Current Project

VERiS Organization

^{*Art by A. Orth 2025.
Modified with permission, 2025.}

Assessible org. chart

Research on cultures of sustainability is a transformative approach that is concerned not only with what we research but also how. It requires transdisciplinary and cross-sector research to address complex real world problems that require systems thinking, co-production and network-based solutions. Participatory and community engaged approaches enable the inclusion of a plurality of perspectives – including those who have traditionally been marginalized within academic research. Further, the inclusion of key stakeholders and knowledge users throughout the entire research cycle enables rapid and seamless knowledge mobilization and impact as well as high data quality.

All our current projects as well most of our past projects follow this research approach. 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.

Discover Our Work | Projects by Research Theme

Evolv1 is Canada’s first commercial net-positive multitenant office building. The core research objectives of this interdisciplinary and multi-sector project are:

Explore how a Culture of Sustainability (CoS) develops over time and can be fostered.
Understand how the use of and experience in evolv1 changes over time and how this relates to wellbeing and organizational success.
Develop and evaluate a state-of-the art building management and feedback system.
Assess the impact and value of evolv1 on and for the local community.

EVOLV1: Closing the performance gap in high-performance green buildings by cultivating a culture of sustainability

Co-Leads: Manuel Riemer, Joel Marcus, Simon Coulombe, Paul Parker, Noam Miller, Sean Geobey

Project Manager: Brittany Spadafore

Rationale and Objectives
The building sector accounts for 40% of global energy use and 38% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and while green-certified buildings attempt to reduce the impacts of the building sector, these buildings tend to miss their emission and energy-use performance targets due to the “performance gap” (Fedoruk et al., 2015). The performance gap occurs when occupant interaction with the building is not sufficiently considered. This project leverages evolv1, Canada’s first commercial net-positive multi-tenant green office building, owned and operated by the Cora Group, to explore how a CoS develops and is fostered over time. The goal of this project is to develop, test, and commercialize a transferable evidence-based engagement strategy for the development of a culture of sustainability in green office buildings that can close the performance gap and help realize the full potential of green buildings, contribute to organizational success and support occupant wellbeing.

What are we doing?
Using evolv1 as a living lab, our team at VERiS is using a longitudinal mixed-method case study design to study the development of a CoS and its impacts on the performance of evolv1 and its occupants. Yearly surveys, a national comparison survey, focus groups, interviews with key informants, photovoice, workshops, behavioural observations, participant observations, as well as physical elements, such as sensor data, building data and waste audits are have been conducted to measure CoS, wellbeing outcomes and building performance over time.

Current and Past Partners

Private Sector Partners:

Blackwell
BOMA
BorealisAI
City of Waterloo
Cora Group
Eleven-X
EY Canada
Integral Group
McKenzie-Mohr Consulting
National Research Council
Recollective
Red Cedar PM Services Inc.
REFOCUS
Scius Innovations Inc.
St. Paul’s Greenhouse
Sustainable Societies Consulting Group
Sustainable Waterloo Region
TextNow
The Accelerator Centre

Institutional Partners:
Wilfrid Laurier University
University of Waterloo
York University

Funders
Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence (ORF-RE)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) - Partnership Development Grant (PEG)
Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – John Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

Publications
Geobey, S. (2022). Reckoning with Reality : Reflections on a Place-Based Social Innovation Lab. Sustainability, 14(3958), 1–18. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/su14073958

Abel, E., Reimer-Watts, K., Riemer, M., Coulombe, S. (2022). The crossroads of sustainability and wellbeing: Investigating factors impacting employee wellbeing in a green office building [Manuscript in preparation]. Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University.

Reimer-Watts, K., Abel, E., Coulombe, S. et al. Co-creating cultures of sustainability and co-imagining the teaching green building: the use of a participatory Photovoice process in a HPGB context. Sustain Earth 5, 2 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42055-022-00047-y

Dreyer, B. C., Riemer, M., Spadafore, B., Marcus, J., Fernandes, D., Taylor, A., ... & Dennett, A. (2021). Fostering cultures of sustainability in a multi-unit office building: a theory of change. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 1569. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624311

Under Development
Spadafore, B., Riemer, M. (2022). Reducing meat consumption and the social setting [Manuscript in preparation]. Department of Psychology, Wilfrid Laurier University.

