Welcome to the Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability (VERiS)!

We are an interdisciplinary and community-engaged research centre striving to be a catalyst and nexus for the transition toward strong cultures of sustainability. We understand Cultures of Sustainability, “as characterized by shared values, symbols, rituals and practices grounded in sustainability principles leading to individual and societal choices that promote environmental protection, social justice and wellbeing, and a supportive economy” (see Dreyer, Riemer, Spadafore, et al., 2021). A culture of sustainability may exist within an organization, a building with multiple organizations or a community.

We are using a systems-approach to work alongside equity-seeking groups, environmental non-governmental organizations, local governments, industry partners and other community stakeholders to co-produce innovative, multidisciplinary, and action-oriented research that contributes to evidence-based climate action and pathways to sustainability that are equitable and accessible.

We have active research programs related to cultures of sustainability and wellbeing within green buildings (e.g. evolv1 Canada’s first commercial net-positive energy multi-tenant office building) closing the equity-deficit within municipal climate action as well as other projects initiated and led by our members, fellows, and students. VERiS is also home of the Flourishing Enterprise Institute, a vibrant global network of nodes undertaking applied research, developing innovation practices, and mobilizing knowledge to enable leaders to realize Flourishing Enterprises worldwide.