91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�’s Smart Prosperity Institute pioneers green economy solutions

How can Canada achieve a cleaner, greener economy? The University of Ottawa’s Smart Prosperity Institute (SPI), the country’s first green economy think tank, is looking for answers to this question.

SPI has earned a reputation as a driving force in clean growth and innovation, bridging the gap between research and policy. Both a national research network and policy think tank, SPI delivers research and actionable solutions to public and private partners to foster a cleaner, stronger economy.

Bridging research and policy

One of SPI’s notable successes has been its role in shaping Canada’s carbon pricing system, which culminated in 2018 with the federal government’s clean innovation tax incentives, inspired by SPI research. These incentives are designed to reduce emissions while driving sustainable economic growth.

“SPI is a hybrid—a research network and a think tank,” Professor Stewart Elgie, SPI chair, explains. “We identify research priorities, connect academics with policymakers and ensure research informs action.”

“SPI is a hybrid—a research network and a think tank. We identify research priorities, connect academics with policymakers and ensure research informs action.”

Stewart Elgie

— professor at the Faculty of Law and SPI chair.

Building a circular, low-carbon construction industry

SPI’s dedication to actionable research is exemplified by its funding initiatives. Each year, the institute supports the work of members of its global research network. The network is made up of more than 150 leading environment-economy scholars working to advance the green economy. Recently, SPI funded six projects across Canada exploring innovative solutions for clean growth.

Dr. Daina Mazutis, professor of strategy and sustainability at 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�’s Telfer School of Management, and Nubi Afolasade, an environmental engineer and doctoral student at 91��Ʒ��ϳԹ�’s Institute of the Environment, have received SPI funding to lead their new research project, “Building a circular and low-carbon construction industry.”

Mazutis and Afolasade’s two-year project will investigate how decision-makers within the construction and development sector interpret and adopt low-carbon and circular economy policies. Through interviews with key stakeholders, including urban planners, policymakers and industry leaders, the research aims to assess the effectiveness of current policies in facilitating sustainable transitions within the construction industry.

“Our goal is to help the construction sector adopt policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and embrace circularity, eliminating waste and optimizing resource use,” says Mazutis. She highlights the urgency of sustainable housing solutions to accommodate growing populations.

“Our goal is to help the construction sector adopt policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and embrace circularity, eliminating waste and optimizing resource use.”

Dr. Daina Mazutis

— professor of strategy and sustainability, Telfer School of Management

Tackling policy gaps and challenges

Mazutis and Afolasade’s project will evaluate the effectiveness of existing sustainability policies, identify barriers like costs and timelines, and propose improvements.

“We’ll document pain points and develop actionable solutions and recommendations,” Mazutis says. She also mentions the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, adding that professionals from other faculties researching similar topics are encouraged to reach out for synergy and collective impact.

Looking ahead

As SPI continues to shape Canada’s green economy, Elgie envisions new opportunities. “In the coming years, policy opportunities for our research may shift from federal to provincial governments and may even focus on other sectors. But the SPI objective remains: to contribute to policies and incentives that drive clean growth and innovation to create a sustainable future for all.”

SPI is setting the stage for a greener, more sustainable Canada. Bridging the gap between academia, industry and government, it’s ensuring that innovative solutions are implemented to make a tangible difference.