SFU Climate Research Initiatives

Simon Fraser University has an active climate change research program. Areas of research include greenhouse gas mitigation and sustainable energy systems, climate change impacts  and adaptation to climate change. SFU is also part of the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions (PICS).  Bellow you will find a list of centres and research groups at SFU.  

Action on Climate Team (ACT)

ACT is a policy planning initiative from SFU designed to co-develop Low Carbon Resilience solutions to climate change impacts.  Mobilizing equity in all decisions and solutions.

Centre for Natural Hazards Research

The SFU Centre for Natural Hazard Research supports innovative research on earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, floods, and other processes that threaten society and infrastructure. Its comprehensive holistic approach to research and education is based on seamless integration of physical and social science.  Rapid climate change affects physical and biological processes and the landscape. Some natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, may occur more frequently with anticipated climate changes due to global warming. Climate change could also cause sea level to rise due to melting of glaciers, thermal expansion of oceans, and changes in ocean circulation. Sea-level rise will cause more flooding in coastal areas. Mining and forest harvesting may, in some cases, increase the risk of landslides under a new climate.

Centre for Sustainable Community Development

The Centre for Sustainable Development (CSD) is a research unit of Simon Fraser University.  We use the resources and talents of the University to deepen understanding and create solutions to advance sustainable development.  The Centre is affiliated with SFU’s Sustainable Development Program, which offers related academic programs and courses.

Clean Energy Research Group

The Clean Energy Research Group (CERG) is a non-profit volunteer-based group associated with Simon Fraser University dedicated to studying the challenges and opportunities for the global transition from fossil fuels to renewable, clean energy systems.

Energy and Materials Research Group (EMRG)

The Energy and Materials Research Group (EMRG) is a research unit coordinated since 1986 by Dr. Mark Jaccard in the School of Resource and Environmental Management (REM) at Simon Fraser University. EMRG is comprised of faculty, adjunct professors, full-time research associates and graduate students; it collaborates closely with external researchers and consultants. EMRG focuses on the analysis of technologies, strategies, behaviour and policies that lead to a more sustainable flow of energy and materials in society.

Food Systems Lab

Food Systems Lab is a research and innovation hub at SFU. We work on solutions for equitable collaboration to reduce food waste and support a sustainable food system that enhances ecosystems, conserves natural resources, and mitigates climate change.

Groundwater Resources Research Group

Hydrogeology research at SFU focuses on groundwater resources. Areas of research include physical and chemical characterization and modeling of regional-scale aquifer systems both in mountainous regions and coastal regions, climate change impacts on groundwater systems, groundwater quality, and carbon sequestration. The research themes bridge the fields of computational hydrogeology, geochemistry, geophysics, and structural geology, and involve a combination of field-, lab- and computer-based studies.

Human-Centered Systems for Sustainable Living

The Human-Centered Systems for Sustainable Living is a Research Group at Simon Fraser University's School of Interactive Arts & Technology.  Their research foci include the development of interactive systems to support sustainable living.

Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE)

The Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) program at SFU is active in research primarily through its graduate and undergraduate programs. The current MSE Program research themes are designated as: Energy Systems, Design, Intelligent Systems, Bio/micro-Mechatronics.

Water Research Group

The Water Research Group was established in 2010 to promote water related research and professional activities of faculty and students in the School of Resource and Environmental Management. Our activities include interdisciplinary research about freshwater resources, extension of research to academic, professional and public audiences, and academic and professional development of group members.

Pacific Water Research Centre

The Centre’s vision is to promote research that addresses community concerns around a range of water issues from local and regional to global scales.  The Centre links science and social science with local knowledge to inform policy and change. It fosters community partnerships that build a common understanding of water values as they inform water resource management and security, while also providing a foundation to develop innovative water solutions.