Project Library

This project analyzes pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluation data from 5,923 Saanich homes (2007 to 2024) to understand community retrofit activity and its role in meeting climate goals of 50% GHG reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050. The study evaluates retrofit trends, fuel switching, and upgrade bundles, providing insights to guide the District of Saanich's 2025 Climate Plan Update and support local energy retrofit programs and policy design.

Partner: District of Saanich
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: green buildings, low carbon buildings 

This report presents a bottom-up assessment of non-road engine (NRE) populations in Metro Vancouver to support the development of a more accurate and regionally representative air emissions inventory of greenhouse gases (GHG) and health harming contaminants. Non-road engines, used in sectors such as construction, commercial, manufacturing, and yard and garden contribute significantly to local air pollution and climate impacts, yet their emissions are not as accurately quantified compared to on-road vehicles (Hagan, 2022). The study draws on structured interviews, data collection from regional equipment suppliers and dealers, and public and institutional datasets from sources such as Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) to cross-validate and enrich the data.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: emissions, transportation, non-road engines, GHG emissions inventory

This project examines recent risk assessments undertaken for local BC governments. The research anticipates upcoming Emergency and Disaster Management Act (EDMA) regulations expected in late 2025, which will enforce new local government risk assessment requirements. The analysis explores the number of local governments that may need to undertake new or supplementary risk assessments, the capacity of the private sector to provide support, and the potential costs associated with this work.

Partner: Union of British Columbia Municipalities
Funder: Union of British Columbia Municipalities
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience 

This project calls for urgent action to advance equitable and quality childcare, centring children with disabilities while benefiting all children and families. It underscores three pressing priorities: inclusive physical design, investment in the Early Childhood Educator (ECE) workforce training, and systemic reform with resources and policy support. Childcare is part of an ecosystem, and stronger collaboration across stakeholders is essential to build inclusive spaces that uphold every child's right to care and well-being.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: equity, diversity, inclusion, social sustainability, sustainability in education 

Energy-efficient design and retrofit measures are essential for reducing energy consumption and associated GHG emissions of new and existing civic facilities to meet the targets outlined in the City of Coquitlam's policy and plans. This research investigates key energy-efficient design and retrofit strategies for the City's civic facilities with a particular focus on fire halls.

Partner: City of Coquitlam
Funder: City of Coquitlam
Keywords: climate adaptation, green buildings, low carbon buildings, sustainable development & green economy 

This report analyzes the decoupling of economic growth and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Metro Vancouver’s building sector and the light-duty vehicle (LDV) transportation sector between 2010 and 2022. Using Tapio elasticity, the Log Mean Divisia Index (LMDI), and sector-level economic modeling, it finds strong decoupling in transportation (LDVs), with GDP increasing as carbon emissions declined, and weak decoupling in buildings, where emissions increased more slowly than economic output.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: climate mitigation, green economy, transportation, decoupling, emissions intensity, carbon productivity

This report examines current practices and innovative approaches to inform updates to Metro Vancouver's 2016 regional park design standards and guidelines, ensuring that trail infrastructure meets evolving environmental conditions and diverse community needs. Based on document analysis, policy review, and staff interviews, this report offers several recommendations and 'quick starts' for more accessible, sustainable, and climate resilient park design.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: climate resilience, equity, diversity, inclusion, green infrastructure, social sustainability 

This project supports the City of Port Moody in advancing mandatory energy benchmarking and disclosure for Part 3 buildings. By reviewing local policies, examining programs across Canada, and synthesizing academic literature, the research identifies challenges and best practices to guide policy design. The purpose is to help Port Moody reduce building emissions, improve energy efficiency, and align with broader climate goals through data-driven decision-making and increased transparency.

Partner: City of Port Moody  
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: climate mitigation, green buildings, low carbon buildings 

This project investigates opportunities for the reduction of non-energy greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Metro Vancouver's drinking water treatment and transmission systems. A jurisdictional scan identified four important domains with high carbon emissions potential. The findings emphasize that procurement choices based on environmental produce declarations and sourcing sustainable alternatives are key to achieving climate-resilience in water systems.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: climate resilience, supply chain management & green procurement, sustainable development & green economy, water