Theriault-Loubier, G., Riemer, M., Spadafore, B., Geobey, S. (2022). The Complexity of Culture in Green Buildings; Syntax, Forms, Patterns and Context [Manuscript in preparation]. School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, University of Waterloo.

Three additional papers related to Culture of Sustainability.

Presentations
Palaschuk, P. (2019, November). Exploring a new role of organizational culture in reducing carbon footprints. Presented at Behaviour, Energy & Climate Change 2019 Conference, Sacramento, CA.

Riemer, M. (2019, November). Transitioning to highly sustainable office buildings: The role of occupants and managers. Presented at Behaviour, Energy & Climate Change 2019 Conference, Sacramento, CA.

Reimer-Watts, K. (2019, June). The use of participatory arts-based symbolism to support a culture of sustainability. Paper presented at the 2019 Biennial Conference of the Society for Community, Research, and Action, Chicago, USA.

Riemer, M., Harre, N., Pellman, J., & Trott, C. (2019, June). Community Psychology and cultures of sustainability. Roundtable presented at the 2019 Biennial Conference of the Society for Community, Research, and Action, Chicago, USA.

Riemer, M., Harre, N., Trott, C., & Reimer-Watts, K. (2019, June). Creating Cultures of Sustainability Through Community and Organizational Partnerships. Case Study presented at the 2019 Biennial Conference of the Society for Community, Research, and Action, Chicago, USA.

Riemer, M., Whitney, S., Dreyer, B., Coulombe, S., & Marcus, J. (2019, June). Creating a culture of sustainability in Canada’s first net-positive and carbon neutral multitenant office building. Paper presented at the 2019 Biennial Conference of the Society for Community, Research, and Action, Chicago, USA.

Spadafore, B. (2019, June). Reducing Meat Consumption: A group exploration into understanding what it takes to reduce the amount of meat you consume. Paper presented at the 2019 Biennial Conference of the Society for Community, Research, and Action, Chicago, USA.

Parker, P. (2019, May) Collaboration for Change Zero Carbon or Low Carbon Buildings Presented at Canadian Society for Ecological Economics CANSEE 2019: Engaging Economies of Change Conference. Waterloo, ON.

Whitney, S., Markvart, T., & Riemer, M. (2019, May) Creating Cultures of Sustainability within Green Office Buildings. Presented at Canadian Society for Ecological Economics CANSEE 2019: Engaging Economies of Change Conference. Waterloo, ON.

Title: Fostering Cultures of Sustainability in K-12 Schools: Building an Evidence Base

PI: Manuel Riemer

Funding: SSHRC Partnership Engagement Grant

Rationale and Objectives

The unprecedented number of environmental events in 2023 is a powerful reminder that urgent action on climate change and sustainability is needed. Young people are increasingly worried about their futures and often experience climate-related distress, such as eco-anxiety. Schools have a vital role to play—not only in educating students about sustainability but also in helping them cope with these emotions and leading broader societal change. To do this effectively, schools must become sustainability centres, where learning about sustainability is woven into everyday life. This approach, known as the Whole Institution Approach, emphasizes the importance of strong cultures of sustainability (COS)—shared values, symbols, and practices that shape how schools operate and evolve. Our project aims to deepen understanding of how COS can be fostered in Canadian K–12 schools, addressing a gap in current research and practice.

What are we doing?

