The Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) exists to accelerate sustainability–to find solutions to the challenges of urban development faster and more effectively than ever before.

Driven by three criteria–to be smart, humane and green—this "living laboratory" demonstrates UBC's commitment to leadership in sustainability through research and innovation. CIRS is on track to move not just the goal posts, but the entire playing field.

The Centre for Interactive Research on Sustainability (CIRS) is one of only a handful of buildings worldwide that will provide “net positive” benefits to the environment. It reduces UBC’s carbon emissions, powers itself and a neighboring building with renewable and waste energy, creates drinking water from rain and treats wastewater onsite.

CIRS will be an international centre for research, partnership and action on sustainability issues, including green building design and operations, environmental policy and community engagement. Researchers will study users’ interactions with the facility to improve building performance, maximize the happiness, health and productivity of its inhabitants and advance best green building practices at UBC and beyond.

Visit http://sustain.ubc.ca/hubs/cirs for more details.