Resource Library

This project actively investigates the constraints that contractors face while implementing efficient residential retrofits. It analyzes and identifies these hurdles. Furthermore, it offers practical recommendations and solutions to alleviate these constraints, ultimately boosting the efficiency of residential retrofit projects. The research actively contributes valuable insights to the construction industry, enabling more successful and sustainable retrofit initiatives in the future.

Partner: Community Energy Association
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings, carbon reduction

On a global scale, Indigenous peoples are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change, largely due to their close relationship to and reliance on traditional lands. This paper introduces nature based solutions (NbS) as they pertain to flood management across the Fraser Valley. Topics reviewed include: current state of flood infrastructure, regional flood strategies, nature-based solutions, organisations that support flood resiliency. The report includes a feasibilty map and a discussion of natural asset management and ways it can be Indigenized.

Partner: Stó:lō Research and Resource Management Centre (SRRMC)
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: ecological systems, water, flooding, Indigenous, biodiversity  

This research examines climate change adaptation through nine case studies from the Global South, showcasing community-based and systemic strategies against challenges like floods and wildfires. It highlights the importance of addressing power imbalances, international partnerships and valuing diverse knowledge. The study also delves into Canadians' openness to global insights, especially during the COVID-19 era. Furthermore, it examines Canada's institutional transition from mere aid provision.

Partner: BC Council for International Cooperation
Funder: UBC
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability, adaptation, resilience, knowledge creation and collaboration

This project seeks to understand how NatureKids BC, a nature-based youth organization, affects its child and adult members. We asked whether and how it is achieving its program goals of fostering love and curiosity for nature. The program effects were measured using a combination of quantitative measures, and qualitative surveys and interviews. The qualitative results suggest that the impact of the NatureKids BC program impacts aligns with its organizational goals.

Partner: Young Naturalists' Club of British Columbia Society
Funder: Young Naturalists' Club of British Columbia Society
Keywords: sustainability in education, youth development, program evaluation 

This project's goal was to create an exhibit based on a holistic understanding of the health of the lower Fraser River adjacent to the Fraser River Discovery Centre (FRDC). The exhibit implements a multisensory mode of inquiry and will replace the current water health exhibit. Research conducted included a literature review and interviews and consultation with the Musqueam Environmental Stewardship Department.

Partner: Fraser River Discovery Centre Society
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation)
Keywords: ecological systems, sustainability in education, water

This project aims to provide a review of the current operations at selected VCH facilities and recommend practical strategies to reduce the energy consumption and carbon emissions of HVAC systems. Maintaining good indoor air quality at each facility is also of paramount importance to safeguard the well-being of occupants. The recommendations consider both the emission and air quality aspects and inform building operation protocol updates and retrofit efforts.

Partner: Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Funder: Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Keywords: energy efficiency, health care facilities  

This project aims to identify actions for the University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA) to undertake, to develop a heat event response as well as longer-term actions to support climate justice and equity goals by relationship-building with xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam). Suggestions include actions on land use, policy change, relationship-building, internal work to reflect and un/learn at UNA, and quick actions to bolster indoor and outdoor public spaces in UNA neighbourhoods during heat events.

Partner: University Neighbourhoods Association (UNA)
Funder: UBC
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change  

The project strives to develop an inventory of "large" buildings (over 25,000 sq. ft.) in Metro Vancouver. The inventory includes key building attributes, such as occupancy type, year built, gross floor area, etc. This inventory is pivotal for various actions in the Clean Air Plan (2021) and Climate 2050 Buildings Roadmap. The project contributes to emissions reductions by allowing targeted programs and policies based on the existing building stock.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: green buildings, sustainable development & green economy  

This project aims to apply a climate justice lens to the goal of heat pump retrofits in UBC neighbourhoods. Includes original data collection and analysis about the community's experience dealing with extreme heat, as well as barriers that are preventing community members from accessing in-home cooling. Recommendations aim to refocus the conversation of heat pump retrofits on those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of extreme heat, and remove barriers to accessing in-home cooling. 

Partner: UBC
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings, leadership & behaviour change, sustainable development & green economy