Sustainability
Living Lab launches scalable solutions to counter climate change
Researchers in SFU’s new Living Lab transform the university’s campus into a testing ground for sustainable solutions, launching four innovative projects to counter global climate change.
Last fall, SFU introduced the Living Lab program, a new initiative that applies the university’s leading sustainability and climate research to its own infrastructure and facilities.
Now, the lab welcomes its first group of scholars and kicks off pilot projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The projects, led by teams of graduate students, faculty and staff, were selected by an advisory committee comprised of sustainability leaders from across campus.
Researchers will focus on four areas: renewable energy technology, bioplastic alternatives, electrifying vehicle fleets and the carbon impact of streaming media. And in support of SFU’s knowledge mobilization initiative, they will share discoveries from the test site with local and global communities.
“The Living Lab’s model of testing solutions that can then be applied and scaled anywhere in the world will drive innovation and collaboration, empowering the next generation of leaders to stop further climate warming,” says Kilim Park, manager of research sustainability at SFU’s Sustainability Office.
The SFU Living Lab is made possible by the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS) and SFU’s Re-use for Good Initiative. Learn more about the Living Lab at sfu.ca/sustainability/projects/livinglab.