Sustainability Scholars Program

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marine conservation and public engagement, until recently, have been conducted as separate entities. This report aims to highlight nuanced global best practices for re-incorporating community stewardship as a critical strategy in urban marine conservation. Spotlighting False Creek, Vancouver, this report also piloted seven marine-focused engagement strategies. The results will contribute to the False Creek Friends Society's long-term goal of establishing an urban marine park within False Creek.

Partner: False Creek Friends Society
Funder: False Creek Friends Society
Keywords: social sustainability, sustainability in education, water