Resource Library

Emissions from gas vehicles negatively impact the environmental wellbeing of a city. Green initiatives that aim to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by replacing ageing internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) with more environmentally friendly alternatives have been launched in numerous municipalities across Canada. The purpose of this project is to examine the feasibility of replacing the ageing 4-door administrative and detective fleet of Ford Fusions with electric vehicle (EV) alternatives at the Vancouver Police Department. 

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: lighter footprint, transportation

This project focuses on building neighbourhood social resilience, specifically in regards to emergency preparedness as well as disaster response and recovery, which can be climate-related or otherwise. It includes a literature review, a best practices review, a Vancouver project inventory and a pilot study. 

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: healthy city, social sustainability

This report explores how multiple Greenest City Action Plan strategies can be incorporated to increase connections to nature in the city within the design of characteristic urban landscapes. The strategies and other initiatives taking place in the city are the basis which informed the designs for a neighborhood park and major boulevard to show how these common urban spaces can bring quality nature experiences into our urban landscape. 

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: access to nature, ecological systems, social sustainability

The goal of this research is to extend the Campus as a Living Lab concept from the University of British Columbia to a “City as a Living Lab” including developing a roadmap for green innovation and technology demonstration in the False Creek Flats. From a distillation of the research questions, the objectives of this research have been simplified to the following: Identify demonstration sites and green technology ready to be demonstrated; and make recommendations for improvements on the current matching process. 

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: green economy, sustainable development & green economy

In an effort to encourage more residents and visitors to explore Vancouver on foot, information kiosks, were installed across the city displaying neighbourhood maps and destinations. A pilot project in 2012 informed a system-wide refresh of these kiosks. One of the assets created as a result of this refresh was a custom, digital map of Vancouver. This report identifies opportunities for the new digital wayfinding map with a particular emphasis on its potential to encourage more walking trips throughout the city.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: green transportation, social sustainability

To explore options for reducing the health impacts of extreme heat events in Vancouver, the City of Vancouver is undertaking a number of Extreme Heat projects, of which this review is one. The focus of this research is to explore alternative strategies to traditional air conditioning in buildings to address the issue of overheating, with an emphasis on multi-unit residential buildings, and, in particular, retro-fitting existing buildings. 

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: climate and renewables, green buildings

The City of Vancouver is considering the role energy benchmarking of large commercial and institutional buildings could play in supporting energy reductions targeted in existing policy. An initial benchmarking process has been used to identify potential difficulties for a city-wide benchmarking initiative. Challenges encountered and lessons learned have been identified in this document. Examples include methods of obtaining data and data reliability as well as challenges associated with multi-use or multi-building properties.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Keywords: climate and renewables, green buildings

This project was produced for BC Hydro to identify trends that could impact future electricity consumption and effect  meeting their 66% energy savings target. The project involved a high-level scan of a range of social, technological and utility trends, followed by an in-depth analysis of Big Data and Analytics, and Networked Citizens to understand their influence on electricity generation, consumption, and future service provision.

Partner: BC Hydro
Keywords: social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy

Studies on telecommuting have shown many qualitative benefits, such as increased productivity and improved work-life balance. However, research on quantitative benefits focuses primarily upon the energy and cost savings related to decreased oil consumption from reduced travel distance. The intention of this project was to provide background on current telecommuting and hoteling practices, as well as to investigate the potential energy savings due to the lowered utilization of office space and equipment.

Partner: BC Hydro
Keywords: sustainable development & green economy