The Scholars Project Library contents hundreds of reports, charts, tool-kits, and more, documenting the applied research produced since 2011. A useful body of knowledge to support further research around sustainability.

Heat pumps are an effective tool for decarbonizing and increasing the climate resilience of buildings in Kamloops. However, challenges such as higher upfront cost and perceptions about reliability issues need to be addressed to increase the uptake of heat pumps. This report suggests that heat pump uptake can be improved with adequate financial support, effective marketing tools, increased consumer awareness, and compelling customer propositions. 

Partner: City of Kamloops
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings

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2022
Gaurav Singh

This report investigates the CO2 emissions resulting from the construction and operation of underground parking garages to halp inform the development of parking minimums and restrictions in the City of Vancouver. In this context, this study performed a Life Cycle CO2 -Eq analysis based on the literature and Vancouver data, and different scenarios of operation to evaluate the results.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: active transportation, climate action, climate mitigation, green buildings, sustainable development & green economy, CO2 emissions

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2022
Thais Ayres Rebello

 This report provides an overarching framework to incorporate a climate risk component into a central, standardized decision-making tool for all asset classes within the Engineering Services Department at the City of Vancouver. The report makes specific recommendations, chief amongst them is to follow a customized service delivery-centric approach based upon the FCM guide.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: climate action, climate adaptation, climate mitigation, ecological systems

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2022
Varun Gupta

This project aims to interweave Indigenous knowledge  and values into Foreshore Integrated Management Planning (FIMP), a decision-making tool that improves the quality and quantity of information about lake foreshore habitat integrity to inform evidence-based decision-making. Developed with the Upper Nicola Band, the framework presents an opportunity to position Indigenous Nations as a governmental body with decision-making power and for Indigenous knowledge to be a priority and a normalized reference point.  

Partner: Living Lakes Canada
Funder: UBC
Keywords: ecological systems, water

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2022
Bryce Henney, Mehrnaz Soleimanpour & Yiming Zhang

This project supports the City of Vancouver's ongoing community mobilization work on meaningful climate action. Through a brief literature review and a series of interviews with other municipalities around the world regarding their ongoing community-oriented sustainability initiatives, best practices were identified to guide and inform draft climate literacy materials intended for use among City staff and by members of mobilization networks.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: climate action, leadership & behaviour change

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2022
Samantha Bowen

This research project involved a literature review to develop several case studies of collaborative flood management governance regimes that proactively consider climate change, ecosystems, food security, indigenous rights, and flood risk. To present valuable experiences from real-world case studies, the research reviewed several promising integrated floodplain management programs and some associated projects, such as a agricultural floodplain pilot, levee setbacks, and tidal marsh restoration.

Partner: Resilient Waters
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: sustainable development & green economy, flood risk, indigenous rights

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2022
Saeed Mohammadiun

The purpose of this project was to help develop sustainable supply chain strategies for Herschel Supply to minimize negative and create positive impact for the planet. The work included: 
1. Assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with scope 1, 2, 3 data, and creating Science Based Targets (SBTs)
2. Completing the Higg-Index Brand & Retail Module (Higg-BRM) using the Sustainable Apparel Coalition's (SAC) Higg-Index tools and present action plan 
3. Review and presentation of the latest industry trends in sustainable practices and innovations in fashion and retail spaces

Partner: Herschel Supply Co.
Funder: Herschel Supply Co.
Keywords: supply chain management & green procurement, sustainable fashion, carbon reduction strategies

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2022
Namrita Lamba

This project aims to identify low-emission alternatives to open burning of residential vegetative waste and discourage burning of yard waste among residents outside the urban containment boundaries of Metro Vancouver because of the health and air quality implications of burning. The fire bylaws in most municipalities focus on fire safety more than air quality and limit burning to wet seasons which adversely affect air quality.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: sustainable development & green economy, waste management & recycling, Residential Vegetative Waste, Yard Waste Management, Green Waste

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2022
Monday Michael

This project aims to raise awareness about climate risks and adaptive actions to the general public of Northeast British Columbia, and equip local governments in the Northeast with knowledge surrounding climate change communications and engagement. It has two primary outputs: (1) a virtual climate change engagement best practice overview, including engagement tools, considerations for communication, and case studies; and, (2) a virtual engagement pilot project carried out within Dawson Creek, BC.

