Environmental Problem Solving II: The Campus as a Living Laboratory. Student Papers

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Open Access
An analysis of surface water pH & community perceptions of greenspaces at Dalhousie University’s Studley Campus
(2024-04) Cooper, Joe; Richards, Madisyn; Pu, Rui; Dietrich, Jenna; Milligan, Madeleine
Acidification and increased turbidity of surface water is a prominent issue in urban environments, as exposure to toxic materials, improper drainage, and other factors can lower the pH of the surface water leading to several adverse environmental effects (Hall & Anderson, 1988). Halifax uses a limited selection of drainage system types, most of which are industrial and perpetuate negative effects on the environment (Sheppard, 2012). Previous research reveals that increased exposure to healthy greenspaces relates to many mental and physical human health benefits (Wang et al., 2022). To see if there was any potential correlation between these facts, we decided to analyze whether or not specific drainage systems perpetuated negative effects of acidification on the environment, and whether or not these findings would correspond with Dalhousie Studley Campus’ current perceptions of their greenspaces. We tested the pH and turbidity of surface water for 12 days, taking into account several different measurement factors such as weather, depth, and drainage systems present across five different greenspaces on Dalhousie University's Studley campus. Alongside this, for 15 days we ran a voluntary survey for the Studley Campus University community to determine their current perspectives on their greenspaces. With these data, we ran a regression analysis to determine if there was any correlation between our measurement variables and surface water pH. We found that at one of our locations there was a significant correlation between drainage systems and pH, additionally at two we found climatic factors to be more significant, our last two locations had insignificant data to determine correlation with significance. Based on location, this indicated that there was a potential benefit to be found in using natural drainage systems compared to non-natural options (Gutters, Manholes, etc.). Our survey indicated that there were relatively negative perceptions of current Studley campus greenspaces, and that this could be improved by increasing maintenance, as well as biodiversity across these spaces. We concluded that implementation of natural drainage systems with improved maintenance would improve community perceptions of Dalhousie’s greenspaces, and with further research it could be determined that this would also reduce the impacts of acidification on surface water across these greenspaces.
Open Access
Cycling Towards Sustainability: Evaluating the Impact of Bike Rack Infrastructure on Student Transportation Choices at Dalhousie University
(2024-04) Groves, M.; Smith, D.; Josey, H.; Guo, X.; Peplinski, M.
Student commuting habits have impacts on Dalhousie’s community and environment. Cycling infrastructure significantly impacts commuting choices and transportation methods throughout the city of Halifax and HRM as a whole, therefore understanding methods of improvements is important to sustain transportation networks throughout the city. This study delves into how improvements in bike rack infrastructure can influence Dalhousie University undergraduate students' travel choices. The purpose of the study is to identify student perceptions and motivations for improvements in bike rack infrastructure. Gauging both allows room for analysis and discussion on the influence on Dalhousie's undergraduate students. Mixed methods of data collection allowed a solid scope of information to be gained to produce final influences caused by improvements in bike rack infrastructure. Distribution of surveys through posters and word of mouth helped gather information from a bulk of quantitative questions. Data collection continued with a small portion of qualitative questions to gather further details. Qualitative research was carried out in form through in-person interviews with students throughout the Studley Campus. Results gathered from the mixed method research method carried into analysis where correlation calculations gave us final gauges on student perceptions. The study amplifies the importance of reliable, supportive, and protective cycling infrastructure on the Dalhousie Studley campus. Through data collection and analysis, we determine there is not a specific urgent need for bike rack coverings to be implemented throughout Studley Campus, however dividing data from those with bikes as opposed to without bikes was key in final thoughts and discussions for our research. Those with bikes provided useful information on likeliness to commute via bike due to implications such as weather and infrastructure. However, those without bikes provided good information on possible further research into student access to bikes and cycling amenities. Overall, information gathered holds implications for new improvements throughout the campus to support the biking culture and environment, with sustainable choices increasing amongst students.
