University of Alberta
IN-25: Innovation B

The Sustainability Scholars program sponsors graduate students to work on applied sustainability research projects with the City of Edmonton and the University of Alberta. Edmonton is Canada's second-fastest growing city and has committed to ambitious sustainability goals with The Way We Green environmental strategic plan. The majority of Sustainability Scholars projects were developed by City of Edmonton staff who need research to advance their sustainability goals. This applied research is key to helping the city understand its options for meeting its sustainability goals. The program started in 2015 with 6 graduate students working with the City of Edmonton. In both 2016 and 2017, 18 graduate students worked on projects with the City of Edmonton and the University of Alberta. Completed projects include: - Increasing Household Energy Efficiency: Influencing behavior change - Brownfield redevelopment inventory - Promoting infill as sustainable practice - Integrated Pest Management Plans for Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) for the City of Edmonton - Energy mapping: the power of potential energy - Evaluation of the potential and readiness of Edmonton to adopt electric vehicles - Implementing sustainable goals with the catalysis team - Food Waste Behaviours: Influences and impacts on residential waste and waste reduction - Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) educational framework - Building information modelling (BIM) guidelines research - Stormwater harvesting, irrigation and plant health - Sustainability of Edmonton's business revitalization and main streets, City of Edmonton - Redefining engagement - Sustainable swag pilot project - Comparative analysis of realized energy efficiency for LEED-designed building - Air quality monitoring of Edmonton's fine particulate matter response plan initiatives - Availability of breastfeeding support at University of Alberta: An analysis of physical facilities, policies and environment - Edmonton Valley Zoo Sustainability Plan - Performance measures demonstrating the positive impacts of hazardous materials operations - Neighbourhood nodes: priority setting, economic factors and best practices review - The case for office space: the importance of office design and employee wellness - Reducing water contamination and loss at the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services training facility - Early detection & rapid response (EDRR) to invasive plants

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBLE PARTY: Robert J. Summers Associate Director, Urban and Regional Planning, Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences Director of the Sustainability Scholarship Program, Office of the Provost