss. The study aims to inform coordinated, evidence-based city policies that advance climate adaptation, enhance sustainability, and guide turf management.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, climate adaptation, ecological systems, water 

This report presents a comprehensive evaluation of prospective pathways for developing and implementing a training program on sustainable driving habits. The research is based on comprehensive study of sustainable driver training programs from around the world to identify best practices pertaining to municipal light-duty vehicle fleets. This project also proposes strategies that the City of Coquitlam can use to promote sustainable driving techniques and habits to employees, and improve the efficiency of its light-duty vehicle fleet. This project is an action item in the City of Coquitlam's Environmental Sustainability Plan.

Partner: City of Coquitlam
Funder: City of Coquitlam
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, transportation, zero emission vehicles 

This project continues work that was initiated last summer to assess the impacts of gravel extraction on salmon habitat and flooding in the Chilliwack/Vedder River system, while also evaluating potential mitigation strategies. It compiles and analyzes hydro-climatic, topographic, and sediment data to support integrated modelling under climate change scenarios. The work aims to inform nature-based flood management that balances community safety, ecological health, and long-term resilience in a changing climate.

Partner: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Funder: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate mitigation, ecological systems, flood management, nature-based solutions

This project evaluates the City of New Westminster's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) deployment and recommends strategies to enhance operational performance, customer engagement, and climate resilience. Drawing on best practices from peer utilities, the report identifies gaps in utility, planning, communications, and technology categories.

Partner: City of New Westminster
Funder: City of New Westminster
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, other (separate each tag with a comma) advanced metering infrastructure

Using literature and multiple data sources this project developed a novel framework to estimate vehicular travel in Metro Vancouver. The research involved reviewing methods, assessing current practices, examining travel differences for electric vehicles, and analyzing ICBC insurance and AirCare inspection records for region-specific insights. The result is a novel framework developed based on available data that is tailored to estimating personal transportation patterns and travel distances in Metro Vancouver.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: transportation, zero emission vehicles 

This project tracks the progress of the City of Burnaby's implementation of its Environmental Sustainability Strategy through policy research and interviews with 30 staff across six departments. It identifies achievements, challenges, and opportunities to advance the original strategies and Quick Starts, fosters renewed staff engagement with the Strategy, and aligns sustainability work across departments to strengthen collaboration and a shared vision for the City's sustainable future.

Partner: City of Burnaby
Funder: City of Burnaby
Keywords: ecological systems, green buildings, leadership & behaviour change, sustainable development & green economy 

This report presents a set of strategic initiatives that the City of Pitt Meadows can implement to develop environmentally friendly tourism that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and supports local businesses. While the city boasts scenic landscapes, much of its tourism activity occurs outside the urban core, which limits local economic benefits. The report recommends targeted interventions across three themes: Accessibility and Connectivity, Ecology, Culture and Education, and Site Operation.

Partner: City of Pitt Meadows
Funder: City of Pitt Meadows
Keywords: active transportation, biodiversity, social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy 

This project provides recommendations for the City of Vancouver to leverage green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) for urban heat reduction, biodiversity enhancement, and rainwater management. Drawing from case studies and expert interviews, the project outlines strategies for localized modelling, equitable distribution of benefits, improved data tracking, and sustainable GRI maintenance. The goal is to help Vancouver enhance its climate adaptation efforts by integrating GRI into urban planning.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: Green Rainwater Infrastructure, Rainwater Management, Urban Heat, Climate Adaptation

The Community Energy Association (CEA) supports BC communities in meeting IPCC 1.5°C targets by analyzing EnerGuide data on residential retrofits. Focusing on buildings, CEA assesses energy savings and GHG reductions from various upgrades in different climatic zones. This study identifies effective retrofit strategies, such as air sealing and heat pumps, to help municipalities meet 2030 emissions targets both for BC and Pemberton. It provides insights for planners to prioritize interventions for maximizing GHG reductions in BC’s housing sector.

Partner: Community Energy Association
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: energy savings, emissions reductions, retrofits, heat pumps