Centre for Career and Personal Development Degree Profiles
Sustainable System Engineering
Sustainable systems engineering focuses on designing and managing engineering solutions that support environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Professionals in this field take a systems-level approach to address complex global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, and sustainable development. They integrate engineering principles with environmental science, policy, and data analysis to create efficient, low-impact technologies and infrastructure. From renewable energy systems and circular economy initiatives to sustainable urban design and lifecycle assessment, sustainable systems engineers play a key role in building a resilient and responsible future. As a sustainable systems engineer, you could work across industries to lead innovation in clean energy, green buildings, water management, and sustainable manufacturing.
Key Skills & Knowledge
Systems Thinking: Understanding complex systems and their interdependencies; ability to model, analyze, and optimize systems across technical, environmental, and social domains.
Sustainability Principles: Knowledge of sustainable development goals (SDGs), lifecycle assessment, circular economy, environmental impact assessment, and resource efficiency.
Engineering & Environmental Fundamentals: Solid foundation in core engineering concepts and environmental science; applying technical knowledge to minimize ecological impact.
Renewable Energy & Resource Efficiency: Familiarity with clean energy technologies and strategies for reducing resource consumption and emissions.
Data Analysis & Modelling: Competence in quantitative analysis, simulation, and the use of software tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python, LCA software) to inform sustainable decisions.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with professionals from various disciplines to create holistic and feasible sustainability solutions.
Project Management & Organization: Managing sustainability-focused projects with attention to deadlines, budgets, and stakeholder needs.
Ethical & Global Awareness: Incorporating ethical decision-making and understanding global environmental and social challenges in engineering practice.
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Clearly conveying technical and sustainability concepts to varied audiences; building consensus around sustainability initiatives.
Sample Job Titles
Please note some of these positions may require further training, certification or education. Check out the occupational profiles to review the full details for the occupations that interest you at alis.alberta.ca/occinfo
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Potential Industries
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more resources
Key Contacts
Faculty Contact
Engineering Student Centre
Engineering Block C 205
T: 403.220.5738
E:
Centre for Career & Personal Development
MacEwan Student Centre, Room 188
T: 403.220.8020
E: csstdnt@ucalgary.ca
W: ucalgary.ca/careers
