CERC Research Office
The CERC Research Office publishes peer-reviewed policy briefings on behalf of the Council's fellows across Canada.
Cold-Climate Heat Pumps: A National Pathway to Lower Residential Emissions
Buildings account for roughly 13 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse-gas emissions, the majority of which stem from space and water heating in residential properties. As provinces…
Boreal Resilience: Carbon Sinks in a Warming North
Canada’s northern peatlands are among the world’s most significant carbon stores. This multi-year study examines how their capacity to sequester carbon is changing as permafrost layers…
Managing Transboundary Aquifers: A National Framework
Groundwater does not respect provincial borders. This briefing evaluates the shared governance of transboundary aquifers between Alberta and Saskatchewan and proposes a national coordination framework. Long-term…
Grid Decarbonization: Scaling Renewables in the Maritimes
Integrating intermittent renewable generation into existing provincial grids presents distinct technical challenges in Atlantic Canada. This analysis examines the constraints and opportunities for Nova Scotia and…
Habitat Corridors and Species-at-Risk Recovery
Connectivity between habitats is a decisive factor in the recovery of at-risk species. This cross-jurisdictional review assesses how corridor planning is implemented across provinces and its…
Reclamation Standards After Resource Extraction
Land reclamation is the final and often least-scrutinised phase of resource development. This briefing benchmarks provincial reclamation requirements and examines the long-term ecological outcomes of current…
Household Water Conservation in a Changing Climate
Most household water use occurs indoors, and small efficiency measures compound across a municipality. The Council reviews practical, household-level steps that ease pressure on municipal water…
Insulation First: Reducing Heating Demand Before Electrifying
Before a household electrifies its heating, the Council recommends addressing the building envelope. A well-sealed, well-insulated home reduces the heating load a heat pump must meet,…