In collaboration with Learning for a Sustainable Future (LSF), our research team at the Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability (VERiS) at Wilfrid Laurier University is studying five schools that are part of LSF’s Sustainable Future Schools/École Pour Un Avenir Durable (SFS/EAD) initiative. Using a mixed-method, action-oriented case study approach, we are developing tools to measure COS, examining how the SFS/EAD model is being implemented, and exploring how COS programming affects students’ and teachers’ mental health—especially eco-emotions like eco-anxiety and eco-rage. Our research includes surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and school visits. The insights we gain will be shared with educators, researchers, and policy-makers to help strengthen sustainability efforts in schools. This project also supports LSF by providing evidence to refine their programming, and it offers hands-on research experience to students working with us. Ultimately, we hope to contribute to a more sustainable and emotionally resilient future for young people and their communities.

Title: Partnerships for Climate Justice: Amplifying the Voices of Marginalized Youth for Sustained Climate Activism and Societal Transformation

Funding: SSHRC Partnership Development Grant

Country Leads

Canada: Dr. Manuel Riemer | Wilfrid Laurier University

Brazil: Dr. Alessandro Soares da Silva | University of São Paulo

USA and Haiti: Dr. Carlie Trott | University of Cincinnati

South Africa: Dr. Brendon Barnes | University of Johannesburg

Uganda: Dr. Frank Mugagga | Makerere University

UK: Dr. Maria Fernandes-Jesus | University of Sussex

Youth for Climate Justice (Youth4CJ) is a global, two-year research initiative that brings together marginalized youth, academics, and community partners to strengthen climate activism and wellbeing. Operating across six countries—including Brazil, Haiti, South Africa, Uganda, Canada, and the UK—the project explores how climate change intensifies social inequalities and how young people, especially those facing intersecting forms of marginalization, are responding through grassroots activism. Despite being among the most affected, these youth are often excluded from formal decision-making spaces. Youth4CJ centers their voices, recognizing both the emotional toll of activism and the power of collective care in sustaining long-term engagement.

Through participatory action research, Youth4CJ supports youth-led climate projects tailored to local needs and challenges. Each initiative is co-designed by young people and supported by researchers and community organizations, ensuring relevance and impact. By fostering interdisciplinary and cross-sector partnerships, the project aims to co-create knowledge, tools, and pathways that promote sustained climate action—without compromising the health and wellbeing of youth activists. Ultimately, Youth4CJ seeks to amplify marginalized voices and influence inclusive climate resilience policies worldwide.

Community Partners

Canada:
Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability (VERiS)
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
Eviance (Canadian Centre on Disability Studies Inc.) 

Brazil:
Youth of Biosphere Reserve Network (Instagram)
Engajamundo 
Coopera Azul

USA:
Colorado State University
Adaptation International
California State Polytechnic University

Haiti:
Jakmel Ekspresyon

South Africa:
She4Earth
African Reclaimers Organisation (ARO) 

Uganda:
Youth Leading Environmental Change (YLEC)
Global Initiative for Young Environmental Stewards 

UK:
Institute for Social Justice, York St John University
Ubele Initiative 

Toronto Metropolitan University

Jakmel Ekspresyon Logo

Colorado University logo Adaption International logo

She 4 Earth logo Youth Leading Environmental Change logo York St John University Logo

Title: Design Impact on Social Power: A Study of Open Innovation Platforms and Marginalized Resident Groups

PI: Timon Sengewald (ACM SIGMIS Member) – FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany

Co-Applicants: Tim Posselt – FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, Manuel Riemer – Wilfrid Laurier University, Canada

Funding: Association of Information Systems SIGMIS

Rationale and Objectives

This research proposal focuses on the transformation of cities into “smart cities” over the past two decades. Municipalities are leveraging digital technologies to enhance services, foster citizen participation in decision-making, and improve urban life. However, questions arise about the equitable distribution of these benefits, with concerns that certain groups may be disadvantaged, while others, such as private companies, may gain more influence.

The proposal also explores the introduction of open innovation platforms in some municipalities, aiming to increase cooperation within the city. These platforms, exemplified by the Amsterdam Smart City initiative, facilitate collaboration among citizens to address mutual challenges. However, the research also acknowledges potential shortcomings and risks, such as the marginalization of certain resident groups and the shift in power balance among residents. The proposed research aims to investigate these issues further.

