ENVS 474: Energy and Society

In this newly offered field course, explore the past, present, and future of energy systems in Southern Ontario. This course takes you on a deep dive into the region's energy infrastructure, its sustainability challenges, and the governance strategies shaping its future.

This course provides students with an understanding of the historical roots, the contemporary landscape, and the future prospects regarding the energy systems upon which Southern Ontario relies for prosperity.  Focusing upon these systems’ infrastructure (in their material, political, and economic senses), the sustainability impact of alternative arrangements – and the governance strategies to advance different outcomes – will be investigated.  Studying of stakeholder perspectives, literature investigations, and the like will be complemented by site-visits to parts of the infrastructure in Southern Ontario. 

Course requirements

Please note that this course has enrolment requirements. The best candidate for the course must:

• be an undergraduate student enrolled at the University of Waterloo in 3A term or higher during Spring 2025 term,
• be available for all field components, Monday, August 18, 2025 - Friday August 29, 2025, 
• be well-organized and confident in managing condensed course work over two weeks,
• able and willing to travel across southern Ontario via public transit and familiar with public transit options, 
• be responsible for own transportation costs,
• complete all steps of the enrolment process and wait for instructor consent.

This is a condensed course during the Spring 2025 term, operating from Monday, August 18 - Friday, August 29 (weekends not included). Students should be available from 8:00-6:00pm for all 10 business days; and 7:00am-8:00pm for one of three dates. Here is an example schedule to reflect the course structure (note: final details of the schedule will not be available til August 1, 2025):

Travel costs

This course requires students to be responsible for their own travel expenses. Full-time, fees-arranged undergraduate students automatically receive a Grand River Transit (GRT) U-Pass that covers the cost of most regional visits. Part-time students (less than 1.5 units in Spring 2025) should review GRT fare options prior to selecting this course. Note that visits outside of the region have additional travel costs applicable to all students, including GO transit fares and Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) tickets. To reduce costs, students are encouraged to travel together to access GO Transit weekday group fare. 

Expected Cost Breakdown:

• Grand River Transit (GRT) U-Pass included in full-time undergraduate student fees. If not eligible, expect $8.00 per travel day; estimated to be two-three days total. 
• GO Transit is approximately $40.00 per day (without Presto Card or weekday group fare discount); estimated to be one day total. 
• Three Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) tickets for travel in Toronto is approximately $10.00 per day; estimated to be one day total.

Ian is a Professor in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability.  Most relevant for this course is that the energy transition is his core academic interest, and he has published a lot in this area (see his Google Scholar entry for more information). Additionally, he has contributed to energy governance issues, working previously with, for instance, the International Energy Agency, Natural Resources Canada, and the Ontario Power Authority. Currently, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Waterloo Region Community Energy.  More information about Ian can be found at his LinkedIn page.