Grant: CCI Mobilize Grants

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Sustainability (CIRS) will specialize in applied research on regional climate action in the public and private sectors. Faculty researchers will undertake interdisciplinary research fueled by their backgrounds in biology, tourism, geography, business, math, film, and childhood studies. Our partnerships with the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, the Cities of North Vancouver and Squamish and the UNESCO Atl'ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region Society have identified a common vision - one that strives to balance social, economic and environmental needs alongside urban and rural development and the good health of our citizens. In a 2022 member survey, the NV Chamber found that climate change was in the top five issues that concerns local businesses. And yet, businesses and organizations lack the internal expertise, infrastructure and research funding that can lead to innovative climate actions and new business practices. The CIRS interdisciplinary group of faculty are experts in applied research, focused on three key research themes: Sustainable Tourism, Biodiversity, and the Integration of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) in Business Practices. Their prior applied research has resulted in new business practices, standards, services, processes and knowledge. Over five years, faculty and 84 student RAs will work with businesses and organizations to develop better solutions that integrate the UN SDGs. They will ask questions such as: 1. Assess your Business Waste Stream: Where does your food, paper, and electronic waste go? 2. Assess your Business Recycling System: How does your business contribute to the circular economy? 3. Assess your Single-Use Plastic System: Are single-use plastics a major part of your waste stream? If so, how can these be replaced? 4. Assess your Business Energy Use System: When, where and how is your energy used, and are there opportunities to reduce it? Tangible results will include impact assessments, new business standards, practices, products, technologies and services. With our recent track record of increased growth in external funding, RA positions, REB applicants, and research capacity-building personnel, we are well positioned to support this new applied research centre. Mobilize funding will advance applied research specializations and lead to economic, environmental, social and health-related benefits to BC and, ultimately, across Canada.