Sustainable communities

Urban sustainability | Sustainable campuses | Rural development

Campus sustainability in Canada and Asia

This research is aimed at establishing if specific approaches to institutionalising campus sustainability in Canada are feasible and how the Sierra Youth Coalition (SYC) might strategically direct their efforts given the current landscape of stakeholder interests and roles. Learn more...

Evaluating regional economic development initiatives

Rural regions represent groups of communities that cross existing jurisdictional boundaries but that share economically significant resources. This study examines emerging best practices in the organization, governance and structure of regional development initiatives in rural Ontario, North America, and Europe. Learn more...

Hungry cities initiative

With at least two billion more urban dwellers in the Global South by 2050, will the world’s systems - from migration to food security governance - be prepared to adapt to and manage such a dramatic urban transition? This project focuses on addressing urban food security in Africa. Learn more...

Local Agenda 21s, sustainable community plans, and local green economy

A multi-campus international research team, including students and faculty from SEED, is working to help local governments around the world more effectively implement Local Agenda 21s (LA21s )—or other collaborative community sustainability plans—and transition toward a local green economy. Learn more...

Supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and business start-ups in rural Ontario

Understanding how to support entrepreneurialism and small business development in rural communities is a critical rural policy priority in Ontario. However, uncertainty remains about how to best achieve this goal, especially since resources and opportunities vary across communities. Learn more...