UBC Graduate Research

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

Abstract

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. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”

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Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International