New UBC Kinesiology Building : Promoting and Educating about Energy Use
Creators: name: Pertsev, Leeza
name: Naidu, Regi
name: Heer, Gurleen
name: Sukorokoff, Natasha
Publisher: name: The University of British Columbia
Year: 2021

description: The following study consisted of data collection and analysis of the proposed new Kinesiology building by promoting and educating students about energy use. Current literature allowed us to gain a better understanding of energy-conscious developments and strategies successful in other areas thus far, such as shopping malls, appliance advertisements, outside of homes, and implementations in other buildings. Gaps in literature included a lack of research on energy-efficient choices offered in fitness spaces, the use of exercise equipment to generate power for buildings, and an overall lack of information surrounding fitness environments with energy-conscious advertisements and signage. The purpose of this research is to recommend strategies which can be used throughout the new UBC School of Kinesiology building, and to promote methods for sustainable energy use, consumption, and conservation. Thus, we proposed the research question: How can energy consumption and conservation information be promoted in the new UBC Kinesiology building to educate students and faculty, and encourage more energy conscious choices? 2nd year, 3rd year, and 4th year UBC Kinesiology students (n=46) were recruited. The exclusion criteria consisted of non-UBC students, first year students and those who did not provide consent to the survey. Data collection was done through a survey design with qualitative and quantitative questions. Participants were recruited through social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram. The survey included 17 quantitative and 6 qualitative questions to assess knowledge of climate change, consciousness of sustainability, use of physical activity spaces, and how energy-conscious options would affect the choices participants make. Results indicated that students have a strong understanding of the impacts of climate change and are very concerned about it (84%). 87% of students were not aware of the green spaces around the campus, as they did not know how to navigate them. Additionally, 50% of students spent 4-6 hours per day being sedentary and were either using recreational facilities 1-2 days a week (37%) or not at all (36%). This may indicate the need for more convenient physical activity options around the new building, including the student preferences of standing desks (28%), exercise ball chairs (30%), under-desk ellipticals (24%), and desk treadmills (18%). When given the option to choose a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building, most students gravitated towards the UBC building, ‘The Nest’, (63%) or the Student Centre building through York University (27%). Upon analyzing qualitative questions, it was found that a combination of students in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year are concerned about the environment, global warming, and the impact that these factors will have on their health. 89% of students indicated they would choose more energy-efficient options when presented with informative signage, while 11% indicated that they might choose these energy-efficient options. Recommendations included renewable energy sources, green building designs, clear labeling, signage surrounding energy efficiency, and active study spaces to encourage physical activity. By following the aforementioned recommendations, and using renewable resources available in development and construction, the proposed UBC Kinesiology building will become a relaxing, uplifting, and energy-conscious space for all who enter. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”