Publications | Conestoga Applied Research

Food Stories: A Narrative-Based Approach to Analyzing International Students, Food, and Community

This report explores the role of food in fostering community for international students at Conestoga College. Using surveys, consultations, and writing events, the research highlights how food connects students to culture, family, and belonging. Many face food insecurity and struggle to access culturally appropriate food. The report recommends increasing affordable, culturally diverse food options and food-related events on campus to support student well-being and strengthen community.

Improving packaging sustainability

Many companies seek solutions to improve packaging sustainability, but it's a complex undertaking.

Supplier Sustainability Questionnaire (SSQ) Summary Report

This research explores supplier sustainability within the Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning procurement setting as an exemplar of the broader public sector. This work builds on prior work completed with the college procurement team, including a literature review of current sustainability guidelines and policies at other public college institutions and publishing a Conestoga College Sustainable Procurement Guideline.

City of Brantford sustainability media

The City of Brantford has made sustainability a priority, but effectively reaching all residents, particularly seniors and those without regular internet access, remains a challenge. This research, conducted in partnership with the City of Brantford’s Sustainability Committee, examined the effectiveness of current sustainability messaging and explored new ways to enhance outreach to underserved communities.

Sustainable facilities management: a sociotechnical system perspective and a review of the literature

Sustainable facilities management (SFM) research necessitates a sociotechnical system perspective as core organizations and facilities management (FM) suppliers are subject to multiple pressures while participating in buildings’ use, operation, and maintenance. The purpose of this study is to examine the SFM literature and improve understanding of factors that influence SFM practices using a sociotechnical transitions approach.