Project Library

This project assesses LEAF's certification and auditing process effectiveness in supporting a high sustainability standard by comparing the environmental performance of LEAF certified food service operators to  conventional foodservice operators. A quantitative analysis reveals that LEAF certified operations consistently outperform conventional food service operators in the large majority of metrics assessed; and LEAF certified venues have consistently improved their environmentally sustainable operations over time.

Partner: LEAF
Keywords: food systems, sustainable development & green economy, waste management & recycling

This project explores the impact of current land use policy and regulations on the potential for improving the affordability, and increasing the stock of energy-efficient, low-carbon and resilient housing in British Columbia. It focuses on identifying the barriers to resilient multi-family housing, defined here as housing that is designed and managed to decrease vulnerability to climate-related risks such as increased heat, air quality events due to wildfires, and flooding.

Partner: BC Housing
Keywords: ecological systems, green buildings, sustainable development & green economy

With almost 6 billion CAD in assets, 18 billion in planned investments and the recognition of vulnerabilities to climate change, TransLink will need to invest in climate change adaptation actions. This will require securing resources, performing vulnerability assessments using the best standards and including climate change adaptation objectives in TransLink's policies. TransLink will benefit from publishing a Climate Action and Resiliency Strategy to showcase adaptation and mitigation actions.  

Partner: TransLink
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, sustainable development & green economy, transportation

The project aims to identify best practices regarding approaches taken by transit authorities for partnering with local and/or senior levels of government to support the success of major transportation investments. Through case study reviews and interviews with practitioners, key takeaways were summarized. The findings from this study may help inform TransLink's approach to future Supportive Policies Agreements, which are called for by the 10-Year Vision for Metro Vancouver Transit and Transport. 

Partner: TransLink
Keywords: sustainable development & green economy, transportation, land use

This research report supports the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's (VFPA) existing body of work in Indigenous relations by providing an environmental scan of common practices relevant to strengthening port relationships with Indigenous communities. Such research findings will provide VFPA with strategic benchmarks to evaluate progress, identify gaps and opportunities, and inform the development of aspirational goals and objectives.

Partner: Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability, supply chain management & green procurement 

This project provides a global review of leading practices with respect to circular economy certification practices and applicability for procurement at the City of Vancouver. It includes a summary of a global review and interviews with representative staff at the City of Vancouver responsible for procurement (of products, equipment, infrastructure and services), as well as six recommendations for applying leading new Circular Economy procurement practices within the City of Vancouver.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: supply chain management & green procurement, sustainable development & green economy, waste management & recycling

This research assesses the challenges and opportunities associated with obtaining mandatory home warranty for new multi-unit residential building (MURB) developments that incorporate the following two forms of green rainwater infrastructures (GRI): resilient roofs and/or rainwater harvesting in the City of Vancouver.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: green buildings

This project aims to establish and apply a method to evaluate the biodiversity of the Park Board's golf and pitch and putt courses and make recommendations for enhancing biodiversity on the golf courses. The results will contribute to the Golf Strategy to be initiated in 2020 and improve understanding of how these spaces contribute to biodiversity, climate change mitigation and access to nature for a growing population.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: biodiversity, ecological systems, sustainability in education

Through the Greenest City Action Plan and other strategies, the City of Vancouver strives to provide residents with access to nature. However, access to nature is a subjective experience that is difficult to plan for and measure. This report proposes a definition and mapping criteria for measuring and monitoring access to nature in Vancouver based on synthesized findings from a public engagement survey, interviews, a literature review, and a policy scan.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: ecological systems, social sustainability