Open Access
Growing Upwards: An Assessment of Student Perceptions on Studley Campus Green Roofs
(2024-04) Main, Alexander; Joy, Kaylin; Stathis, Margaret; Brunet, Ryan; Mcgraw, Zach
The rapid urbanization occurring in Halifax, Nova Scotia necessitates the implementation of carbon dioxide offsetting structures such as green roofs. This report seeks to investigate student perceptions of green roofs and the barriers present between students and information about green roofs on Studley campus at Dalhousie. It was important to gauge student’s current knowledge to understand the origin and extent of this information. Previous research has been completed on the feasibility of implementing and improving green roofs at Dalhousie, although no further work has been done by the University. A short online survey was released to the undergraduate students to measure their current knowledge and future visions for Dalhousie green roof initiatives. We received 132 responses which displayed overwhelming support for green roof enhancement and implementation. Interviews with Dalhousie Staff and a literature review were also crucial in data collection. It was evident that students in the Faculty of Science are much more knowledgeable than non-science students on the existence, advantages, and definition of green roofs. However, there is no significant difference in knowledge about green roofs and willingness to support projects. The findings also indicate that students would be interested in open access to intensive green roofs for study purposes. Further analysis should be completed on the feasibility of implementing faculty-wide sustainability modules, so all undergraduate students are supported in making informed decisions.
Open Access
Assessing the Influence of Hurricane Fiona on Dalhousie Students’ Perceptions of Psychological Distance to Climate Change and Adoption of Sustainable Behaviours
(2024-04) Cox, Layla; Halminen, Sophie; Luty, Ethan; Reid, Reegan
This report analyzes the influence of Hurricane Fiona on Dalhousie University students' perceptions regarding the reality of increased Atlantic Canadian hurricanes and their connection to unsustainable consumption patterns and behaviours. Through a survey-based approach targeting students present during Hurricane Fiona's landfall, the research associated with this report aims to determine correlations between hurricane impact and psychological distance to climate change. The research centers on establishing how the hurricane influenced students' perceptions of climate change, including more specific factors associated with the degree of psychological detachment from climate change while measuring the change in student adoption of sustainable habits. Hypotheses posit positive correlations between hurricane impact and psychological distance to climate change and between hurricane impact and adoption of sustainable behaviours. Data analysis involves confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) to test these relationships. However, the study faces limitations due to a smaller-than-desired sample size, potentially impacting the generalizability and reliability of findings. Despite these limitations, the report provides insights into how hurricanes can shape students' perceptions and behaviours related to climate change.
Open Access
Investigating student exposure to Mi'kmaq Traditional Knowledge through Dalhousie University courses
(2024-04) Mooney, Meredith; Simington, Faith; Chilibeck, Sasha; Merker Myers, Nathanial
The implementation of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (TK) is important because it can improve social, economic, and environmental sustainability across the world (Spee et al., 2021) and can enhance student learning. In addition, education institutions in Canada have been called upon to meaningfully incorporate TK in their curricula, as per the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Committee of Canada (2024). Dalhousie University is the largest university in Atlantic Canada and is located on the unceded and traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq. As such, the university has made efforts to include Mi’kmaq Traditional Knowledge (MTK) within its curricula as per their Indigenous Strategy (2018); however, there have been no formal investigations into student satisfaction with the level of MTK offered through course learning. This study investigated the extent of undergraduate student experience with MTK at Dalhousie University and attempted to determine common course pathways offering MTK, and possible barriers that limit students from exposure to MTK. Surveys were sent to undergraduate students in environmental-related programs, such as Oceanography and Biology, via social media, mass email, class advertisement, and QR code posters over a period of nine days. The survey received 49 responses, primarily from 3rd and 4th year Environmental Science and Marine Biology majors. Students commonly felt that their courses provided either no information on MTK or provided minimal in-depth discussion on the topic. The findings of our study indicate that Indigenous Studies-related courses, specific College of Sustainability courses, and Environmental Science courses instructed by Dr. Caroline Franklin received higher ratings in terms of the extent to which MTK was integrated into their curriculum. Based on our findings, we recommend including more guest lecturers of Indigenous decent, incorporate land-based learning, and, when possible, provide MTK at all stages of research, to help increase overall exposure to MTK in education at Dalhousie University.
