Simon Fraser University’s sustainable energy engineering (SEE) undergraduate program has received accreditation by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). The recognition marks a significant milestone for SEE and comes at a time when the program’s first cohort of students are graduating.

Since welcoming students in 2019, SEE has established an interdisciplinary learning environment to prepare students to become leaders in renewable energy and clean technology. The program is the first of its kind in Western Canada, and has been designed to foster innovation in the renewable and sustainable energy fields that have grown in demand as B.C. continues to work towards its net-zero emissions goals.

Achieving accreditation signifies that the program meets the standards set by engineering regulators and provides high-quality education. In addition, degrees obtained by an accredited program will be recognized nationally and internationally.

“The accreditation announcement demonstrates how the SEE program is delivering on the vision to equip students with in-demand skills that will make a considerable impact on British Columbia’s sustainability efforts,” says Edward Park, associate dean of undergraduate studies at SFU’s Faculty of Applied Sciences.

“Accreditation is not only important for SEE but any engineering school,” explains SEE acting director Mehran Ahmadi. “It will ensure that students who graduate from our program will meet the very first requirement to practice engineering and to receive their professional engineer (P.Eng.) license.”

Over the past four years, SEE has achieved and continues to deliver on its foundational pillars including an interdisciplinary curriculum, innovative research environment, strong Co-operative Education program, and meaningful community partnerships to provide students with experiential learning opportunities.

This project showcase highlights how SEE students are developing sustainable engineering solutions, such as prototypes from first year courses and fourth year capstone projects, along with graduate student research. Electrifying the Stanley Park Train—a project that has generated attention from the media and public—is an example of how SEE students can make an impact in their local community.

From the beginning, SEE has consistently demonstrated a deep sense of camaraderie and community.  This achievement was a particular aspect that was complimented by the accreditation board when the school hosted an on-site visit with CEAB last fall.

“This has become the culture in SEE, and I am really proud of it,” says Ahmadi. “I would like to thank our administrative, technical and student affairs teams, as well as our accreditation committee, led by Dr. Mahda Jahromi.”

“The dedication from our faculty, staff and students has been outstanding and I am thankful for their contributions in helping us reach this achievement.”

In October, three SEE undergraduate students were the first to receive their bachelor of applied science degrees from the program. Additional students from the first cohort will be completing their degrees this spring and participating in the June convocation ceremony. With SEE now receiving accreditation, all former and current students who graduate will also be able to participate in the long-running Canadian tradition of the Iron Ring ceremony – the 2023 Iron Ring ceremony for Vancouver-based engineering graduates was held in March.