Project Library

The project examines the impact of in-river gravel mining on flood control and Pacific salmon habitat by assessing how gravel extraction changes riverbed conditions and affects salmon habitat. Based on a literature review, the study aims to enhance flood resilience and sediment management in the Chilliwack/Vedder River while addressing ecological challenges. It examines nature-based solutions, like floodplain rehabilitation, to improve flood resilience and salmon habitat.

Partner: Watershed Watch Salmon Society
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: ecological systems, habitat restoration, flood Management, nature-based solutions

This report aims to enhance the City of New Westminster's Outdoor Cooling Strategy by providing a comprehensive condition assessment of existing drinking water fountains and misting stations, identifying priority neighborhoods for additional cooling infrastructure, and proposing specific locations for new installations and upgrades.

Partner: City of New Westminster
Funder: City of New Westminster
Keywords: climate adaptation, green infrastructure, sustainable development & green economy, water 

This project aims to provide guidance and resources for City of Nelson staff to incorporate sustainability considerations, specifically the reduction of embodied carbon emissions, into its procurement policy and processes. It provides advice on how to get started, then guides users through the pre-purchasing, purchasing, and post-purchasing phases of procurement with checklists and appendices of resources. Finally, it provides advice on adopting a sustainable procurement policy.

Partner: City of Nelson
Funder: UBC (Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pathways Grant)
Keywords: climate mitigation, low carbon buildings, supply chain management & green procurement 

This research represents one of the first steps in identifying workable strategies for reducing embodied carbon emissions (ECE) in new home construction in the City of Kamloops. It examines ECE literacy levels, building material preferences, and perceptions of construction stakeholders in the city regarding ECE reduction practices and potential policies. The report concludes with proposals for advancing the objective of reducing ECE in new residences in the city.

Partner: City of Kamloops
Funder: UBC (Environment and Climate Change Canada, Pathways Grant)
Keywords: climate mitigation, green buildings, low carbon buildings, sustainable development & green economy 

In this report, we provide a glance at the state-of-the-art in air quality communication, knowledge translation, and visualization. We then apply the gathered knowledge in a case study by proposing changes to AirMap.ca - the most-viewed webpage on Metro Vancouver's website, which is responsible for displaying real-time air quality and weather data from the Lower Fraser Valley air quality monitoring network.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: AQHI, mapping, air pollution, web app, mobile app 

This project introduces a brand-new concept called Universal Basic Access (UBA) developed to enhance access to essential services through transportation in alignment with the vision of Transport 2050, Metro Vancouver's Regional Transportation Strategy. The report includes a review of similar concepts and case study analysis and recommends ambitious goals and actionable steps to achieve UBA in the region by addressing major accessibility barriers and gaps in TransLink's 10-year priorities.

Partner: South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority (TransLink)
Funder: TransLink
Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, social sustainability, transportation 

Road transportation is fundamental to society, yet it acounts for 40% of Vancouver's GHG emissions. This project aims to develop a framework to quantify carbon capture/reduction during the use and maintenance phase of sustainable street assets, including street trees, bike lanes, and green rainwater infrastructure (permeable pavement and rainwater tree trench). This work allows the City of Vancouver to track its progress within the street right of way in achieving 2050 net zero goals.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC 
Keywords: climate mitigation, green infrastructure, transportation 

This report examines four case studies of commercial buildings in the Lower Mainland that have undergone deep energy retrofits, transitioning from fossil fuel-based systems to high-efficiency electric alternatives. The retrofits resulted in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of such transitions. The case studies highlight key success factors, challenges encountered, and lessons learned, providing valuable insights for building owners.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: low carbon buildings 

Focusing on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) community, this report draws on academic literature, interviews with City staff, and published experiential accounts to explore the intersection of the climate crisis and housing crisis. Aiming first to understand the DTES community's climate-related challenges, needs, and resources, the report then offers recommendations for municipal policy and action to improve climate-related health equity for people experiencing homelessness in the DTES.

Partner: Union Gospel Mission (UGM)
Funder: UBC (McConnell Foundation Grant) & City of Vancouver
Keywords: social sustainability, homelessness, climate action, climate equity