Environmental Engineers work at the interface between human systems and the broader natural world. We have dual responsibilities to design systems that improve the well-being of humans and the health and resilience of the natural systems on which we depend.
Environmental engineers play a vital role in designing and managing traditional systems that address long-standing issues like sanitation, flooding, air pollution, and waste management, while also developing innovative solutions for emerging challenges such as microplastic pollution, ecosystem restoration, carbon reduction, and circular economies. To stay ahead of future problems, they must improve monitoring and modeling of both natural and engineered systems, enabling proactive responses before crises arise. As climate patterns shift and ecosystems evolve, engineers must rethink conventional approaches and help society rebalance its relationship with the natural world to prepare for a future that looks very different from the past.
News
Digging Deep: Waterloo Co-op Student Joins Rare Mine Shaft Project in Northern Ontario
Ryan Donck took his Geological Engineering studies to new depths, by extending his existing co-op term, and joining a rare mine shaft project in Northern Ontario.
Heat Wave Warps Sidewalks - UWaterloo Professor Explains Why
Dr. Pejoohan Tavassoti, a civil engineering professor at the University of Waterloo, explains how extreme temperatures are causing concrete to expand beyond design limits, stressing the need for climate-resilient infrastructure.
Architectural Engineering Grad Gives Back with Skilled Trades Scholarships
Waterloo grad Daniel Rust funds scholarships for students entering the skilled trades, supporting future careers through Capstone Painting and community partnerships.