Graduate Capstones

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2011-2012 University Of Calgary Scope 3 Ghg Inventory
(2013) Lee, David
This research project conducts a Scope 3 GHG Inventory for the University of Calgary for the operating year 2011-12 using the World Resources Institute (WRI) Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard in order to identify the Scope 3 GHG footprint from university operations. Emissions from Scope 3 sources are important because they can make up to 75 percent of the total GHG footprint for an organization. Scope 3 is a relatively emerging category of emissions, and currently there is only a small amount of literature and guidance available. The previous inventory conducted in 2008-09 relied heavily on the Clean-Air Cool-Planet carbon calculator and generic calculation tools; however, this year’s inventory attempted to use emissions factors and data that provided a more accurate representation of the operating environment for the University of Calgary. This inventory shows a 45 percent increase from the last inventory with the largest source of emissions coming from student and staff commuting. In addition to calculating Scope 3 emissions for the University of Calgary, the report identifies some of the challenges in applying this type of reporting standard to a higher educational institution and recommends improvements required to continue to advance the quality and accuracy of Scope 3 reporting for the university in the future. This report finds that improvements in data quality and collection, development of improved reporting standards as well as emission factors and methodology that represent the local operating environment of the university will improve reporting in the future.
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A Comparison Of Grid Power And Solar Power For Electric Vehicle Fast Charging
(2018) Lefebvre, Nancie
Range anxiety is a common complaint of electric vehicles (EVs). To help address this, a fast charging station was installed in Red Deer. In my study, I compared the scenarios of powering this station with the grid (Case I), solar power (Case II), or solar power paired with a battery bank (Case III) in both 2017 and 2030. This has not yet been studied for Alberta. My research answers the question: is it worth installing solar modules to power this fast charging station? Cases II and III produced less emissions and have higher gross profits than Case I. However, the capital cost and the area that the solar array takes up in Cases II and III are concerning. An issue with EV charging that was considered is demand charging. The installation of a solar array with or without a battery bank and arrangements with utility companies provide potential solutions.
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A Decision Making Model For Spatial And Temporal Distribution Of Traffic In Quito
(2005) Pérez Cajilema, Alex Daniel
This Master’s Degree Project (MDP) develops a tool that supports the decision making process in the planning process within the municipality. It collects all the available information related to mobile sources in Quito and calculates the emission inventory in the city. An important characteristic is to give this information a geographical representation using Geographical Information Systems as the platform. At the same time it designs a set of different characteristics for the system that allows it to be used as a decision making tool support for pollution management in the city. This is a contribution towards the creation of an Urban Air Quality Management System that is necessary for setting real air quality standards for the city. This project also provides information that the municipality can utilize in its interactions with the community.
Open Access
A Feasibility Study: Investigating Sustainable Building Practices And The Circular Economy In Modular Structures For Residential Use In Western Canada
(2021-08) Cunningham, Nick; Peschl, Houston
The building construction sector is responsible for significant consumption of natural resources, energy, and the production of waste. The increasing scarcity and costs of raw resources for buildings and their components has recently driven industry researchers to investigate alternative building practices. Shifting from linear to circular economies using innovative building concepts of modular construction have been previously identified for their combined potential to reduce inefficiencies, environmental impacts, and contribute towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. The objective of this study is to investigate the technical and economic feasibility of converging circular business models with residential modular construction in Western Canada. Using an investigative and exploratory approach, the qualitative methods of this research determined that the potential opportunities of incorporating circular principles with modular homebuilding are outweighed by the existing barriers. These concluding findings indicated that the practical application of this circular business model was not currently considered to be feasible.
Open Access
A Financial and Technical Analysis of Alternative Heavy-Duty Trucking Options in Canada
(2020-08) Kagan, Samuel; Doluweerawatta, Ganesh
Canada’s long-distance road freight transportation sector will require massive decarbonization efforts for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions in line with Canada’s targets of 30% by 2030 and 80% by 2050, relative to 2005 levels. Alternative fuel sources present a tangible pathway that is increasingly economically and operationally viable. Additionally, the Clean Fuel Standard (CFS) will likely lead to higher penetration of alternative fuels in Canada, as carbon intensity levels of fuel is enforced. The analysis in this study compares alternative technologies that may be used to transition diesel freight vehicles to low carbon or zero carbon freight vehicles. Despite the high initial costs, lithium-ion battery electric freight trucks have the lowest cost of carbon abatement among the options studies, depending on the carbon intensity of the electricity generated. The lifecycle emissions, total cost of ownership and cost of avoided emissions are compared amongst six scenarios.
