Meeting global demands for sustainable solutions

Environmental engineers help to solve some of the world’s biggest problems and make a positive impact on global communities and the planet. They design systems that mitigate environmental harm and optimise resource efficiency, particularly as climate change intensifies pressure on ecosystems. This includes evaluating project impacts on air, water, soil, and noise levels as well as meticulous planning and innovative design to reduce human-induced impacts on the natural and built environment.   

“The growing global concern regarding environmental degradation and sustainability requires a specialised platform for engineering students to explore these critical issues more deeply and to gain insights into their practical application in industry,” says Associate Professor Alejandro Montoya, Program Director for the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Environmental). 

International and domestic job markets are experiencing a surge in demand for engineers capable of developing and implementing environmentally conscious technologies and strategies drawn from the deep experience of rich cultural infusion.

Demand for engineering skills is increasing due to the expansion of infrastructure projects and the reliance on the engineering profession for national priorities, such as the transition to clean energy and achieving net-zero emissions objectives [1]. 

“There is and will continue to be a heightened focus on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials for industry,” says Phil Narezzi, Chief Executive Officer at Sydney Desalination Plant. “Having a good foundation in environmental sustainability but also social and governance challenges will be essential to future industry opportunities.” 

Amid mounting pressure on organisations to meet sustainable development goals, the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Environmental Engineering) stream aims to address this demand by empowering graduates with the right skills to spearhead sustainable engineering solutions throughout their careers. 

“The ability to understand complex interrelated systems – environmental engineering problems, are rarely in isolation of one discipline,” says Angus Wilkie, Associate at Aurecon. "So there needs to be an ability to understand and interpret chemical, civil, mechanical, geotechnical and electrical engineering,” 

The new degree is a collaboration between the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, and School of Civil Engineering. With a focus on cutting–edge Net Zero technologies such as carbon accounting, circular economy and systems, First Nations sciences and renewable energy, the program is distinct from other Environmental Engineering programs across Australia.

“A broad understanding of other functions, including community engagement, other engineering professions, economics and regulation are of fundamental importance,” says Penny Joseph, Head of Climate Resillience at Ausgrid. “This is because environmental solutions are not achieved in isolation, but in partnership with these other professions.”

The job market for Environmental Engineers is thriving, with the average annual salary for Environmental Engineer jobs in Australia currently ranges from $90,000 to $110,000.

Between 2016 and 2021, there was a 78% increase in women qualifying as engineers in the professional, scientific and technical services industry and a 54% increase in electricity, gas, water and waste services [1].  

Opportunities in environmental engineering, especially in net-zero emissions technologies, increased by 38.5% from 2015 to 2021 globally and are expected to grow in Australia over the next decade, making environmental engineering graduates well-positioned to capitalise on the expanding job market.

Careers in this diverse field can include: 

• Renewable Energy Engineers

• Water Resources Engineers 

• Waste Management Specialists

• Environmental Consultants 

• Climate Change Analysts

• Sustainability Consultants 

• Environmental Regulators

[1] Strengthening the engineering workforce in Australia, page 4, 2022