Climate Action Living Lab

The Deanery Project’s “Climate Action Living Lab” brings hands-on, environmental education programming directly to communities across Nova Scotia.

The Deanery Project is located on the Eastern Shore on 25 acres of oceanfront land that acts as a demonstration site for the Living Lab model. The model uses an interdisciplinary framework to help advance collective community knowledge and awareness of local greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions opportunities. Through hands-on opportunities to explore low carbon building materials and collaborations between non-profits, academics, and various community groups, the Deanery focuses on GHG reduction solutions that are scalable and replicable. The heart of the Deanery’s work is centered around a strong emphasis on equity and two-eyed seeing, a principle that combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with western science. This, along with a deep connection to the arts provides a holistic approach to problem-solving.

Grant award: $50,000

In the past year, the Deanery has used the HCi3’s Accelerating to Zero grant program to build on the Living Lab model which first began in 2012. The Deanery has mentored 6 interns throughout the last year who have helped coordinate the Living Lab and collaborate on a variety of programs including multi-day climate focused programs with Via Vita Academy and Dalhousie’s College of Sustainability, the development of ‘Adventure Kits’ to encourage citizen science for youth, structural research with Dalhousie’s School of Architecture on biochar as a concrete amendment and more.

The breadth of the Deanery’s work takes a holistic approach to the Accelerating to Zero’s goal of tackling the climate crisis. Kim Thompson, Executive Director of the Deanery, explained that the Living Lab, and the Deanery as a whole, works to remain flexible in what they offer: “we’ve resisted, right from our start-up, being one thing/a single pathway to climate action. The breadth of opportunity available to us through our stewardship of the lands and resources we care for here in Mi'kma'ki has enabled us to explore, and model, the deeply integrated nature of our lives.” The Deanery’s nimble and accessible approach to program development allows it to follow local passion and need, using community centred skill sharing initiatives to build capacity through active transportation, renewable energy, the built environment and healthy communities overall.

With help from HCi3’s Accelerating to Zero grant, they were able to take the Living Lab framework to the broader HRM and Nova Scotian communities, increasing accessibility to their programming. In doing this, the Deanery is helping develop collective capacity for climate adaptation on a regional scale. The reception from the community speaks for the impact that this programming has: “that’s what keeps us going … it is really seeing the impact that can happen – when they say, ‘Oh, I can do that’ and coupling that with a hands-on experience that’s super valuable,” said Thompson.

In addition to programming, the Deanery is also using their funding from HCi3 to install a solar array to help meet their sustainability goals. The solar installation adds to their on-site energy production and brings the Deanery’s facilities closer to net-zero.

The number of programs and activities that the Deanery has accomplished and has planned for the next year is seemingly endless. Building on their 12 years of experience, the Deanery plans to continue their work in connecting communities and building local capacity for climate resilience. As a small team, they are doing the herculean work that is necessary in shaping a greener future for Halifax/Kjipuktuk.