Regenerative Neighborhoods – scaling up from net positive buildings

Stream 5 – Pushing the Boundaries: Net Positive Buildings (SB13), CaGBC National Conference and Expo, Vancouver BC, June 4-6, 2013

D. Waldron, Synapse Strategies/University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

A. Cayuela, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

D. Miller, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada

ABSTRACT: Emerging approaches support regenerative design and development at the building scale. Buildings such as the Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability at the University of British Columbia (UBC) are attempting to demonstrate that net-zero and even netpositive performance with respect to energy, water and carbon, health, happiness and productivity is technically, financially and institutionally possible. Building-scale applications also demonstrate the limitations of applying regenerative sustainability principles at the building level (e.g., missed opportunities for integration of energy and transport infrastructure, water and wastewater, urban form, community engagement). This paper presents the early findings of the UBC Regenerative Neighbourhoods Project. This includes a scan of the urban sustainability context, a rationale for neighbourhood scale application, and insights on process and potential performance standards.

[click here for full article]

Scroll to Top