Discover how college-led research helps businesses and communities adapt and thrive in a changing climate.
With a presence in virtually every community across Canada, colleges and institutes play a vital role in helping local partners develop, test, and scale solutions that reduce emissions, improve sustainability, and drive economic growth.
This guide provides real-world examples showcasing how colleges and institutes:
- Develop and implement innovations that improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, and advance clean technologies.
- Partner with Indigenous communities to support self-determined, sustainable economic development and advance reconciliation.
- Help industries and communities adapt to climate change, building resilience in sectors like agriculture, construction, and transportation.
- Drive innovation and productivity in small and medium-sized businesses by helping them implement sustainable technologies and practices.
What is Applied Research?
Applied research is practical, results-driven research conducted in collaboration with industry, government, and communities to solve real-world challenges. Unlike theoretical research, it focuses on developing tangible solutions—from clean technology and sustainable building design to improving business efficiency and competitiveness.
Applied Research in Action: Case Studies
The full report highlights nine case studies, each demonstrating how applied research is making a measurable impact. Below are two examples—read the full guide for more details and to explore them all.
Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles: Advancing Indigenous Energy Sovereignty
Nergica, the applied research and technology transfer hub at Cégep de la Gaspésie et des Îles, partnered with the Mi’gmaq community of Gesgapegiag to transition a remote tourism complex to 80–100% solar power, eliminating 10,000+ liters of diesel use annually. This project reduced energy costs, improved energy security, and created a scalable model for other remote communities.
Nova Scotia Community College: Predicting Coastal Flooding for Climate Resilience
Rising sea levels and severe storms are increasing flood risks in Atlantic Canada. The Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG) at NSCC partnered with CLIMAtlantic to develop high-resolution flood prediction maps by modeling 16 different storm surge scenarios. This research is helping communities, businesses, and policymakers improve disaster preparedness and coastal planning.
Key Takeaways: The Impact of Applied Research
Applied research at colleges and institutes helps communities and businesses thrive in the face of a changing climate by:
- Supporting Businesses and Workers: Helping industries adopt clean technology, providing students with hands-on learning, and driving small business innovation.
- Helping Communities Adapt: Predicting floods, improving food security, and protecting water sources.
- Driving Scalable Innovation: Developing practical tools, testing sustainable infrastructure, and advancing net-zero solutions.
- Advancing Indigenous-Led Sustainability: Integrating traditional knowledge, supporting Indigenous leadership, and strengthening community-driven research.
Want to Learn More?
Discover how colleges and institutes are partnering with businesses, industries, and communities to develop real-world solutions for a changing climate—driving innovation, strengthening industries, and advancing reconciliation.
For colleges and institutes, it also provides inspiration and practical examples to expand research initiatives and maximize impact.