SPF Project Highlights

SPF Project Highlights

SPF Project Highlights

Annually, the Sustainability Subcommittee diligently engages in the comprehensive evaluation of applications in order to identify projects that merit additional support from the Sustainable Projects Fund. We take pride in acknowledging the dedication and efforts that students have invested in their projects, and want to showcase and highlight their achievements.


Current Projects

Sustaingineering Tiny Home Project

Project Description: The tiny home project is an innovative student initiative that applies sustainable system engineering principles to address pressing community issues, primarily focused on sustainable housing. The modular Tiny Home design enables the practical implementation of various core systems including Solar-powered water pumps, Small-scale Wind Turbines, and 3G Remote monitoring. We collaborate with Builders without Borders (BWB) to design mobile homes for communities in need in BC. Thr project offers students valuable opportunities to learn engineering, design, and hands-on construction skills while working alongside professionals. Consutrction begins this semester – keep an eye out on the corner of Wesbrook and Agronomy Road for updates.

Funding: $15,000

Timeline: To be Completed by May 2024

Learn More!


SPPH Community Gardens

Project Description: The project’s main objective is to revitalize and expand the existing community garden in front of the School of Population and Public Health (SPPH). Currently, the garden is a small 6′ by 4′ raised box, plans to construct three additional raised boxes are in place. Additionally, this project aims to promote awareness and action related to the UN Sustainable Development Goal #2 (Zero Hunger) by installing engaging signs within the garden. These signs will educate visitors about the SDGs and provide information about related UBC initiatives. The signage includes a prominent project title sign and several smaller signs designed to resemble flowers, additionally enhancing the area’s aesthetics while conveying important information.

Funding: $993.00

Completion: May 2024


Coastal Conservation Alliance

Project Description: This project is motivated by the pressing need to combat rising pollution levels along coastlines, particularly during the summer season. Increased summer tourism and recreational activities contribute to a surge in waste production in coastal areas, worsening existing pollution problems and necessitating swift intervention to safeguard the coastal environment. It aims to provide sustainability education, action, and leadership opportunities to both university and high school students, with a focus on addressing waste management, fostering community engagement, and promoting environmental awareness. 

Funding: $610.00

Completion: November 2023


Folil trafün (Joining roots)

Project Description: Folil Trafun (joining roots) is a collaborative initiative presenting Indigenous and Afro-diaspora films from Latin America, complemented by dialogues for a deeper exploration of films within the local contexts. The program encompasses lunchtime screenings, dinner discussions, and a primary showcase at UBC Robson Square with afternoon and evening screenings. These films and discussions focus on themes like Indigenous and Afro-descent identities, migration land issues, and the complex interplay between industry and Indigenous communities, with a specific emphasis on community efforts for traditional sovereignty. This project unites three partners Ficwallmaou, an Indigenous and Latinx collective hosting film events in Wallmapu; The Latin American Cultural Centre, promoting Latin American arts and culture; and the Faculty of Forestry. 

Funding: $3191.00

Completion: December 2023


Past Projects

Mycoremediation of Cardboard Waste

Project Title: Mycoremediation of Cardboard Waste

Project Description: Initiated in 2020, our project focuses on mycoremediation, using fungi to convert paper and cardboard waste into edible mushrooms, addressing landfill emissions and food insecurity. Drawing on global research, we aim to create a scalable process aligning with UBC’s waste reduction and food security goals. Our innovative approach targets non-recyclable materials and recycling byproducts. Pending safety evaluations, they anticipate a 2:1 growing ratio of growing medium to mushroom production. Noteworthy features include automated growth stations like Martha 2 and mushroom growing chambers designed for substrate testing. Collaborations with Engineers for a Sustainable world and academic research demonstrate our commitment to community engagement and sustainable development. Our project signifies progress in mycoremediation, waste reduction, and food security, dedicated to sustainable solutions for a greener future.

Funding: $9819.61

Completed: August 2023


Project SAND-e

Project Description: The project addresses the significant global issue of marine ecosystem waste by focusing on beach terrain cleanup. Existing beach cleaning efforts often miss smaller hidden debris. SAND-e (Semi-Autonomous Navigation Debris Eliminator) aims to create an autonomous waste collection robot to fulfill environmental, economic, and societal needs in coastal areas like UBC and Vancouver, It serves as an education tool, inspiring sustainability projects and raising awareness about beach waste. The team developed a prototype with a functional website interface, automation system, and motor controls. Future improvements may include charging stations, solar power, and obstacle detection. With further development, SAND-e could significantly enhance beach cleaning efforts in Vancouver and UBC.

Funding: $14,922.01

Completed: August 2022


Forest Fire Integrated Detection System (FFIDS) 

Project Description: Over 8 months, the team worked on a solution to reduce forest fire incidents in BC. They created a prototype device capable of detecting fires and communicating them to relevant stakeholders. The system consists of two devices, one placed on a tower and the other on the forest floor. By utilizing BC’s fire weather indexes and incorporating new technology along with testing in conditions simulating the Pacific Spirit Park they successfully achieved their goal. Future goals include scaling the device and implementing it in real forest settings, hoping to collaborate with interested stakeholders.

Funding: $703.00

Completed: April 2022


Sustainability Sundays Challenge

Project Description: AMS Sustainability and Marine Drive Residence Life organized a month-long challenge aimed at educating and empowering individuals to embrace sustainability in their lives. The challenge encouraged participants to make small, eco-conscious changes in their routines to reduce waste and lower their carbon footprint.

Funding: $3500.00

Completion: December 2022


Blue Chip Mondays

Project Description: The Blue Chip Mondays project aims to promote sustainability and attract more customers through a weekly special promotional deal. The primary focus of this project is to eliminate the $0.70 surcharge of vegan milk substitutions, which often deters consumers from choosing plant-based options and contributes to the ecological footprint associated with dairy milk consumption. Every Monday, customers can enjoy a surcharge-free substitution of plant-based milk options in their beverages, aligning with environmental goals.

Funding: $5000.00

Completion: December 2022