Partner: Fraser Basin Council
Funder: UBC
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability

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2022
Giulia Belotti, Margaryta Pustova, Madelaine Parent

The City of Vancouver is committed to ensuring that all people -- including members of marginalised communities -- can have a safe, accessible, and comfortable experience at voting places. This project supports that goal by identifying barriers to voting, determining best practices for reducing these barriers, and outlining opportunities for improving the voting experience in Vancouver, in addition to the development of a training module for election workers.

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

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2022
Isabel Chew

This project aims to identify how climate change will alter the Fraser River estuary and the effects this will have on the Pacific salmon species that inhabit it. Climate indicators relevant to salmon populations are identified and analyzed for trends through time to understand the potential impact on salmon.

Partner: Pacific Salmon Foundation
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, water 

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2022
Ian Chambers

This project aims to improve existing approaches in the international development sector to strategy development. It identifies evidence-based approaches to organizational and programmatic strategy development that is aligned with feminist principles, such as inclusion and decolonization. This report highlights the key findings from this work, based on an environmental scan of theoretical frameworks, existing tools and approaches  as well as key informant interviews with practitioners.

Partner: Kore Global
Funder: Kore Global
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability, gender

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2022
Hilal Kina

This research analyzes the emission reduction progress of ten selected communities in the province of British Columbia by using energy, solid waste, and transportation data. This project aims to quantify community GHG emission reduction targets, and offer recommendations to strengthen the ability of local governments to enhance communities' capacities to meet their GHG reduction targets and support organizations to model energy and emissions effectively.

Partner: Community Energy Association
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: sustainable development & green economy, transportation, Greenhouse gas emissions

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2022
Hana Nguyen

This project aims to quantify the market readiness of zero emissions vehicles for use in government fleets. The tool that was developed assigns a market readiness score at the vehicle class, manufacturer, and model level. The tool was developed to be be easily updated as zero emissions vehicles evolve. This is in support of Metro Vancouver's Clean Air Plan, which was developed to map their path to zero fleet emissions.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keyword: supply chain management & green procurement, transportation

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2022
Daniel Stauft

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

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2022
Shiva Zargar

This project aims to assess and compare the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of heavy-duty freight and equipment vehicles fueled with electricity, hydrogen, and renewable diesel. The vehicle and fuel supply chain emissions are assessed separately and combined together for a holistic evaluation. Alternative fueled trucks can reduce life cycle emissions compared to conventional diesel trucks. Suggestions are provided for wide-scale implementation of alternative fueled heavy-duty trucks in the future.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: climate action, climate mitigation, zero emission vehicles, transportation, life cycle analysis, alternative fuels

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2022
Sandun Wanniarachchi

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

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2022
Nick Gandolfo-Lucia

The purpose of this project was to enhance knowledge of operational sustainability activities by conducting an audit of current practices to identify and assess areas where the West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD) may implement sustainability practices. Includes recommendations and and implementation schedule for decreasing vehicle emissions, adopting green procurement procedures, and promoting recycling to minimize waste in the WVPD. 

Partner: West Vancouver Police Department
Funder: West Vancouver Police Department
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, supply chain management & green procurement, waste management & recycling

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2022
Nazli Cicekci

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 

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2022
Natalie Cappe

Grassroots organizations are well-known for their role in directly addressing the needs and interests of equity-seeking groups. Yet, research has shown that large-scale non-profit organisations usually receive more support and higher amounts of grant funding than those organizing at the community level. This project aims to understand how the City of Vancouver can better foster broader community well-being by supporting grassroots community organizing practices.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, healthy city, leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability, Grassroots Organizations

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2022
Natacha Monestel Mora

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