Open Access
How well do you sort? The impacts of Dalhousie University student demographics on understanding proper waste sorting on campus and in the Halifax Regional Municipality
(2024-04) Baird, Justin; Clements, Sarah; Matthews, Jordan; Targett, Abbie; Yadegardjam, Yana
The inability of students to properly sort their waste on Dalhousie’s campus and in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) resulting from improper waste management education creates barriers to achieving Dalhousie’s sustainability goals. In Canada, there is a very high level of daily consumer waste created and a measured inefficiency of waste sorting practices established at many global post-secondary institutions. Furthermore, this project conducted research to determine the most influential factors in the missorting of municipal solid waste and understand the tools most likely to improve Dalhousie’s undergraduate students' ability to manage their waste effectively. Utilizing qualitative and quantitative data collection, demographic-based questions were used to compare students' ability to accurately sort waste within a survey, followed by the relationship between these results and familiarity with current HRM waste sorting tools. It was found that the most significant factors in a student's ability to properly sort waste were how long they have resided in the HRM and their familiarity with current waste sorting information. Furthermore, student-provided feedback outlines future studies that could be conducted to determine the most impactful ways of disseminating waste management guidelines to educate Dalhousie’s undergraduate student population effectively. Overall, a future analysis involving a greater data set will aid in implementing waste management tools on Dalhousie campuses that will effectively target the student demographics requiring further waste sorting education.
Open Access
Considering Nature: An Examination of Student Perceptions towards Manicured Green Space Environments at Dalhousie University
(2024-04) Ferguson, Liam; Shuman, David J.; Steele, Rebecca; Walton, Erin
Scholarship surrounding the impact of urban green spaces on the wellbeing of populations has provided rich insights that can help further our understanding of interactions between natural and built environments. However, there are few studies of green spaces within the context of learning environments. This study's purpose was to identify Dalhousie University student perceptions of green spaces and their local biodiversity composition within a university campus. Previous studies have focused on general aesthetic and health benefits of green spaces. Our research intends to characterize how students perceive the status of green environments on Dalhousie University’s Studley, and Sexton campuses. By performing a hybrid of qualitative and quantitative analysis on data collected via a survey, we were able to develop insights into student priorities for green spaces. We determined that there is moderate evidence (R2 = 0.3206) to support a relationship between students who perceive green spaces as positively contributing to their learning experience and students who feel that accessibility to green spaces increases their willingness to engage in environmental or sustainability related initiatives or organizations across campus. Using involvement in student societies and other initiatives focused on conservation and sustainable lifestyles as a maxim for positive impact from green spaces, we attempt to draw connections between students’ experience with green spaces and how willing they are to participate in their community. It is our hope that decision makers, like urban planners and campus administrators, will use the data we collected in this study to inform how they design the built environment at Dalhousie, in Halifax, and beyond. With an understanding that green spaces positively contribute to student well-being, building greener campuses comes with another benefit.
Open Access
Nature vs. Nurture: Studying the Influence of Formal Environmental Education Receivedfrom Ages 4-18 on the Interpretation of Environmental Consciousness for Domestic Undergraduate Students of Dalhousie University’s Studley Campus
(2024-04) Barton, Gabrielle; Chandler-Baas, Freddy; MacLellan, Lorel; Vikedal, Quinn
Our study’s purpose was to investigate the relationship between environmental education prior to post-secondary education and current participation in sustainable behaviour and or beliefs. The issue of protecting our environment is both extremely complicated and important in ensuring a sustainable future for coming generations. Finding the most effective method to convey the importance of sustainable actions to individuals and organizations is invaluable in the fight against climate change. In order to investigate if prior education played a significant factor in domestic Dalhousie undergraduate students’ participation in sustainable behaviour we circulated self-reported surveys that used Likert scale and closed and open-ended questions (Appendix A). With the help of our many Dalhousie department administrators, and the use of social media as a tool we circulated the survey and began collecting data. This data was catalogued and converted into two separate scores ranked out of 100. These scores measured sustainable behavior/values or BVScore and environmental education or EdScore/ that was quantitatively analyzed against patterns found in the data. Similarly, qualitative analysis was used to find patterns in long-answer responses and determine if they had any correlation to either score. Once analyzed the data shows significantly higher EdScores in Ontario and British Columbia compared to Nova Scotia. The data also show a decrease in the number of outdoor experiences as respondents moved into higher level grades. Limitations to this study were high, limiting the number of statistically significant trends we were able to pull from the data. Despite lacking statistical significance this study provides valuable information to be used in development of future studies.
