Susan Ross

Susan Ross is an Associate Professor in the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies at Carleton University, with a cross-appointment to the Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism. As a licensed architect in Quebec (OAQ), she bridges academic scholarship with professional practice in heritage conservation and sustainability.

• School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies, Carleton University
• Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism (cross-appointment)
• Co-chair, National Roundtable for Heritage Education
• Active member: Heritage Ottawa, National Trust for Canada, ICOMOS Canada, Association for Critical Heritage Studies, TICCIH, Docomomo

Ross's research focuses on sustainable heritage conservation, examining intersections between heritage and waste, modern and industrial heritage, urban parks and cultural landscapes, and climate change adaptation for cultural heritage. Her work spans theoretical frameworks and practical applications, connecting historical preservation with contemporary environmental challenges. She explores how historical infrastructure landscapes can inform sustainable urban development and how building materials can be repurposed in meaningful ways.

Her publication record reveals a consistent trajectory toward understanding heritage within circular economy frameworks. Early work focused on specific case studies of modern heritage conservation, while recent publications increasingly address climate adaptation, waste management, and educational approaches to heritage sustainability. Her research shows a growing emphasis on community engagement, social programming around material reuse, and policy implications for heritage conservation in the climate crisis era.

• Inducted in the College of Fellows of the Association for Preservation Technology (2013) for leadership in raising awareness about heritage conservation and sustainability

Ross has significant professional experience that informs her academic work, having served as a senior conservation architect in the federal government where she played a lead role in revising the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. Her architectural practice has included diverse project types from museums and hospitals to power stations and housing. She actively participates in advisory committees and serves as an expert witness in environmental reviews, demonstrating the real-world impact of her expertise.

Her Waste Heritage Research initiative serves as a focal point for her interdisciplinary work, bringing together academic research, policy development, and community engagement around the intersections of heritage conservation and waste management. This work connects with Carleton's broader sustainability initiatives, including partnerships with the Climate Heritage Network.