Sustainability Scholars Program

The BC Energy Step Code (ESC) is widely being used as a policy tool to reduce the operational emissions from buildings. This research evaluates the embodied emissions of single-family houses built at various levels of the step code. The contributions of increased insulation and low-carbon mechanical systems are studied. Results show that the embodied emissions of a Step 5 house can be up to 67% higher than a similar Step 1 house.

Partner: City of Richmond
Keywords: green buildings, sustainability in education, sustainable development & green economy 

This project investigates strategies to minimize embodied carbon in the construction of Vancouver's single-family homes. It includes three homes, all built to the Passive House standard, and assesses the suitability of three embodied carbon calculation methods. The results will guide building industry professionals towards a greater understanding of embodied carbon, how to calculate it, and how it can be reduced through careful consideration of construction materials and structural features.

Partner: ZEBx
Keywords: green buildings

This project details the types of vegetative debris generated by agricultural production, and relevant management strategies used in the Metro Vancouver region. The broader project goals included  consideration of the impacts on local agricultural producers and enhancment of environmental health. The report presents an inventory of agricultural vegetative debris, details of common waste management strategies, a summary of current barriers to recycling or reusing this debris, and opportunities for utilizing waste reduction technology.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: food systems, waste management & recycling

Urban stormwater runoff is a complex mixture of pollutants originating from rooftops, pavement wear, tire wear, spills and leaks, organics from birds or animal wastes, and other chemicals. Traditional filtration and infiltration media-based stormwater treatment systems can be improved by using engineered media like activated carbon and biochar. This project explores the current state use of research on the pollutant removal efficiencies of these media and their application on field.  

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

This project aims to determine the sources of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and better understand the environmental effects of microplastics when biosolids from WWTPs are used as a soil amendment. A database was generated, listing businesses that are likely contributors of microplastics to WWTPs in Vancouver. The database ranks those businesses in order of priority for intervention by Metro Vancouver.

Partner: Metro Vancouver
Keywords: water, microplastics

This report explores the impacts of the climate crisis on mental health and wellbeing, specifically in the context of post-secondary education. The report includes a review of current research on the climate crisis and mental health, how the issue may be understood within post-secondary education, and the ways post-secondary institutions are currently addressing these issues. From a systemic understanding of mental health, the report then provides recommendations to guide further action.

Partner: UBC Sustainability Initiative
Keywords: social sustainability, sustainability in education, climate grief, climate anxiety

This project proposes the creation of a physical space on campus to provide programs and services aimed at increasing food security on campus and in the community. Through a process of community consultation, our results indicate strong support for the implementation of a physical food hub at UBCO. This report contains a literature review, results from an environmental scan and community consultations, and recommendations for next steps.

Partner: UBCO
Keywords: food systems, food security, food hub 

The project aims to examine and understand the application of certification programs and voluntary standards to inform the implementation of a healthy beverage designation program at UBC. The report contains information on best implementation practices in university campus and other settings, recommendations, and implementation and evaluation criteria for a designation program that will promote the consumption of healthy beverages on UBC campuses.

Partner: UBC Wellbeing
Keywords: food systems, leadership & behaviour change, water

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