Sustainability Scholars Program

The City of Vernon aims to increase the uptake of home energy retrofits to reduce associated carbon emissions. However, homeowners often face challenges implementing energy retrofits, such us limited energy retrofit knowledge and difficulty accessing retrofit financial incentives. This report provides recommendations for the development of an energy retrofit toolkit to help homeowners and other interest groups understand various retrofit measures, financial incentives, and retrofit tactics.

Partner: City of Vernon  
Funder: City of Vernon
Keywords: climate mitigation, green buildings, low carbon buildings 

This project analyzed and prioritized updates to Kamloops' policies and guidelines using a hybrid method that combined qualitative and quantitative data. Through literature review, policy evaluation, and interviews the project identified five major challenges and proposed thirteen recommendations. The findings aim to equip Kamloops with strategies to better prepare for climate-related hazards, fostering a sustainable and resilient community.

Partner: City of Kamloops
Funder: City of Kamloops
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, green infrastructure, sustainable development & green economy 

Lack of available labour is hindering the progress of retrofitting BC homes to increase energy efficiency. The report investigates the barriers and opportunities for workforce attraction across the following sectors: HVAC, insulation, window and door, general retrofit, energy advisors, plumbers, electricians, and renewable energy. The study includes a demographic summary, a policy and literature review, global case studies, and summarizes next steps for the Home Performance Stakeholder Council.

Partner: Home Performance Stakeholder Council Association (HSPCA)
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: climate adaptation, equity, diversity, inclusion, green buildings, leadership & behaviour change 

This project involves a feasibility analysis of over 400 sites within the Capital Regional District to identify potential locations for solar photovoltaic (PV) installations. The study shortlisted 32 sites, with detailed analysis of the top 10, including hourly energy generation versus consumption, 3D solar PV design, capacity estimation, and shadow analysis. The selected sites, representing the highest energy consumers are recommended for prioritized solar PV integration and investment.

Partner: Capital Regional District (CRD)
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: renewable energy, solar photovoltaic

This project analyzed the lifecycle costs, operational savings, and environmental impact of transitioning the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) fleet to electric vehicles. Through financial modeling, case studies, and data analysis, the report provides actionable recommendations for optimizing fleet operations, highlighting cost-effectiveness and sustainability benefits.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: active transportation, climate mitigation, transportation, zero emission vehicles 

This project evaluated whether Vancouver's green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) soils, such as structural soil and soil cells, enhance street tree canopy growth better than standard tree pits (trees grown in open grass boulevards, back boulevards, concrete pavements or cutouts). Through expert interviews, a jurisdictional scan, and city-wide tree canopy data analysis, this study recommends that Vancouver ensure continued discourse on street tree integration with GRI implementation.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: green infrastructure, urban forestry, stormwater management

This project assesses different aspects of a building decarbonization plan for Musqueam First Nation public buildings, including capital costs, utility bills, and GHG emissions reduction potential. The budget impact will be determined based on upfront costs including equipment and installation, and the utility costs of using different heating, cooling, and water heating systems in the buildings. The decarbonization plan is focused on replacing the existing systems with heat pumps for space and water heating.

Partner: Musqueam Indian Band
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: climate adaptation, green buildings, low carbon buildings 

In response to Vancouver's 2021 heat dome, the report focuses on protecting Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) communities living in social housing through DIY passive cooling techniques. The proposed solutions aim to lower heat risks affordably and quickly. Aligned with Vancouver's Climate Adaptation Plan, the report advocates for sustainable, long-term improvements in urban heat resilience, stressing the need for more robust strategies to ensure a safer living environment for marginalized populations.

Partner: Union Gospel Mission (UGM)
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC (McConnell Foundation Grant)
Keywords: social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy, urban heat resilience, extreme heat, climate action, climate equity 

Focusing on recentering water engagement through an Indigenous lens, anchored by the Fraser River/Estuary model, this project features a workshop and actionable guidance for Sierra Club BC's Mother Tree Local Leaders Program. Empowering leaders to nurture personal and organizational water relationships, it fosters diverse environmental stewardship through land-based education. Includes insights from collaborating environmental NGOs that translate expertise into practical suggestions.

Partner: Sierra Club BC
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: sustainability in education, water, Indigenous knowledge systems