The University of British Columbia and the City of Vancouver have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work together to accomplish their sustainability goals.
Both UBC and Vancouver have set specific targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, primarily through waste reduction, energy conservation and alternative transportation initiatives.
One of the first initiatives from the partnership will be a scholars program. UBC will provide grants for 10 eligible graduate students enrolled in UBC programs to support Vancouver’s Greenest City 2020 plan. Each student will work on one of the 10 long-term goals of the plan, which focuses on areas such as green jobs and communities and human health.
Students will already be working with the city prior to public consultation in June on the actions and implementation plans for each of the city’s greenest city action plan goals.
As part of the MOU, Vancouver will provide wood waste for UBC’s bioenergy research and demonstration project. Wood waste from the city’s parks and streets will be used to power the university’s biomass-fueled heat and power system at the Vancouver campus.