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A Framework For Assessment And Selection Of Technologies For Remediation Of Abandoned Oil Pit Sludge
(1997) Escobar, Luis Fernando
Open Access
A look at policy surrounding long-term neurorehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury in Alberta
(2018-09-11) Ryan, Shrianne; Zwicker, Jennifer
In Alberta, there is an inadequate amount of community and outpatient neurorehabilitation services available to support the growing number of individuals who suffer from acquired brain injury (ABI). ABI is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma. Many individuals with ABI become dependent on costly health and social services, resulting in high-expenses for Alberta. Even though ABI is a growing concern for Alberta, no provincial policy strategy has been put in place to ensure Albertan’s get timely access to community and outpatient rehabilitation programs after being discharged from acute care and inpatient rehabilitation. Instead, many individuals either wait a long time before being admitted to important rehabilitation programs or they never receive treatment at all. A reason for a lack of policy can be attributed to how there is limited research in Alberta that looks at the overall benefits of community-based neurorehabilitation programs. Therefore, the overall policy recommendation is that the provincial government should establish a comprehensive and province-wide study that looks at the effectiveness and benefits associated with community neurorehabilitation programs in Alberta. To accomplish this study, Alberta should fund additional community neurorehabilitation programs to the ones already in existence so that more individuals with ABI can be included. The results of this study came from the analysis of data from a rehabilitation centre located in Alberta called the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injury (ARBI). The purpose of the analysis was to determine if there was an overall significant improvement for clients in terms of health outcomes and quality of life after undertaking community neurorehabilitation. In addition to improved health outcomes, cost of care based on place of residence at admission, discharge and follow-up was analyzed to determine if rehabilitation is a cost-effective solution to the growing ABI health crisis. First, the costs of care were determined by looking at the costs associated with four different residence categories including one’s own home, the hospital and two living support services under Alberta’s continuing care system for individuals with ABI. These living support services include personal care home (PCH) and long-term care (LTC). The costliest place of residence was determined to be the hospital, followed by LTC, PCH and own-home in that order. Depending on the severity of disability, individuals may need more support and thus reside in a more expensive place of residence, proving costly for Alberta. Next, the cost of care data was analyzed by comparing two different cases, case 1 and case 2. Case 1 represented client’s undergoing rehabilitation at ARBI and case 2 represented the situation where clients did not go to ARBI. First, the two cases were compared to see if there was statistical significance, and then the calculated difference between case 1 and case 2 was compared to the cost of rehabilitation at ARBI. The results of this study found there to be both a clinically significant and statistically significant improvement for client’s in different areas of impairment, suggesting that community neurorehabilitation positively improves health and social outcomes for individuals with ABI. Additionally, the cost of care results found there to be positive cost savings associated with undergoing rehabilitation at ARBI. The total cost of case 1 and case 2 was calculated to be $11,377,800 and $17,980,950.00, respectively for an overall cost savings of $6,603,150.00 or $194,210.29 per person over 65 months. When the cost of ARBI was added to case 1, there was still an overall cost savings of $5,637,550.00, or $165,810.29 per person over 65 months. Overall, the results of this study indicate that the Government of Alberta only needs to help a few individuals through neurorehabilitation programs like ARBI to experience substantial gains. Therefore, the overall policy recommendation is based on the results of this study, as well as from other research studies, that found community neurorehabilitation to be a critical next step in the recovery of individuals with ABI. Community neurorehabilitation is a multidisciplinary approach that combines specialized clinical and social supports to deliver an individualized and evidence-based pathway of care. ABI can have a lot of different negative impacts on an individual, and so a multidisciplinary approach is important. This study, along with other research has shown that timely access to equitable and intensive multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation services can improve patient outcomes and quality of life while also reducing an individual’s reliance on health and social services. Therefore, the overall policy recommendation is based on how Alberta needs to take more action to fully understand how to best help individuals with ABI while also reducing the burden on government health and social services.
