Cities as hubs of intensive economic activity use vast amounts of electricity and water, produce large volumes of waste and require efficient infrastructure for the movement of goods, services and people. With increasing urbanisation, creative housing solutions are also required to maximise land use while minimising environmental impact. Environmental engineering involves designing construction methods, processes and outputs that minimise impacts on the natural environment.
Environmental engineers collaborate with environmental scientists, urban and town planners, hazardous waste technicians and other engineers and specialists. They work between offices and specific project sites overseeing development and ensuring compliance.
Environmental engineers require a comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles and environmental regulations, processes and challenges. They will further benefit from:
Conduct research, assess and report on environmental impacts
Design and oversee the development of systems, processes and equipment for control, management or remediation of environmental quality
Provide engineering and technical support for environmental remediation
Report and advise on projects and procedures related to environmental impact
B.Sc.Eng. in Civil Engineering at UCT, UKZN and Wits
B.Eng. in Civil Engineering at SU, UJ and UP
Diploma, Advanced Diploma, M.Tech in Civil Engineering at CPUT, CUT, DUT, MUT, TUT, UNISA, VUT and WSU
National, provincial and local government.
Construction and mining organisations.
Waste management companies.
NGOs, community-based and development organisations and private consultancies.
Research institutions.