Open Access
How do Dalhousie University’s Studley Campus students rate public transportation user experience on the Halifax peninsula?
(2024-04) Aziz, Nolan; Jozsa, Hannah; Spurr, Katelyn; Weron, Lara
Public transit can offer many valuable benefits to cities worldwide. However, ridership can often be low due to several different factors that can make it difficult or inconvenient for people to rely on it as a regular mode of transportation. University students who regularly commute to the same locations are prime candidates for understanding barriers and for suggesting possible improvements to public transit. To better understand the perceived user experience of Halifax public transportation on the Halifax peninsula according to Dalhousie University Studley Campus students, an online survey was made available to Dalhousie students from March 12 to March 23, 2024. This survey was conducted through voluntary participation administered through posters on campus with a QR code link to it. 79 students completed the survey which included 10 Likert-scale questions and 4 open-ended questions. The survey gathered information on three categories related to the transit usership experience which were cleanliness, safety, and efficiency. The most recommendations coded across all responses were regarding the efficiency of Halifax Transit, accounting for 61% of responses. The most popular recommendations were wanting to see shorter intervals between buses and to have quicker and more efficient routes. Accessibility was the second-most frequently occurring concern, accounting for about 12% of responses. The most common recommendations being more accessible routes to areas less accessible by transit such as places inside Halifax Regional Municipality that are outside the downtown core and better serving the North End of the peninsula. Safety and comfort were also frequently mentioned recommendations, both accounting for about 8.5% of responses. The most common recommendations included improvements needed for the cleanliness of bus stops and better licensing, training, and overall responsibility of the driver in ensuring passenger safety.
Open Access
The Impact of Sustainability focused Cooking Workshops on Dalhousie Students
(2024-04) Cripton, Ben; Edwards, Robyn; Goodwin, Jess; Virtanen, Jasmin
Earth is experiencing a great climate change event caused mainly by human actions. One of the main sources contributing to our greenhouse gas emissions in Canada is agriculture. Agriculture accounts for 10% of Canada’s emissions through excessive fertilizer use, fossil fuel use, and methane released by livestock (Government of Canada, 2023). Our study sought to educate students on their dietary environmental impacts and grocery shopping choices so that they could lead more sustainable lives. Understanding the effects of your impacts and how you can reduce them is the first step to creating change. Two separate workshops were held at the Loaded Ladle kitchen, where students were told about how they could reduce their environmental impacts through their diet choices while they cooked a meal. Two surveys were done in addition to these workshops, one before the workshop and one a week following the workshop. The key findings of our study were that the sustainable cooking workshops had a statistically significant positive effect on the students' eating and grocery shopping habits. Although some results showed a negative change, the students’ overall sustainability scores increased following the workshop. To better understand if these findings would apply to the student population at large, we believe another study should be done with a larger sample size. Educating students on the environmental impacts of their food choices is an easy but important step in reducing our future impacts.
Open Access
An Investigation into Student Perceptions of Green Spaces on Dalhousie’s Studley Campus
(2024-04) Cantelo, Sophie; Mesburis, Julia; Tolson, Emma; Bonn, Jackson
Landscaping holds significant importance on university campuses and has traditionally aimed to enhance the visual appeal of environments. Green space, as it refers to natural areas and vegetation, as well as urban parks located on university campuses, plays a crucial role in creating a natural environment (Taylor & Hochuli, 2017). We investigated student perceptions of green space, specifically within the Studley campus of Dalhousie University. Our objectives included gauging whether students consider green space as an important aspect of their on-campus wellbeing and if they might feel more inclined to spend time on campus green spaces if improvements were made to these areas. By examining how green space is perceived and used, we aimed to ascertain a collective viewpoint among students regarding its significance. We used a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data from undergraduate and graduate students on the Studley campus. Quantitatively, we used Likert scale questions and conducted Chi-square analyses to classify opinions regarding green space perception and utility. For qualitative insights, we distributed surveys to answer more open-ended questions on green space perception and utility. Additionally, we used ArcGIS and SketchUp as tools to further enhance our research findings. Overall, the integration of quantitative and qualitative methods, along with visualization tools, has allowed us to understand student perceptions of green space regarding the Studley campus of Dalhousie University.