1. How do key dimensions of social power relate to the system design features of an
open innovation platform?
2. How can intentional considerations of social power be utilized to reduce power differentials among social groups by actively promoting social inclusion of traditionally marginalized voices?

What are we doing?

We will use a single case study design to answer the research questions.
Phase 1 we will do a literature review to develop a framework of how different
dimensions of power relate to digital technologies used in open innovation platforms.
Phase 2 this framework will be used to conduct an analysis of social power within one
specific exemplary open innovation platform.
Phase 3 concludes with qualitative interviews with users from four potentially marginalized groups within the selected online platform from Phase 2 as well as experts representing these groups: For the qualitative part of the study, we plan to interview people belonging or advocating of four
different marginalized groups:

Seniors,
People experiencing homelessness,
People with disabilities and
Immigrants and refugees.

While there are other marginalized groups to be considered, some of which differ among countries, we have selected these four because they tend to be present in all countries.

Title: Measuring and Monitoring City and Municipal Level GHG Emissions and Mitigation Effectiveness (NZap)

PI: Amelia Clark, University of Waterloo

VERiS Co-Investigator(s) - Manuel Riemer

Funding: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

Rationale and Objectives

The project mobilizes a multi-disciplinary collaborative of 11 universities, 9 national organizations and 10 municipalities to advance measurement and monitoring tools needed to reduce GHG emissions at the local level and a national monitoring system for community scale contributions. A link between municipal and federal emissions reductions efforts will remain absent without the undertaking of this project. The urgency for this collaboration is reflected in the nearly 50% leveraged contributions.
Practitioners and researchers are combined in working groups and sounding boards to:

Determine the current state of GHG emission reduction targets, measurement, monitoring and planning in Canadian municipalities.
Advance standardized measurement systems and tools that can also be used to identify mitigation opportunities and further social equity.
Enhance municipal emissions monitoring and disclosure tools.
Enhance community-wide emissions measuring and monitoring and ensure equitable, diverse and inclusive engagement.Mobilize knowledge resources and tools to diverse audiences using accessible and inclusive formats.

What are we doing?

The main goal of this project is to support Canadian municipalities to monitor, measure and achieve their greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation goals. The ultimate aim is to ensure emissions reduction projects, policies and programs are aligned with Canada's national reduction commitments. The proposed project will study and create improved measurement, analysis and monitoring systems for both municipal and community-wide GHG emissions to advance the quantification of GHG emissions, enable the application of methods to identify mitigation opportunities and evaluate their effectiveness. This will augment national reporting processes and align with international practice.
The project's objectives are:

Determine the current state of GHG emission reduction targets, measurement, monitoring and planning in Canadian municipalities;
Advance standardized measurement systems and tools that can also be used to identify mitigation opportunities and further social equity;
Enhance municipal emissions monitoring and disclosure tools;
Enhance community-wide emissions measuring and monitoring and ensure equitable, diverse and inclusive engagement; and
Mobilize knowledge resources and tools to diverse audiences using accessible and inclusive formats, and evaluate uptake.

For each of the objectives, a dedicated technical working group composed of academics, national municipal networks, and municipal representatives will help to shape the research and refine guides and tools and other outputs/deliverables. Four sounding boards made up of people from national organizations, universities, and municipalities will ensure the knowledge resources embed the latest thinking and are grounded in practice. Project objectives will be paired with a set of performance indicators within a performance measurement framework and logic model to be finalized in the inception phase of the project.

Title: Waterloo Region Grassroots-Led Climate Resilience Strategy for People Experiencing Precarious Housing

PI: Manuel Riemer

Funding: Gore Mutual Foundation

Rationale and Objectives

In Waterloo Region, the growing impacts of climate change are intersecting with a deepening housing crisis, disproportionately affecting low-income tenants, people with disabilities, and seniors on fixed incomes. Rising rents, limited affordable housing, and extreme weather events are placing vulnerable populations at greater risk of homelessness and displacement. Existing climate policies often overlook renters and those without property, further widening social inequalities.

