Wondering what sustainability in the UBC neighbourhoods looks like? In this blog, we will introduce some of the sustainability features in and around Wesbrook Place at UBC.
Wesbrook Place is UBC’s largest neighbourhood spanning 114 acres in south campus and is home to 8,000 residents. Wesbrook has numerous features of sustainable practices. For example, rain water retention and distribution, green roofs, electric vehicle charging stations, greenways, bike paths and more. Keep reading to learn more about these features and come explore Wesbrook for yourself!
Greenway into McCrae Lane.
Rainwater Management System
Khorana Park and Smith Park in Wesbrook exhibit an innovative rainwater management system that has been successfully running for years. For instance, during the warmer months this water system can continue to be replenished from the aquifer without impacting or drawing from other water sources. Learn more below!
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Did you know that transportation is responsible for 27% of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada? Wesbrook is supporting sustainable measures to help reduce this percentage. For example, there are multiple electric vehicle charging stations located around Wesbrook Village, located on Wesbrook Mall and Gray Ave. Additionally, most buildings include private EV charging stations in their private parkades. Perhaps step out of your vehicle and go for a walk around this neighbourhood, you will not regret it!
Aerial shot of Wesbrook Village (PC: Geoff Lister)
Greenways at Wesbrook
Wesbrook has an extensive network of quiet and easily accessible greenways. where possible these greenways are home to wildlife habitat trees. These are standing live or dead trees that provide ecological niches that are used by birds, mammals, plants and fungi as a place to live, forage and breed. Take time on your next walk to enjoy the beautiful greenways and parks in Wesbrook and throughout UBC.
South Campus Greenway in Wesbrook Place.
UBC Farm
Located adjacent to Wesbrook, the Centre for Sustainable Food Systems is a research centre at UBC Farm south is a local-to-global food hub working towards a more sustainable and food-secure future. For example the UBC Farm directly supplies fresh food to some eateries in the Village. Both Virtuous Pie and Doughgirls BakeShop receive fresh produce from the UBC Farm.
How can you get involved? The Centre for Sustainable Food Systems at UBC Farm hosts a variety of learning and community-building events throughout the year. To view the schedule follow the link here.
UBC Farm (PC: Martin Dee, UBC Marketing)
The research and development of sustainable initiatives is constantly progressing towards a better future for all. To learn more about UBC sustainability efforts visit UBC Sustainability.