Open Access
Do Dalhousie Students Carrot All? A Comparative Study of Food Waste Patterns
(2024-04) Demmings, Claire; Dick, Evan; Pert, Molly; Guo, Shelby (Yuanchang); Cimicata, Stella
Food waste poses a major global challenge in terms of environmental and economic impacts. Within this context, higher education institutions play a pivotal role in fostering sustainability awareness and cultivating lifelong habits. This prompts an inquiry into the behaviours surrounding students’ adherence to preventative food waste measures. This comparative study aimed to explore the food waste behaviours among undergraduate students studying Environmental Science or Sustainability (ENVS/SUST) and those studying other programs at Dalhousie University. The goal is a greater understanding of potential contributors to food waste quantities generated and to pinpoint any gaps in the environmental education of Dalhousie students regarding this topic. This study utilized a survey to collect quantitative data on students’ habits, perceptions, and intentions regarding food waste. After the ten days of data collection, there were 138 respondents, excluding 5 non-target respondents. No significant difference in food waste habits was found between ENVS/SUST and other majors, however they both showed moderate adherence to waste reduction practices. Perceptions of food waste were very good across both majors, with no significant difference. There was a weak positive correlation between food waste habits and perceptions. Saving money and environmental concern were the most important factors driving food waste reduction for both groups. Course content significantly influenced ENVS/SUST majors in awareness of the concerns of food waste. The main barriers to waste reduction were found to be time and economic constraints. In light of these findings, this study recommends that higher education institutions emphasise strategies to translate this awareness into actual action when raising students' understanding of the food waste problem. To this end, it is recommended that more targeted intervention strategies and educational programs be developed to promote students' adoption of sustainable food consumption and food waste reduction behaviours in their daily lives.
Open Access
Qualitative Analysis of Potential Locations for Agrivoltaic System Implementation on Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus in Truro, Nova Scotia
(2024-04) Hebert, Andrea; Kushner, Emily; Borrens, Jayne; Rebitt, Samantha; Li, Zongze
Given that the energy sector contributes to over one-third of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, there is a clear need to transition away from unsustainable fossil fuels to a more renewable-energy-powered world. One source of renewable energy that has recently received attention for its energy generation capabilities is photovoltaics (PV), or solar energy. However, large-scale photovoltaic systems often take up a lot of valuable land, which, with increasing global food insecurity and a growing population, poses challenges for justifying the allocation of land resources to the energy sector instead of for agricultural purposes. Agrivoltaics is a relatively novel technique of farming that combats this issue; these systems pair the installation of solar panels with shade-tolerant crops underneath, therefore minimizing the wasted space while still satisfying the need to transition to cleaner energy sources. Dalhousie’s Agricultural Campus (AC) located in Truro, Nova Scotia, offers a promising location for the implementation of agrivoltaic systems as it supports successful agricultural practices and has suitable land and space for PV systems. The use of agrivoltaics on the AC would help Dalhousie satisfy their Green Building plans and reach their goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030. Previous student research groups have identified shade-tolerant crop species that could successfully grow in the shaded-regions underneath the solar panels. Building on this previous research, our project aims to identify suitable locations on the AC where agrivoltaic systems could be implemented to both satisfy energy requirements for proximal building operations and support successful production of shade-tolerant crops. Qualitative data was collected through focus group discussions with Truro campus staff and coded using NVivo software to determine key benefits, limitations, and considerations regarding agrivoltaics. Twenty locations were suggested and the energy generation potential of a PV system at each site was calculated using the website PVWatts. From this, eight ideal locations were chosen and further analyzed based on their proximity to buildings, energy capacity, and space constraints. The Demonstration Garden was chosen as the top location for current implementation of an agrivoltaics pilot project which could the provide real-life analysis of agrivoltaic potential on the AC and inform further research regarding the potential for large-scale implementation of these systems.
