Thomas Budd

I am a PhD Candidate at SFU’s School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM) and a member of the SFU Energy and Materials Research Group which conducts research in sustainable energy systems to develop relevant economic policy proposals for powering a sustainable future.   I received my Bachelor of Arts (Honours with Distinction) in Economics at SFU, where I focused on Resource, Environmental and Ecological Economics. I attained a master’s degree in resource management at SFU REM, conducting research supported by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions to advance the analysis of urban climate policies. 

I have the pleasure of pursuing my doctoral studies under the supervision of Dr. Mark Jaccard, Professor of Sustainable Energy at SFU REM, and Dr. Elicia Maine, W.J. VanDusen Professor of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Beedie School of Business.  My research expertise includes the use and design of Energy Economy Emissions models for multiple sectors including Emission Intensive and Trade Exposed industries, transportation, residential and commercial buildings, and the spatial aspects of land use in relation to urban energy systems. 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I chose SFU for its commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research, and vision to be Canada’s engaged university. I recognized that SFU, specifically the School of Resource and Environmental Management in the Faculty of Environment, is the place to be for conducting research and developing sustainability solutions that could be readily implemented in society. As a member of the SFU community, I have been afforded diverse educational and training opportunities, enabling me to realize my passion of pursuing an academic career in research and policy-making that will contribute to the betterment of our local and global communities.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

I am working to advance analytical tools capable of assessing the effectiveness of policies to achieve a transition of our energy systems towards a path of rapid deep decarbonization. My research focuses on analyzing strategies and measures that will decarbonize Canada’s industrial sectors classified as Emissions-Intensive and Trade-Exposed, while creating future economic and employment opportunities for Canadians.   In conducting this research, I will be building bridges between existing silos of expertise to present a comprehensive understanding of the problem.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I am excited to create new knowledge with our research team by integrating relevant expertise from climate policy studies, science and technology, business innovation, energy economics, and trade within an interdisciplinary framework.  I enjoy engaging directly with government and industry stakeholders in the pursuit of applying my research to develop solutions that will help achieve a Canada wide net-zero by 2050 greenhouse gas emissions target.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

I am grateful to have received SFU’s Graduate Dean’s Entrance Scholarship (GDES), a British Columbia Graduate Scholarship (BCGS), and a SSHRC Canada Graduate Scholarship—Doctoral Program (CGS-D).  Additionally, I am conducting my research as a funded ‘PICS Scholar’ within an interdisciplinary team supported by a Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions Opportunity Project Program grant.

Being the recipient of these awards has permitted me to invest all my efforts and energies in pursuit of my research.  I have the opportunity to accomplish an ambitious research agenda of developing energy economy emissions modelling tools capable of conducting policy analysis and examining a portfolio of solutions available to government and the private sector to decarbonize industry.  I will be able to directly engage with stakeholders and solution seekers to develop and hone my research to provide the greatest impact in giving back to community.  Ultimately, this funding will enable the submission of research publications which contribute to the understanding for how our global societies can succeed in decarbonizing our economies and creating a more sustainable world.

Contact Thomas: tbudd@sfu.ca