Advancing the UN SDGs through research
During the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Month in March, a time dedicated to raising awareness of the global goals for a more just, sustainable and resilient world, we’re highlighting the NSCC researchers, partners and students who are advancing these goals here in Nova Scotia.
Across the province, our research teams are developing real-world solutions that address community challenges, drive clean innovation and support industries in transition. Each project is unique, but together, they demonstrate how local, hands-on research can meaningfully contribute to global goals and create lasting impact right here at home.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Community-led water stewardship in Upper Hammonds Plains
In rural communities, understanding groundwater health is essential for water security and climate resilience. That’s why the Upper Hammonds Plains Community Land Trust is working with Engineered Technologies Applied Research Lab (ETARLab) to cocreate a real-time groundwater monitoring platform.
By combining household well data with intuitive maps and charts, the platform turns complex information into something families can understand and use. The result: better decision making, stronger water literacy and a community-owned tool designed to last.
“We’re working hand-in-hand with the community, so knowledge, tools and decision making stay local.” - Etienne Mfoumou, ETAR Research Scientist
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Supporting African Nova Scotian leadership in housing solutions
In Halifax’s North End, African Nova Scotian communities continue to face displacement pressures and housing inequities. The New Roots North End Halifax Community Land Trust is responding with community-led, culturally-informed housing strategies.
NSCC social science researchers are supporting this work through a housing needs assessment shaped by lived experience, capturing community voices through roundtables, storytelling and surveys. What makes this research different is that it’s done with the community, not for the community.
“Nothing for us without us, that’s what guides this work and keeps it grounded in community realities.” - Lisa Mader, Lead Researcher
SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Turning forestry residuals into climate-friendly products
Forestry byproducts often go unused, but they hold enormous potential. In partnership with RDA Atlantic, the Environment and Agricutlure Technology Lab (EATLab) is testing biochar-based planting pots made entirely from forestry residuals. These pots offer a sustainable alternative to plastic and peat while improving soil health and reducing waste.
This work demonstrates how innovative materials can support circular economies and new opportunities for Nova Scotia’s forest sector.
“These biochar pots improve soil health, reduce waste and create real economic potential for the forestry sector.”
- Mathew Vankoughnett, EATLab Research Scientist
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Helping rural wharfs transition to renewable energy
SEATAC is designing a renewable energy calculator tailored specifically for Nova Scotia’s offgrid fishing wharfs, helping rural communities find practical ways to adopt sustainable energy and strengthen infrastructure.
The tool aims to make it easier for wharf operators and fishers to compare microgrid options using realistic performance data, with no technical expertise required. Once complete, the goal is to have a publicly accessible tool that will help communities evaluate reliable, lowcarbon energy systems using clear and reliable information.
“Being part of something that could support real change in rural areas has been really rewarding.” - Adrien SaxbySmith, Student Researcher
SDG 15: Life on Land
Drone-based forest mapping for sustainable management
Applied Geomatics Research Group (AGRG) is partnering with forest coops across the province to deliver high-precision forest insights using drone-based lidar and multispectral imaging. From biomass and volume estimates to species composition, this technology gives woodlot owners clear, actionable data, without requiring technical expertise.
The research team has refined sensor payloads and flight configurations through hands-on experimentation, helping launch four NSERC Mobilize projects focused on unique forestry goals.
“We’ve been experimenting with different sensor payloads to get the most reliable results.” - Timothy Webster, AGRG Research Scientist
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Innovating solar testing for the cleantech sector
The Applied Energy Research Lab (AERLab) is collaborating with Rayleigh Solar Tech to develop custom testing systems that evaluate how solar cells perform under real-world conditions.
These systems make testing faster and more affordable, key for helping cleantech startups bring new products to market and reduce development risks. This multi-year partnership continues to strengthen Nova Scotia’s role in Canada’s clean energy innovation ecosystem.
“NSCC’s ability to deliver advanced systems quickly has become a real competitive advantage for us.” - Dane George, CoFounder, Rayleigh Solar Tech
More than a month: A year‑round commitment to sustainable impact
Across all six projects, one theme stands out: hands-on research that starts with community needs and leads to real-world impact.
Whether it’s empowering residents, strengthening rural industries, supporting climate action or accelerating cleantech innovation, NSCC continues to advance the UN SDGs through hands on, collaborative research.
While we’re spotlighting this work in March, these initiatives happen year-round, fueled by community partnerships, student talent and a shared commitment to a more sustainable Nova Scotia.