Open Access
Student Guided Suggestions for Improving Participation in Dalhousie Office of Sustainability’s Used Device Drive
(2024-04) Pennyfather, Kate; Knakriah, Mariam; Burchert, Eric; Theal, Jacqueline; White, Braden
Electronic waste, or e-waste, poses a significant global challenge, driven by escalating technology consumption and declining device lifespans. In Canada, individuals generate an estimated 20kg of e-waste annually, necessitating urgent and effective management strategies. However, only 20% of Canadian e-waste undergoes proper recycling, with the remaining waste leading to severe environmental and health hazards due to toxic leaching. In response to this pressing issue, circular economic models advocating for the reuse and refurbishment of devices have gained prominence, exemplified by initiatives like the Used Device Drive implemented at Dalhousie University. This study delves into the efficacy of the Used Device Drive promotion through a multifaceted approach, incorporating a comprehensive student survey and a thorough literature review. Particularly, findings from the survey highlight a glaring disparity: while a staggering 81% of surveyed students remain unaware of the initiative, an overwhelming 86% express a strong willingness to donate their devices. The survey further identifies effective strategies for heightening awareness, including leveraging platforms such as Brightspace, social media channels, and class presentations. Moreover, barriers to donation, such as lack of awareness and privacy concerns, underscore the imperative for targeted promotional campaigns and educational initiatives. Integrated insights from the literature review point out key components crucial for the success of sustainability initiatives, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with university stakeholders, highlighting sustainability benefits, and providing robust educational resources and incentives. These findings not only inform the strategic promotion and refinement of the Used Device Drive but also offer invaluable insights for shaping future sustainability efforts at Dalhousie University, fostering a more environmentally conscious campus community.
Open Access
Sustainability Education Initiatives for University Staff: A Case Study from Dalhousie University
(2024-04) MacCarthy, Paige; Merriam, Alyssa; Burton, Lauren; Brooks, Alanna; Wagner, Max
Universities play a pivotal role in fostering sustainability practices through education and operation. Considerable attention has been given to integrating sustainability into curricula to engage students; however, there is a gap in understanding the influence of university staff in this movement. This study examined staff education initiatives across U15 Canadian universities, focusing on Dalhousie University as a case study. Through a comparative analysis of existing initiatives in other U15 universities and interviews with staff at Dalhousie University, this study aimed to assess the awareness, motivation and existing gaps in staff engagement with sustainability initiatives. A variety of training strategies implemented at other U15 universities were identified, including in-person workshops, online asynchronous modules, and hybrid (in-person/online) training models. Some institutions have found training focused on staff engagement and interpersonal skills to be most effective, whereas others emphasize the importance of educating staff on basic sustainability principles and providing them with resources to learn more. The interviews with Dalhousie University staff revealed that staff are interested in sustainability but feel that there is insufficient support for sustainability education and initiatives from their departments. Staff provided various suggestions for training formats and topics, many of which aligned with the training strategies implemented at other U15 schools. The results suggest that the ideal training format for Dalhousie is a hybrid model that includes both general sustainability education and specific training curated to the staffs’ departments or positions. This training strategy can be recommended to Dalhousie University and other institutions to enhance workplace sustainability. The motivation is prominent in staff engagement in sustainability training programs; thus, it is imperative for U15 universities to adopt effective initiatives to advance their campus sustainability goals.
