Sustainability Scholars Program

This project assesses different aspects of a building decarbonization plan for Musqueam First Nation public buildings, including capital costs, utility bills, and GHG emissions reduction potential. The budget impact will be determined based on upfront costs including equipment and installation, and the utility costs of using different heating, cooling, and water heating systems in the buildings. The decarbonization plan is focused on replacing the existing systems with heat pumps for space and water heating.

Partner: Musqueam Indian Band
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: climate adaptation, green buildings, low carbon buildings 

In response to Vancouver's 2021 heat dome, the report focuses on protecting Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES) communities living in social housing through DIY passive cooling techniques. The proposed solutions aim to lower heat risks affordably and quickly. Aligned with Vancouver's Climate Adaptation Plan, the report advocates for sustainable, long-term improvements in urban heat resilience, stressing the need for more robust strategies to ensure a safer living environment for marginalized populations.

Partner: Union Gospel Mission (UGM)
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC (McConnell Foundation Grant)
Keywords: social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy, urban heat resilience, extreme heat, climate action, climate equity 

Focusing on recentering water engagement through an Indigenous lens, anchored by the Fraser River/Estuary model, this project features a workshop and actionable guidance for Sierra Club BC's Mother Tree Local Leaders Program. Empowering leaders to nurture personal and organizational water relationships, it fosters diverse environmental stewardship through land-based education. Includes insights from collaborating environmental NGOs that translate expertise into practical suggestions.

Partner: Sierra Club BC
Funder: UBC (Sitka Foundation Grant)
Keywords: sustainability in education, water, Indigenous knowledge systems 

This project provides insights for the optimization of the City of Vancouver leaf collection seasonal program in anticipation of climate change effects on vegetation. It includes spatial suggestions and a phenology calendar relevant to adjusting Service Operations logistics according to the timing of deciduous trees’ foliage shedding. Analyzed information is based on the tree species abundance, canopy density, and species-specific information on physiological responses to climatic changes.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver & UBC
Keywords: biodiversity, waste management & recycling, urban forestry 

This project aims to establish a framework for the Indigenous-focused Climate and Energy Resilience Capacity-building programs within the Fraser Basin Council (FBC). This project introduces three Centre for Economic Research and Capacity Building (CERCB) programs with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and facilities the alignment of these programs through six UNDRIP parameters. These parameters are distilled from UNRP principles, a review of related literature, and input derived from interviews with Indigenous leaders, FBC staff, and stakeholders. The results of this project inform the proposal for a UNDRIP Compliance Measurement Toolkit for evaluation.

Partner: Fraser Basin Council Society
Funder: BC Hydro
Keywords: leadership & behaviour change, social sustainability, sustainable development & green economy  

False Creek, the jewel of Vancouver, is at a critical crossroads that necessitates strategic and comprehensive environmental stewardship. This project employed a multi-phase methodology to explore avenues for transitioning False Creek's marine ecosystem from a state of survival to thriving. The focus centred on deriving learnings from the efficacy of successful models/practices, as well as insights from a diverse range of stakeholders, including NGOs, government agencies, and local residents.

Partner & Funder: False Creek Friends Society
Keywords: ecological systems, leadership & behaviour change, sustainable development & green economy

This project aim was to assess frontline healthcare worker knowledge and readiness to participate in low-carbon, low-waste, high-quality sustainable practices at BC Cancer. A community assessment was conducted through a qualitative approach to quality improvement. The initiative resulted in recommendations for effectively engaging clinicians in sustainability practices such as the need to implement green policies, nurture a positive culture, involve patients, and encourage staff empowerment.

Partner: Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Funder: Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Keywords: clinical engagement, low-waste, low-carbon, sustainable practices

Environmental racism is contributing to widening health disparities in cities globally, including Vancouver. This report explores the historical and current impact of structural racism on the distribution of environmental hazards in the city. It highlights concerning correlations between high temperatures and visible minority populations, particularly in South Vancouver and the east/southeast areas. The report underscores the need for further analysis to understand the health outcomes of these exposures.

Partner: City of Vancouver
Funder: City of Vancouver
Keywords: social sustainability  

The aim of this project was to develop a curriculum framework to educate and inform Vancouver Coastal Health food services staff on sustainable food practices that also support cultural safety and environmental health in hospital food outlets. Interviews, both informative and exploratory, were conducted with food service directors and staff. The responses guided development of a draft curriculum framework. Recommendations include suggestions for further related research.

Partner: Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Funder: Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH)
Keywords: food systems, supply chain management & green procurement, waste management & recycling