As universities seek more integrated, practice-oriented responses to complex sustainability and societal challenges, Campus Living Labs (CLLs) have emerged as a promising higher education model by turning the university into a living testbed. This shift invites closer examination of how CLLs function in practice and their often overlooked influence in educational research. Launched in 2009 at the University of British Columbia (UBC) as one of the early Campus Living Lab adopters, the initiative began with five large-scale housing and district energy projects and has since supported sixteen research projects across more than ten academic departments and fifteen operational units. As CLLs continue to reshape higher education, this study explores their organization and lived experience of users, with particular attention to how CLL projects support and have impacted integrated learning and educational research in connection with infrastructure and building operations. This study employs a qualitative, evaluative case study methodology, using an interpretive and experiential approach to examine the Campus Living Lab at UBC as an integrated educational research practice that shapes how it is structured, enacted, and experienced across the university. Data are gathered through semi-structured interviews with faculty and students involved in CLL projects, as well as administrative and operations staff responsible for implementing or supporting these initiatives. Findings show how collaborative educational research can shape teaching and learning, expand community involvement, and demonstrate how university-supported research can advance integrated approaches to education in response to societal challenges. The findings also compare with other CLL initiatives in Europe.

Authors:
Naoko Ellis, The University of British Columbia, Canada
Derek Gladwin, The University of British Columbia, Canada
Connor McGookin, The University of British Columbia, Canada

About the Presenter(s)
Professor Naoko Ellis is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and an Associate Faculty at the UBC Institute for Resources, Environment and Sustainability

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/naoko-ellis-03b9401/

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