Open Access
A Comparative Analysis of Particulate Matter ≤ 2.5μm Emissions Across Canadian Universities from 2012-2022
(2024-04) Markle, Avery; Borrowman, Alliyah; Davies, Ben; Fox, Olivia
Particulate matter <= 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) has been linked to cause harm to human health (Health Canada, 2021) and the environment (CARB, 2024). Exposure to PM2.5 leads to various adverse health outcomes, including respiratory symptoms, decreased lung function, and premature mortality (Xing et al., 2016). Accumulation of PM2.5 in ecosystems effects water quality, visibility, and threatens plant growth (CARB, 2024). The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare PM2.5 emissions from select Canadian universities from 2012-2022. The question we aim to answer through our research is how Canadian universities release of particulate matter <= 2.5 micrometers change over the span of 10 years (2012-2022). Using data from the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI), the research team performed statistical analyses using Excel and R Studio. Several universities, including Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Saskatchewan, McGill University, and University of British Columbia, maintained relatively low emission levels from 2012-2022. Queen’s University, Western University, and University of Calgary had stable but higher emission levels. Notably, the University of New Brunswick had PM2.5 emissions approximately 34 times higher than the other universities averaged over the study period. Statistical analysis showed significant differences in PM2.5 emissions between 2012 and 2022 for the University of New Brunswick, Laval University, University of Alberta, University of Toronto, and the University of Manitoba, with all five showing significant decreases. Rankings based on PM2.5 estimated marginal means placed the University of British Columbia with the lowest emissions and the University of New Brunswick with the highest emissions in both 2012 and 2022. Understanding PM2.5 emission sources and levels can aid in national air quality management standards and initiatives. Addressing PM2.5 emissions is crucial, given projected exacerbation due to climate change. Implementing mitigation strategies and establishing enforceable federal air quality standards are essential steps. Cleaner energy sources and increased awareness of the health and environmental impacts of PM2.5 can drive efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality nationwide.
Open Access
Pedestrianizing Norma Eddy Lane: An Analysis of Transport Mode and Safety
(2023-04) Connolly, Owen; Pryor, Luna; Shimada, Rui; Wang, Sasha; Kilfoil, Jack
This study examines the numerical distribution of users of the north end of Norma Eddy Lane by travel mode. The site, located on the north end of the Dalhousie University Sexton Campus, in between the Ralph M. Medjuck building and the Halifax Central Library, currently serves as a small parking lot and loading zone, primarily servicing the Medjuck building. The site is also in close proximity to Halifax Metro Transit bus stop #8327. Beginning with a suggestion from the Dalhousie Office of Sustainability, the study sought to examine the modal split of users of the corridor in order to determine whether the current land use, infrastructure and physical features were suitable for users. Presently, the site consists of 7 parking stalls and a series of concrete dividers which separate the paved and non-permeable portions of the site. There is no dedicated walking or cycling path that runs the entire length of the subject area. The study found that over 3119 pedestrians passed through the subject area over the course of 24 total hours of data collection, with each 2-hour shift averaging 260 pedestrians, while vehicle capacity never exceeded 5 of the 7 available stalls, with very little deviation on which cars were parked, peaking at 2 cars in a half hour. Cycling as a mode made up a small portion of the total split, with 28 total cyclists passing through the corridor during the data collection process. Many incidents were observed throughout the data collection process which all included vehicles in some manner, with vehicles disrupting walking paths or having near-misses with pedestrians being the majority of those recorded. Given these results the study found that the current land uses of the site do not properly accommodate most of its usership and do not ensure their safety while traversing the site. The study provides recommendations for redevelopment or redesign as well as for further research into the subject.
