Ian Rowlands

Ian Rowlands
Professor, Associate Dean, Graduate Studies
Location: EV2-2013
Status: Active

Biography

Ian Rowlands is a Professor in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo. He also serves as the Faculty of Environment’s Associate Dean, Graduate Studies.

Ian has research, teaching, and community interests in energy transitions and management strategies; global, national, and local climate change governance; international higher education; and strategic planning.

Ian is a member of the Board of Directors of Waterloo Region Community Energy. He has previously worked in an advisory capacity with the Independent Electricity System Operator, Natural Resources Canada, and Sustainable Waterloo Region. He has also previously served as the University of Waterloo’s Associate Vice-President, International.

Past employment for Ian includes positions at the United Nations Collaborating Centre on Energy and Environment (Roskilde, Denmark), and the London School of Economics and Political Science; he has also held visiting positions at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (London, UK), the European University Institute (Fiesole, Italy), and Arizona State University.

Ian earned a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of London (London School of Economics and Political Science) and a Bachelor of Applied Science and Engineering degree in Engineering Science from the University of Toronto.

Research Interests

  • decision-making

  • energy management

  • energy policy

  • energy transitions

  • global climate governance

  • international relations

  • internationalization of higher education

  • multi-level governance

Scholarly Research

1) People, Communities, and Sustainable Energy Transitions

Achieving a sustainable energy future requires more than new technologies and infrastructure. Renewable energy, energy storage, energy efficiency, and innovative energy programs can only succeed if they are accepted and supported by the people and communities they affect.

My research examines how communities respond to sustainable energy initiatives, including solar and wind projects, battery storage and manufacturing facilities, and other emerging energy developments. I explore the factors that shape public acceptance, support, resistance, and engagement, and how meaningful community participation can improve both decision-making processes and project outcomes.

A particular focus of my current work is understanding the governance and community dimensions of sustainable energy infrastructure development across Ontario, from early planning and public consultation through construction, operation, and energy delivery.

2) Multilevel Governance for Sustainable Energy Transitions

Sustainable energy transitions depend on decisions made at many levels, from households and communities to provincial, national, and international institutions. My research explores how these decisions are made, how governance processes operate at different scales, and how they interact with one another.

I am particularly interested in contemporary debates around energy policy, critical minerals, major infrastructure projects, and related issues in Canada. Through this work, I seek to better understand how societies navigate complex energy choices and to contribute to broader efforts to strengthen energy literacy and informed public dialogue.

Education

  • 1992, Doctorate, International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom

  • 1988, Diploma, International Relations, London School of Economics and Political Science, United Kingdom

  • 1987, Bachelor's, Applied Science and Engineering (Engineering Science - Chemical option), University of Toronto, Canada

Awards

  • 2009 Distinguished Teacher Award, University of Waterloo

  • 2004 Excellence in Education Award for Promotion of Sustainable Practices, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation

Service

  • 2025- Associate Dean, Graduate Studies

  • 2016-2019, 2021-2023 Associate Vice-President, International

  • 2015-2016 Associate Dean, Strategic Initiatives

  • 2015 Acting Chair, Department of Environment and Resource Studies

  • 2014 Acting Executive Director, Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy

  • 2007-2009 Associate Dean, Research

Affiliations and Volunteer Work

  • Currently (Board member): Waterloo Region Community Energy

  • Previously (as Board member): Sustainable Waterloo Region

  • Previously (in some short-term, advisory and/or consultative role):

  • - Independent Electricity System Operation (Ontario)

  • - Ontario Power Authority

  • - Natural Resources Canada

  • - International Energy Agency

  • Previously (in some short-term, fellowship and/or visiting role):

  • - Arizona State University

  • - Association of Commonwealth Universities

  • - Department for International Development (United Kingdom)

  • - European University Institute

  • - Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment

Teaching*

  • ENVS 474 - Special Topics in Environmental Studies
    • Taught in 2025
  • ERS 201 - Environmental Policy, Politics and Governance
    • Taught in 2025

* Only courses taught in the past 5 years are displayed.

Selected/Recent Publications

In The News