for Transformative Standards and Tools

The Centre is leading research on Living within Earth’s Carrying Capacity as part of the Canadian Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Knowledge Synthesis Grant. The project will explore how living within the Earth’s carrying capacity can be measured and managed at the city scale.

The Centre contributes to the evolution of the International Ecocity Standards to facilitate understanding and action in the transformation of cities to become socially just and ecologically sustainable. The Standards have already demonstrated their value in helping local governments identify practical pathways towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. The Standards also scale effectively from small communities to large metropolitan areas.

The Centre’s primary areas of focus also include advancing applied research and tools aligned with the Standards, including the ecoCity Footprint Tool and associated Lighter Footprint App. Other foci include developing the Tool and integrating with tools offered by Ecocity Builders; measurement through ecofootprint analysis and life cycle assessments and technology innovation for the built environment.