Open Access
A Methodological Roadmap to Determine the Effectiveness of Carbon Policies
(2020-08) Canney, Mateo Sanin; Lucas, Alastair R.; Millington, Dinara
In the struggle to combat climate change carbon policies have been presented as an efficient and effective method for reducing GHG emissions while minimizing economic impacts. Policy implementation worldwide has grown considerably over the past decade with an ever-growing percentage of global emissions being covered by different forms of carbon policies. There is however a low quantity of evidence-based literature on the effectiveness of the carbon pricing models currently in place. I document a statistical, econometric modeling technique developed and used by the Canadian Energy Research Institute (CERI), to evaluate the Environmental Effectiveness of different Carbon Policies worldwide. A case study using the methodology to evaluate the effectiveness of the British Columbia Carbon tax is presented showing it to be ineffective at increasing emissions effectiveness while having a positive impact on economic growth.
Open Access
A Multi-Dimensional Analysis of Seasonal Hydropower Generation and Pumped Energy Storage in an Alberta Irrigation Network
(2022-08) Pearson, Kristina Marian Evelyn
I compared three new seasonal hydropower generation (summer) and pumped energy storage (winter) projects within existing Alberta irrigation infrastructure to evaluate their environmental and economic value. I used the historical irrigation flow rates, power pool pricing, and ancillary market data to determine the range and variability of the potential energy production, greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigations, and determine the expected economic rate of returns. The energy storage was analyzed under three separate operating modes: energy arbitrage, regulating reserve, and spinning reserve market. All projects had a positive economic return, however, the only positive energy storage returns occurred when the energy storage was operating on the spinning reserve market. Furthermore, the energy storage operation was found to be a net emitter of GHGs, although the irrigation seasonal hydropower generation more than offset these emissions, and each project resulted in a net reduction in GHG emissions.
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A Pre-feasibility Study As To Whether An Anaerobic Treatment Concept Can Be Implemented In Northern Alberta Communities
(2017) Tindyebwa, Belinda
In Northern Alberta, aging infrastructure and increasing demand places constraints on water security and sanitation. This study is aimed at determining whether an anaerobic treatment concept can be implemented in Northern Alberta communities. The objective is to assess the feasibility of the concept as well as the socio-economic, environmental and energy outcomes of the proposed facility. This study primarily uses literature review and data collected from the pilot project in Sneek, Netherlands where the anaerobic concept is applied. The results show that this concept is attractive due to the social benefits, low costs and production of biogas as renewable energy. This research is also timely given the Alberta Government’s 2016 Climate Leadership plan to reduce methane emissions by 45% before 2025. This study provides insight pertaining to the implementation of the proposed facility on First Nation reserves to cover the gap that exists between these communities and non-First Nations.
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A Preliminary Study For An Environmental Management System And Energy Efficiency Plan For A Ceramic Products Manufacturing Plant
(2001) Vilatuña Gómez, Paul Fabricio
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A Reduction In Canada’s Freight Transportation Greenhouse Gas Emissions By 2030 And 2050 A Scenario Analysis
(2017) Lof, Jessica
Greenhouse gases (GHG) from Canada’s freight transportation must be reduced by 30% to meet 2030 climate change commitments and by 80% to meet Canada’s 2050 targets. Despite the importance of this sector to Canada’s economy, there is an absence of cost-effective, low carbon options and the pathways to a low carbon future remain undefined. To explore this challenge, the historical emissions profile for rail and road transport in Canada are deconstructed and insights are used to scenario model a low carbon future with a greater share of freight shifted to rail and the energy intensity of road transportation improved. While reducing emissions by 18 Mt CO2e/yr relative to a reference scenario in 2030, the low carbon scenario failed to meet Canada’s reduction targets. The results demonstrate that for Canada to meet its long-term economic and climate change goals, development in disruptive technology, such as alternative fuel systems, is needed.
Open Access
A Step Towards A Lower Carbon Future: Integrating Closed Loop Geothermal Technology in District Cooling Applications
(2020-08) Lea, Erin; Shor, Roman; Schwarz, Bailey
This research will assess the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of low-grade, closed loop geothermal heat extraction used for district cooling applications, specifically with the use of an Eavor-Loop™. This will be completed through literature review, interviews with subject matter experts, thermodynamic process simulations and optimization, and an economic analysis. As global warming, urbanization, and our dependency on digital storage increases, the world’s cooling demands continue to rapidly grow with predictions showing that cooling demands will outweigh heating demands by 2060. Majority of current cooling systems utilize fossil fuels, emitting a great deal of greenhouse gases that have gone unchecked for decades. With the utilization of Eavor-Loop™ and absorption chiller technology, a 6,600 RT facility was designed for data center operations in California, USA with both environmental and economic benefits. This design aims to open up new, affordable possibilities with low-grade geothermal resources to meet the world’s cooling demands.
