Sustainability in Academics

Sustainable Energy

The Masters in Sustainable Energy program at Carleton University enhances your knowledge of the technical and political dimensions of energy challenges and decision-making. Through an interdisciplinary approach, you will explore engineering considerations, economic implications, and policy instruments that impact public and private decisions related to sustainable energy. LEARN MORE.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering provides a problem-solving approach to learning, with a professional focus on sustainability and renewable energy technologies. The program offers two study streams that allow you to tailor your education to your background and interests. LEARN MORE.

Architectural Conservation and Sustainability

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies – Conservation & Sustainability program offers a specialization unique among all undergraduate architecture programs in Canada. Since 2009, this stream has focused on the conservation of historic architecture, paired with a study in the principles of sustainable design. LEARN MORE.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Architectural Conservation and Sustainability is a collaborative effort between our Department and the School of Architecture aimed at educating students in the preservation and conservation of our heritage and historical infrastructure, as well as the design of energy-efficient and eco-friendly new buildings. LEARN MORE.

Geography and Environmental Studies

The Environmental Studies program at Carleton University is designed to prepare students to become informed and skilled individuals who can effectively participate in the resolution of environmental issues and engage in the larger environmental debates critical to our future. This interdisciplinary program is flexible, allowing students to focus on various aspects such as conservation of natural systems, natural resource management, environmental organizations and institutions, sustainable economies, environmental education and activism, or research. LEARN MORE.

Environmental Science

The Environmental Science program brings together the study of biology, chemistry, earth sciences and geography to enable its graduates to address complex and multidisciplinary environmental and conservation problems. Through lecture and seminar courses, hands-on laboratory work and field camps, students become proficient in topics such as water resource management, fish and wildlife ecology, ecological restoration, sustainable resource extraction, environmental monitoring, and environmental policy. LEARN MORE.

Collaborative Specialization in Climate Change

This collaborative specialization is one-of-a-kind, leveraging Carleton’s demonstrated strengths and internationally recognized climate change researchers across multiple faculties to create an integrated and diverse program that meets student demand in this field. Students in this specialization will gain a comprehensive understanding of the interconnected nature of climate change. LEARN MORE.

Introduction to Sustainable Energy (SREE 1000)

In this course, students will examine the concept of sustainable energy. Energy-economy system. Global energy trends, the next 100 years. Energy reserves and resources. Primary and secondary clean energy. Energy use, efficiency, and renewables. Energy and the environment/climate change. Sustainable energy choices and policies. For more information, click here.

Sustainable and Renewable Energy Sources (SREE 3001)

In this course, students will explore primary energy sources and their associated pathways, including renewables such as photovoltaic, solar-thermal, hydropower, geothermal, and tidal, as well as fossil fuels and nuclear energy. The course will also cover terrestrial, thermodynamic, and electrical limitations related to these energy sources. As part of the course, students will have the opportunity to engage in an Experiential Learning Activity. For more information, click here.

Energy and Sustainability (TSES 3002)

This course covers a range of topics related to energy use, including the history of human energy use, utilization of renewable energy sources, energy and agriculture, and energy and mineral resources. Students will also explore options for electricity generation, including nuclear energy, and examine the risks associated with accidents in large systems such as nuclear plants and hydroelectric dams. For more information, click here.

Business and Environmental Sustainability (BUSI 3119)

This course focuses on examining the concepts of environmental sustainability within the context of business. Students will explore the complex interdependency between organizations, society, and the natural environment. Students will gain an understanding of how businesses impact the environment and society, as well as the implications of environmental sustainability for business operations and strategy. For more information, click here.

Design and Sustainability (IDES 3107)

This course explores the role of industrial designers in creating environmentally and socially responsible products. It focuses on the imperatives and drivers for integrating sustainability into product design, including sustainable design strategies, tools, and business cases. Students will examine the circular economy model for designed products, as well as case studies that illustrate best practices for sustainable design. For more information, click here.

Implementing Sustainable Development in Industrialized Countries (PADM 5617)

This course examines the genesis and evolution of the idea of sustainable development, and how it is influencing public policy and sector structures and processes. Students will explore Canada’s performance in implementing sustainable development in comparison to other industrialized countries. For more information, click here.

Urban Sustainability (PADM 5619)

This course explores the impact of economic growth and social change on cities, and the challenges they face in pursuing sustainable development. Topics covered include political and fiscal issues, ‘smart growth’ policies, and initiatives related to environmental control, transportation, land use, housing, and infrastructure. For more information, click here.