This project aims to co-develop a community-led climate justice resilience strategy with and for people at risk of homelessness. It brings together Wilfrid Laurier University’s Viessmann Centre for Engagement and Research in Sustainability (VERiS) and the Social Development Centre (SDC), both of which have long-standing commitments to equity, sustainability, and community engagement. The initiative is grounded in lived experience, co-leadership, and inclusive decision-making, ensuring that those most affected by climate and housing challenges are central to shaping solutions.

What are we doing?

Together, VERiS and SDC are partnering with community members, especially those with lived experience of homelessness and housing insecurity, to create a climate resilience strategy tailored to Waterloo Region. The project follows a three-stage process:

Asset Mapping – Identifying existing grassroots efforts and programs that address housing and climate-related issues, and bringing them together to find gaps and opportunities.
Action – Co-designing and implementing targeted actions to address identified gaps, with a focus on rapid, community-driven solutions.
Reflection – Evaluating outcomes, planning for long-term sustainability, and advocating for supportive policy changes at the municipal level.
The leadership team includes lived expertise consultants, Laurier researchers, and SDC staff, working collaboratively through anti-oppressive facilitation and consensus-based decision-making. The project also includes a participatory evaluation component led by a Laurier MA student, ensuring continuous learning and accountability.

| Student Projects

Jennifer Dobai
PhD Candidate, Community Psychology

Empowering K-12 students and teachers to navigate negative eco-emotions effectively

Kaitlyn Ashmore
MA Student, Community Psychology

Exploring Engagement with the EcoSchools Platform: An Interactive Display Board Exploratory Evaluation.

Scaling the Cornerstone Indicator Process

Current Project

VERiS Organization

^{*Art by A. Orth 2025.
Modified with permission, 2025.}

Assessible org. chart

Discover Our Work | Projects by Research Theme

EVOLV1: Closing the performance gap in high-performance green buildings by cultivating a culture of sustainability

| Student Projects

Dr. Barry Colbert | Associate Professor Lazaridis School of Business & Director

The Co-operators Centre for Business & Sustainability.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.

Current Project

VERiS Organization

*Art by A. Orth 2025. Modified with permission, 2025.

Assessible org. chart

Discover Our Work | Projects by Research Theme

Evolv1

EVOLV1: Closing the performance gap in high-performance green buildings by cultivating a culture of sustainability

Fostering Cultures of Sustainability in K-12 Schools: Building an Evidence Base

Building a Culture of Sustainability from the Ground Up: A Case Study of Harvest Oak Public School | 2025-2026

Developing Cultures of Sustainability in K-12 Schools - A Longitudinal Investigation | 2026-2030

Youth for Climate Justice (Youth4CJ)

A Design Thinking Approach to 21st Century Learning: School-Community Partnerships to Develop Leaders for Sustainability

Empowering K-12 Students and Teachers to Navigate Eco-Emotions Effectively

Fostering Cultures of Sustainability in K-12 Schools

Building a Culture of Sustainability from the Ground Up: A Case Study of Harvest Oak Public School

Awareness to Action: Qualitative Understandings of Employers Motivations for Building Disability Confidence

Canadian Disability and Climate Change Network and Strategy

Disability Justice in Urban Transitions to Decarbonization in Canada and the United States

Disability Data Justice from the Ground Up

Awareness to Action: Advancing Employers Motivations for Building Disability Confidence

Design Impact on Social Power

Wele'g Dwennimmen Roots of Survivance Symposium

Municipalities Adapting to Complexity – NZAP

Expanding a Knowledge Network for Flourishing Organizations

Toward Low-Carbon Resilience: Enabling Systemic Change Within the Municipal Sector

Waterloo Region Community-Led Climate Resilience Strategy

| Student Projects

Dr. Barry Colbert | Associate Professor Lazaridis School of Business & Director

The Co-operators Centre for Business & Sustainability.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your experience.

^{*Art by A. Orth 2025.
Modified with permission, 2025.}