Resource Library

The literature and practices to do with green infrastructure (GI) and source control (SC) measures are continuously evolving. This project reviews the information gaps and new research and guidance on the six source control measures noted in the Metro Vancouver's Stormwater Source Control Design Guidelines (SSCDG) and sheds light on emerging source controls identified through a reviow of the literature review and local site visits.
 

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: green buildings, water, urban sustainability

The goal of this project is to identify potential significant dischargers within Metro Vancouver that could impact sewerage area infrastructure and/or the environment. A database of businesses was created based on discharge risk potential for parameters of interest. This database will facilitate investigation of unusual events and aid enforcement efforts by highlighting potential dischargers that may be required to have a waste discharge permit.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: waste management & recycling, water 

This project evaluates the long-term impacts of the Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP) and the sustainability of the wellbeing initiatives it funds in UBC departments and units. It includes insights on facilitators and barriers to sustaining initiatives beyond the HWIP funding period, best practices for sustained impact, and recommendations for better supporting the embedding of wellbeing in UBC workplaces. Twelve case studies illustrate innovative approaches to workplace wellbeing.

Partner: UBC Human Resources, Health, Wellbeing, and Benefits
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability

Thrive is a Mental Health Literacy campaign for the UBC community. The objectives of the research were to explore the needs and expectations of the UBC community with regards to mental health promotion in the context of COVID-19 and beyond. It includes recommendations for how Thrive can support the promotion of mental health and communication of mental health literacy information.  

Partner: UBC Wellbeing
Keywords: social sustainability

This research explains how First Nations in B.C. envision culturally-appropriate and energy-efficient homes and buildings, the role that building standards play in the development of new construction, and barriers and successes First Nations are experiencing implementing new construction projects. The report also includes nine recommendations for how the Province can support the development, modification, and implementation of culturally-appropriate and energy-efficient new construction.

Partner: Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources
Keywords: green buildings, indigenous housing, culturally-appropriate design  

The objective of this project is to assess the hazards and risks associated with the chemical ingredients used in patient care products in BC's health care facilities. A chemical screening framework that includes human health and environmental hazard criteria is utilized to assess the risk and further classify the chemicals into different hazard categories. A chemical ingredient inventory database and a recommendation of chemicals to avoid are also included.

Partner: Vancouver Coastal Health
Funded by: Fraser Health
Keywords: supply chain management & green procurement, waste management & recycling, zero toxicity 
 

This report lays the foundation for carbon accounting for Metro Vancouver's biosolids land application program by looking at historical work, interviewing industry professionals, and creating a list of considerations for future work. Future considerations include: soil carbon sequestration factors; biomass carbon storage; GHG emissions from soil, stockpiles, transport, and application; biosolids characteristics; fertilizer displacement; pre- and post-application field measurements; and regular monitoring.

Project Partner: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: sustainable development & green economy, waste management & recycling, biosolids

This project aimed to help TransLink assess the impacts of the proposed implementation of fare capping by studying consumer preferences and ridership impacts. It reviewed literature from behavioural science and transportation studies to examine how human behavioural biases influence transit ridership. Findings were used to design an experiment of how fare capping will impact ridership and customer perceptions of fares. Results will inform whether to pursue the implementation of fare capping.

Partner: TransLink
Keywords: transportation, leadership, mobility

This project aims to evaluate current emission reduction resources provided by Climate Smart Businesses Inc., using a sectoral approach to identify gaps in current emission reduction resources and develop sector-specific emission reduction plans. Climate Smart will utilize sector-specific emission reduction plans to guide reduction efforts of small to medium-sized (SMEs) businesses in the short, medium, and long-term. 

Partner: Climate Smart
Keywords: green buildings, leadership & behaviour change, sustainable development & green economy