EVO-1003, ext. 42791
pparker@uwaterloo.ca
Paul’s research focuses on building sustainable communities by creating win-win opportunities for the environment and economy. He is particularly concerned with how local economic development strategies can achieve a sustainable future. Sustainable energy systems are an essential starting point, so he looks first at conservation and improving energy efficiency, then at renewable energy sources and smart grid networks as integral parts of community energy plans.
Paul combines his strong research background with direct experience engaging local representatives from communities across Canada and overseas to envision and build local capacity, vitality and sustainability. Recently he has lead economic development seminars in Edmonton, Iqaluit, Inuvik, Fort McMurray, Halifax, Saskatoon, Stratford, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, Quebec City and Whitehorse.
Prof. Parker holds a joint appointment in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (profile).
Key Areas of Graduate Supervision
Renewable energy policy, sustainability. Residential retrofits and carbon migration. Green economy and local economic development.
Recent Courses Taught
GEOG/LED 685: Theory of Local Economic Development
GEOG/LED 686: Practice of Local Economic Development
GEOG 669: Energy and Sustainability
GEOG 459: Energy and Sustainability
Research Interests
Sustainable energy policy, Sustainable community development and the green economy, Regional initiatives, Residential retrofits and Low-carbon futures.
Recent Publications
- Edwards, C.A.*, Parker. P. 2022. Flight school perceptions of electric planes for training. International Journal of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. 16 (1); https://publications.waset.org/10012393/pdf
- Mercer, N.,* Hudson, A., Martin, D., Parker, P. 2020. “That’s Our Traditional Way as Indigenous Peoples”: Towards a Conceptual Framework for Understanding Community Support of Sustainable Energies in NunatuKavut, Labrador. Sustainability, 12 (15), 6050; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12156050
- Mercer, N.,* Parker, P., Hudson, A., Martin, D. 2020. Off-grid energy sustainability in Nunatukavut, Labrador: Centering Inuit voices on heat insecurity in diesel-powered communities. Energy Research and Social Science, 62 (April) 101382; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2019.101382
- Karanasios, K.,* Parker, P. 2018. Explaining the diffusion of renewable electricity technologies in
- Canadian remote indigenous communities through the technological innovation
- system approach. Sustainability. 10 (11), 3871, 1-28; https://doi.org:10.3390/su10113871
- Lazowski, B.,* Parker, P., Rowlands, I. 2018. Towards a smart and sustainable residential energy culture: Assessing participant feedback from a long-term smart grid pilot project. Energy, Sustainability and Society. 8:27. 1-21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13705-018-0169-9
- Karanasios, K,* Parker, P. 2018. Technical solution or wicked problem?: Diverse perspectives on indigenous community renewable electricity in Northern Ontario. Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy. 12 (3) 322-345. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-11-2017-0085
- Karanasios, K,* Parker, P. 2018. Tracking the transition to renewable electricity in remote indigenous communities in Canada. Energy Policy. 118: 169-181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enpol.2018.03.032
