Sustainability Scholars Program

The Community Energy Association (CEA) supports BC communities in meeting IPCC 1.5°C targets by analyzing EnerGuide data on residential retrofits. Focusing on buildings, CEA assesses energy savings and GHG reductions from various upgrades in different climatic zones. This study identifies effective retrofit strategies, such as air sealing and heat pumps, to help municipalities meet 2030 emissions targets both for BC and Pemberton. It provides insights for planners to prioritize interventions for maximizing GHG reductions in BC’s housing sector.

Partner: Community Energy Association
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: energy savings, emissions reductions, retrofits, heat pumps

The objective of the study is to provide Metro Vancouver with information on how climate change may potentially impact agricultural water use in the region and, in turn, how it may impact future drinking water demand. Climate change impacts on regional agriculture and data on agricultural water demand from the two jurisdictions with the largest irrigated landmass in the Metro Vancouver region was synthesized. Water licenses from these two jurisdictions was also analyzed.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, food systems, water 

This project examines the challenges and strategies employed by healthcare institutions in British Columbia during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on the disruptions in food supply chains. Through interviews with three health authorities and case studies, the project explores how hospitals adapted to maintain food services for patients and staff. The findings aim to inform future planning and decision-making to enhance the resilience and sustainability of BC healthcare food systems.

Partner: Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Funder: Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, food systems, supply chain management & green procurement 

This project explores the challenges and opportunities of government-supported food emergency assistance for Asian migrant communities in the Okanagan. It focuses specifically on the impact of the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire, highlighting the increased need for culturally appropriate food. The project also explores the roles of various levels of government through the delivery of Emergency Support Services (ESS), private businesses, and ethnic community organizations.

Partner: Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Funder: Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Keywords: climate resilience, food systems, social sustainability 

Herschel Supply Company is an iconic Vancouver brand. This report aims to enhance Herschel'd social and environmental impact efforts. It evaluates third-party memberships to improve working conditions in tier-one factories and proposes a strategy to standardize social compliance. The report also summarizes Herschel's current strategy and relevant environmental and supply chain disclosure legislation.

Partner: Herschel Supply  
Funder: Herschel Supply  
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability, supply chain management & green procurement 

This report explores how community science can help address the widespread lack of data on urban biodiversity. It focuses on involving communities in species monitoring at various green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) sites to better understand the impacts of creating new urban habitats and foster dynamic ecological urban planning. It offers strategies and tools for city staff to select target species and design engaging programs that address data gaps, monitor species, and optimize staff time.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver
Keywords: biodiversity, equity, diversity, inclusion, ecological systems, green infrastructure 

This project aimed to promote the intentional use of values-based approaches in coastal adaptation. The resulting literature review summarizes how values are conceptualized, operationalized, and integrated into coastal adaptation strategies. This report, intended for practitioners and program staff, highlights lessons learned, identifies entry points for integrating values-based approaches, and offers practical guidance to enhance the impact and sustainability of coastal adaptation efforts.

Partner: Fraser Basin Council Society  
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: climate adaptation, climate resilience, leadership & behaviour change, water 

This project identifies key innovations and technologies aimed at reducing GHG emissions in drinking water services. It provides an overview of the water supply system life cycle stages and the associated GHG sources, accompanied by an inventory of interventions to mitigate these emissions. Each intervention is described in terms of its GHG reduction potential and unit cost. Additionally, the report features case studies on water utilities that have successfully implemented these strategies.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Funder: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: climate mitigation, green infrastructure, low carbon buildings, water 

The field of sustainable health care is rapidly emerging, with many organizations becoming involved; however, there is currently no centralized place to access or view existing educational resources. This report provides an overview of the current landscape of sustainable health-care education, including how resources are developed, who they are developed for, challenges, gaps, and recommendations. The report also describes how a database of publicly available, online resources was created.

Partner: Vancouver Coastal Health
Funder: Vancouver Coastal Health
Keywords: climate mitigation, leadership & behaviour change, sustainability in education, health, health care