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A Study Of Rural Electrification In Guyana: An Option For Solar Energy
(2006) Britton, Sandra
This project analyses the feasibility of providing electricity to the rural communities in Guyana. Most rural communities do not have electricity among other basic needs which is contributing to increased poverty in the villages. The intention of the project is to provide a framework that will lead to electricity coverage through renewable energy sources. This can act as an instrument for socioeconomic development to benefit not only the rural communities but also the entire country. The study analyses the feasibility of providing electricity to the communities using solar energy or diesel generation. The project provides a criterion for the establishment of a micro enterprise to act as the executing agency. Further, an implementation plan is developed to facilitate an easy implementation process. Communities participation is encouraged to aid in the decision making process and to cater for the needs of the community to promote a successful project and ensure sustainable development.
Open Access
A Sustainable and Multi-Operator Approach to Water Management in Unconventional Oil and Gas Developments
(2019-08-19) Ballesteros, Sergio; Benson, Michael
Unconventional oil and gas developments are causing significant footprints resulting from freshwater use, temporary water infrastructure and the greenhouse gas emissions associated with water hauling truck trips. These status quo industry practices can also prove costly to oil and gas operators. The present study explores the economic and environmental benefits that exist when permanent water infrastructure is planned at scale using entire water life cycle considerations. Focusing on an area of study west of Grand Prairie, AB, the author demonstrates the economy of scale of such a development and proposes that this opportunity is more easily captured when two or more operators collaborate through a multi-operator water management plan (MOWP). This framework prompts regulatory and business model challenges that would need to be addressed but in the light of climate change, increasing water management costs and water security considerations, MOWPs are nothing but an opportunity to be seized.
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A Sustainable Development Strategy For A Rural Ecuadorian Community
(2002) Benson, Michael Guy
Open Access
Aboriginal Employment in the Alberta Oil Sands: Success and Barriers to Success
(2013-09) Jose, J. Susan; Flanagan, Thomas
As the baby boomer generation retires from the workforce, the current shortage of skilled workers is expected to increase dramatically. Alberta’s oil sands will experience those shortages intensely, especially as the Temporary Foreign Workers program, responsible for a significant amount of oil sands labour, reduces the number of available workers further still. As investment in oil sands development increases, so do the number of jobs, in contrast to a decreasing labour pool. Yet the Aboriginal population is both growing and younger than the non-Aboriginal population, and the time is right to increase Aboriginal representation in the workforce, for everyone’s benefit. The purpose of this paper is to identify differences in employment practices between successful Aboriginal employers and non-Aboriginal employers, and determine if those differences support successful employment or not. The methodology used was qualitative analysis based on a case study of Cold Lake First Nations. Although a small convenience sample, the data gathered provided a personal and honest, first-hand view, through an Aboriginal perspective. Data was gathered from various stakeholders, including energy companies, successful First Nations employers, First Nations workers and a First Nations employment and training agency. Analysis considered Aboriginal education and funding, Budget 2013 financial allocations to Aboriginal communities, employment sustainability within communities, and First Nations consultation and collaboration. Results found three significant differences in hiring practices between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal employers which currently favor Aboriginal employers for the Aboriginal worker. Should energy companies wish to increase Aboriginal representation in their workforce, recognition of these differences is critical.