Open Access
Investigating Student Satisfaction of Food Security Services at Dalhousie University
(2023-04) Ingham, Alexis; Papp, Camille; Samuels, Jemma; Bai, Long; He, Saifu
This paper aims to determine the level of satisfaction Dalhousie University students associate with free food security services on campus. With food prices and the rates of food insecurity increasing, it was important for us to monitor the amount of awareness towards and the use of food services on the Studley campus. The feedback and responses from students can be used to produce potential improvements to these services to ensure the long-term use of these services. The food security services we studied were the Dalhousie Student Union (DSU) Food Bank and the lunch program through Loaded Ladle because both services are free and open to the community. Our study population was specific to students that spend the majority of their time on the Studley campus. We conducted research through the delivery of an online survey composed of 8-14 questions about the student's relationship with Loaded Ladle and the DSU Food Bank. We recruited participants through email communication sent to professors and faculty members that distributed the survey to their students. In addition, we collected participants by displaying posters with a QR code across campus, over social media, and through the personal distribution performed by the Wild Bunch team to our peers, friends, and coworkers that fit within our target population. Our data was analyzed through pie and stacked bar charts, a coding tree, and two chi-square tests. Our findings suggest that the majority of students involved in our survey were aware of the services provided by Loaded Ladle and the DSU Food Bank. The Loaded Ladle received more awareness due to residing in a greater trafficked area by students. The null hypothesis was accepted for both the Loaded Ladle and DSU foodbank. Meaning that their performance does not deviate from neutral. Although, the DSU Food Bank is skewed to the negative, most likely due to strained resources. Nearly a quarter of students felt unsure about food security for students, suggesting lack of awareness of the issue. Our findings also show that living off campus without guardians are the students who use the food security services the most. As the cost of food rises, Dalhousie has the opportunity to step in alongside the DSU Food Bank and Loaded Ladle to support food insecure students through their own means. Our study was limited and wasn’t as robust as initially desired and has many data collection biases. We encourage our findings to be used to produce a second study that investigates more demographics of the Dalhousie University campuses.
Open Access
Investigating Student Perspectives on Dalhousie’s Fossil Fuel Investments
(2023-04) Guimont, Eric; Little, Faye; Coulter, Zoe; Fraser, Lynn
Global warming has been increasingly worsening over the last several decades, with fossil fuels being the leading cause of climate change. Large businesses and educational institutions still invest billions of dollars into fossil fuel companies yearly. Dalhousie University is still invested in fossil fuels despite its commitments to sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investment practices. To mitigate the effects of fossil fuels on the environment, these institutions and businesses must divest from these companies and shift their focus to more sustainable resources. This study aims to understand how Dalhousie University's investments in fossil fuels affect the student population's opinion of the institution to bring awareness to students and the administration. A survey was distributed throughout campus and on social media to collect responses. The survey results show that Dalhousie's lack of divestment of fossil fuels has a negative impact on the student's opinion of the school, indicating that a change is needed. Although the study only included a fraction of the student population, it provides grounds and a reason for further research to be conducted to encourage the administration to divest from fossil fuels.
Open Access
Green Transportation at Dalhousie’s Studley Campus: Exploring Sustainable Transportation Usage and Access Improvement Opportunities
(2023-04) McHugh, Ben; Thompson, Cameron; Sun, Haixin; Flemings, Kendra
Dalhousie University faces problems with traffic congestion and limited parking, resulting from over 50% of commuters in HRM (Price et al., 2021) and over 33% of Dalhousie students (Walker et al., 2020) using cars or motorcycles as their primary mode of transit. Sustainable transit, such as public transportation, cycling, and walking, can significantly aid HRM, specifically Dalhousie, in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050, as outlined in Dalhousie's Climate Action Plan (Dalhousie, 2020). This research aims to identify barriers to using sustainable transportation options and potential solutions, explore attitudes and perceptions towards sustainable transportation among the campus community, understand current usage of green transportation options among undergrads at Studley Campus, and develop strategies for improving access to and promoting the use of sustainable transportation at Studley Campus. An online survey was conducted to gather information from full-time Dalhousie undergraduate students at the Studley Campus, which collected opinionated and statistical answers. The survey data was organized in an Excel spreadsheet to calculate the percentage of individuals who agreed with each statement and to provide insights into undergraduate students' attitudes, behaviours, and preferences towards green transport on the Studley campus. While some undergraduate students use sustainable transportation options, barriers prevent more students from utilizing them. The survey results indicate significant improvements to green transportation methods within HRM are needed. Specifically, bike lane infrastructure needs significant improvement regarding safety and effectiveness, and transit service in and around the Dalhousie campuses needs improvement with more frequent, faster, and connected routes. Additionally, the survey results indicate that the majority of participants feel that Dalhousie University should have a more prominent role in promoting greener transportation in HRM. In conclusion, this research emphasizes the need for Dalhousie University to promote green transportation and for the HRM to make significant changes to the current transit infrastructure. Recommendations from this research can help the university improve access to sustainable transit options and aid in reducing carbon emissions while promoting a more sustainable community.