This research project aims to develop data analytic technologies to achieve the smart waste and recycling management services. In the smart waste management, the information about container fill levels is captured by the sensors through the Internet of Things (IoT) in real time. A more efficient dynamic routing strategy will be developed through this research […]

We will use a database of more than 30 years of scientific survey and citizen-science observations of common loon breeding on lakes in Ontario, as well as other parts of Canada, to determine whether loons now breed successfully on lakes where they were negatively affected by acid rain (and other human threats like development). Our […]

Promoting the use of renewable energy such as biogas produced from organic waste is one the main alternatives to achieve more sustainable development strategies. Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is an efficient and proven technology, which can be employed to convert Organic Waste to Biogas as Renewable Natural Gas (RNG), and to reduce global methane emissions. The […]

In the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia, California bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis california) populations have declined by 60% since 2011, likely due to a new mite infestation, Psoroptes ovis. These mites cause hearing loss and impaired awareness in wild sheep, possibly increasing their vulnerability to predation by cougars (Felis concolour). To assess this risk, data […]

The increasing use of engineered particulate matter in a variety of fields, including medicine, cosmetics and textiles, results in greater human exposure than in the past. As this matter may be swallowed or breathed in and penetrate the blood stream where it may reach organs and exert a toxic effect, techniques are needed that can […]

The rapid increase in shale gas development in the Peace Region has been accompanied by concern about environmental impacts, and in particular, fugitive methane migration into shallow groundwater. The goal of the proposed research project is to establish a dedicated groundwater monitoring well network in order to collect data to inform the following questions: 1) […]

The environmental noise pollution is continuously increasing and has multiple adverse effects on human health, quality of life and wildlife ecosystem. The noise levels are quite high as compared to the standard proposed by World Health Organization for residential neighborhoods. This kind of pollution is generally not taken care of and there exists the need […]

Thermal insulation of buildings and storages reduces the energy consumption for heating. Polyurethane foams are one of the efficient material for insulation. Currently, polyurethane foam industries use raw materials derived from petroleum. This research project aim to replace some of petrochemical-based materials used in polyurethane foam with biobased materials. This can reduce the dependency on […]

Poor work environment (WE) contributes to poor employee physical and mental health and reduced company productivity and performance. Reporting on the WE has little guidance, making WE in corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports inconsistent and not comparable between companies. This project explores the need for a management system standard for WE reporting and the development […]

The goal of this research is the development and operationalization of new hazardous ice mapping technology to mitigate impacts of warmer winters and springs on sea-ice travel in Arctic communities. In partnership with the northern social enterprise, SmartICE, we will develop the capability to detect and map slush and incorporate the technology into their mobile […]

Pela, incorporated under Open Mind Development Corporation (OMDC), manufactures environmentally sustainable products, such as compostable smartphone and laptop cases. Pela aims to lead the industry in taking complete responsibility for its manufactured products and continuously improve their lifecycle so that they have the most renewable and sustainable beginning of life, and the most graceful end […]

The goal of this research project is to study and develop optimal strategies for operating anaerobic co-digestion processes involving organic waste with cellulosic substrate derived from paper wastes. The effects of enzymatic treatment to boost degradation of the paper wastes in anaerobic conditions will also be evaluated. Furthermore, best approaches for transitioning feedstock compositions, such […]