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Aboriginal Migration, Economic Incentives, and Community Well-being: A Proposal
(2012-08) Chowdhury, Nazmul; Kneebone, Ronald
City Migration Patterns:Data indicate that migration is not a major determinant of Aboriginal population growth in major Canadian cities and provinces. As the reserves have experienced net in-migration of First Nations since 1966, increase in the affiliation of individuals to Aboriginal identity due to the legal changes by the Bill C-31 and C-3, and natural growth have been the major contributors to Aboriginal population growth in cities. Small urban areas and rural areas have been losing Aboriginal population overall. The percentage of Aboriginal population residing in cities has increased due the changes in legal frameworks and natural growth. Provincial Migration Patterns: Provincial migration is a small factor in the geographical distribution of Aboriginal population. However, there has been a clear trend among the Aboriginal peoples to move out of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec to Alberta between 2001-2006. Statistics Canada projection indicates that Alberta may become the second largest home to Aboriginal populations by the end of 2017, following Ontario. Particularly, the Métis have been moving primarily to Alberta from all other provinces. Projection indicates that growth in the Aboriginal population in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan may relegate British Columbia to the fourth largest position for hosting Aboriginal populations from its current second. Ontario is expected to remain as the largest home to the Aboriginal population until the projection period of 2017. Migration and Impact: International studies indicate that migration is positively correlated with well-being in the community of origin. Similarly, study findings strongly suggest that migration is positively correlated with Aboriginal well-being; particularly higher out-migration is correlated with higher education and income among the First Nations in Canada. Since First Nations have had net in-migration to the reserves since the 1960s, the paper examines such trends by focusing on the relative economic incentives between on-reserve and off-reserve locations. Policy Recommendation: The paper recognizes that the current balance between on-reserve and off-reserve economic incentives may need to be adjusted for the greater well-being of First Nations. In order to offset the gap in economic incentives between on and off-reserve locations, the paper recommends a tax credit to off-reserve First Nations members for investing in the reserves. The credit may generate additional capital for economic growth in the reserves on the one hand, and offset any gap in economic incentives between on and off-reserve locations on the other. Such a credit may transform the growing urban Aboriginal population as a source of opportunities for the on-reserve communities and increase economic growth in the reserves that may allow the band councils to initiate taxation in the reserves in the long run.
Open Access
Academic, Political, and Community Engagement: Crafting Pandemic Preparedness Policies for Vulnerable Families
(2020-09-04) Kohek, Jessica Ann; Zwicker, Jennifer
To optimally support the health of families, interventions provided by community organizations must be evidence-based. Research attracts awareness to particular community issues; however, there is often a disconnect between research collection and subsequent translation into community-level policies. Evidence-based interventions may have proven efficiency, yet research rarely results in the political action necessary to translate interventions into community practices. When research does inform policies, and programs, the process can take decades. Implementation of evidence-based practices is necessary to mobilize research into practice and improve outcomes for families who rely on services. This project sought to identify the challenges community organizations face in accessing and providing evidence-based services, as these services promote optimal outcomes for families. COVID-19, as a focusing event, has highlighted pre-existing political, economic, and structural impediments to knowledge mobilization. The barriers and solutions proposed by participants in the research have pre-existed, but been exacerbated by, the context of a pandemic. Prior to conducting research, a literature review informed the need for increased support, communication, and funding for community organizations. The Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used after the literature review was conducted to contextualize this need in Calgary. Five NGT groups were held over the course of two weeks to generate ideas surrounding barriers to evidence-based service provision throughout COVID-19, as well as solutions that have the potential to address aforementioned challenges. The three main barriers prioritized by participants included reduced revenue streams, transition to online service delivery, and inadequate communication and collaboration with government. Participants emphasized two solutions: person-centred policies and programs, and reciprocal collaboration. The literature and NGT groups result both support a need for cross-ministerial collaboration, community-based research partnerships, and engagement and consultation with community organizations. These findings are not novel or unique to COVID-19. Barriers mentioned preceded the pandemic, and solutions provided have continual impacts to support the health of families outside the context of a pandemic. Policy recommendations promote the priorities iterated by participants in the NGT groups. To address the barriers to evidence-based service provision throughout COVID-19, three policy options are recommended: (1) education and consultation with community organizations, (2) subsidy and grant provision for community-based research, and (3) formalizing a local network of researchers, community organizations, and policymakers. Next steps include validating the results of this study with an online Delphi and conducting a multijurisdictional environmental scan to determine best practices to support families with evidence-based service.
Open Access
Access to Mental Health Services for Youth Experiencing Homelessness in Calgary, AB
(2022) Chatha, Sukhmani; Kwok, Siu Ming
This capstone researches access to mental health services for youth experiencing homelessness in Calgary. Having mental health supports would provide developmental aid such that youth who are experiencing homelessness have non reoccuring experiences and are still able to properly develop their skillset for mental and emotional wellbeing in transition into adulthood. Based on the literature and research available, there are five issues that need to be addressed – the limitations of mainstream mental health services for homeless youth, limited use of shelters among youth experiencing homelessness, a lack of residential stability, low levels of school based interventions, and aging out of government care. Although the focus here is on mental health, the approach to address the issue cannot purely be related to increasing mental health services. Such interventions might address those who are experiencing homelessness for a short period of time, however they fail to address the issue of youth homelessness itself which must be considered as well to ensure an effective long term solution. In order to effectively address the issue, more funding for youth supportive housing combined with wraparound mental health and other social services is recommended.