UBC Graduate Research

SEEDS : Barriers to Staff Climate Action at UBC Boulinaud, Marie; Lambert, Jasmine; Reynolds, Kate; Shariq, Mahjoba

Description

In response to the pressing need for increased staff engagement in climate action initiatives at the University of British Columbia (UBC), a comprehensive research study was conducted to identify barriers, enablers, and recommendations to enhance staff involvement in sustainability efforts. The study aimed to address challenges such as lack of knowledge, support, time, capacity, and finances, which hinder staff participation in climate action. Through qualitative interviews with staff members, key findings emerged, revealing a need for greater institutional support, collaboration, and dedicated time for climate action discussions. Staff-faculty connections were identified as a valuable resource for initiating sustainability projects, while reward incentives and tailored environmental education were recommended to motivate staff involvement. Furthermore, integrating sustainability responsibilities into job roles and fostering top-down leadership buy-in were deemed crucial for long-term engagement. The research underscores the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment that empowers staff to actively contribute to UBC's climate action agenda. By implementing the recommendations outlined in this report, UBC can establish a culture of environmental stewardship and resilience, advancing its commitment to sustainability and fostering a more sustainable campus community.

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International