“This program offers a unique experience which allows you to explore topics not covered in typical engineering programs,” says Riedener.

Adds Ioan: “I remember reading the brochure for the MA in Sustainable Energy and I thought: Wow! This department is serious about coming up with real-world solutions, having the courage to tackle the big questions surrounding national energy policy and to co-ordinate with engineers to improve the economics of sustainable energy. I had never heard of such a unique and innovative program.”

Like most of Carleton’s new graduate programs, the SE program is interdisciplinary. Students focus on either the policy or engineering side of sustainable energy while also learning about the other discipline and working collaboratively with students from both areas.

Riedener chose to specialize in engineering while Ioan focused on public policy.

Says Ioan: “I don’t think it’s realistic to operate in unique disciplines any longer, simply because real-world problems are increasingly complex and multi-dimensional. I feel that through the MA, I acquired not only specific skill sets, but also the ability to communicate across disciplinary boundaries – each which has its own lingo.”

Riedener also liked the interdisciplinarity of the program. “Working with people from non-technical background really emphasized the soft skills such as communication. Furthermore, it enabled me to work on some unique projects. For example, my group and I did a case study looking at optimizing energy efficiencies in northern Canada.”

Ioan pursued several research projects that ranged from studying appropriate energy systems for remote communities to researching the economics of plug-in electric vehicles and policies to introduce them into the mainstream.

She also did a co-op placement where she worked on assisting rural communities in conducting feasibility assessments for wind and solar energy, depending on the potential for such energy in their region. “I found it enabled me to test the theories I learned in the classroom and see how they work in the real world.”

The program deals with issues of the day.

“During our seminars, there was always an “expert” at the table to add to fruitful discussions that were very current,” shares Ioan. “I enjoyed this aspect of being at the edge of change, literally as the latest news stories on energy unravelled, finding out how policy advisers address new issues and opportunities – it’s a very exciting process and also very fulfilling to know you are helping many generations to come.”

Riedener is currently working as a Quality Assurance Site Representative for a mechanical contractor. “The project I am working on is a Leed-certified hospital expansion in Markham Ontario so I get to see first-hand some of the mechanical systems required for the future operation of a high performance green building.”

For more information about the master’s program in Sustainable Energy, please visit: carleton.ca/sustainable-energy/.

With the opening of the Hydro Ottawa Laboratory for Smart Grid Technologies in November 2011, Carleton students can experiment with the emerging intelligent electricity infrastructure to learn about integrating alternate and sustainable power sources and improving the efficiency and reliability of the energy supply. A unique feature of the laboratory is its real-time monitoring, analysis and control capabilities, allowing the demonstration of self-diagnostics, self-healing and seamless-operation principles for the power grid.

“The teaching and research conducted in the Hydro Ottawa Laboratory for Smart Grid Technologies will help transform how Canadians receive, use and conserve electricity,” said Rafik Goubran, dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Design at Carleton University. “Hydro Ottawa’s commitment to optimizing energy use and promoting conservation in our community is reflected in the tools and opportunity it has given to Carleton students. I’m thrilled that this partnership is providing hands-on education for future industry leaders.”

This exciting partnership also allows students to visit Hydro Ottawa’s facilities and hear directly from leaders in the business about the challenges and opportunities facing the electricity industry.

“Leading utilities are integrating technology to create a smarter, more efficient electricity system that benefits customers and the broader economy,” said Bryce Conrad, Hydro Ottawa’s president and chief executive officer. “By partnering with Carleton University, we are empowering the leaders of tomorrow as they advance the knowledge and practical application of smart grid principles.”

Carleton University has established a Sustainable Energy Research Centre (CSERC) that will conduct world-class research into sustainable energy.

CSERC will focus on innovative ways to reduce energy consumption, research and explore emerging renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biofuels while looking at strategies for using traditional, non-renewable sources effectively and responsibly.

The Centre integrates both technology and policy, combining expertise from the Faculty of Engineering and Design and the School of Public Policy and Administration while reaching out to other faculties at Carleton.

“This research will establish Carleton as a global leader in research and teaching programs in the area of sustainable energy and help tackle the social, economic, legal and political dimensions of clean and renewable energy solutions,” says Robin Sinha, the new executive director.

Sinha says he took the position because he is inspired to share his expertise with a new generation of graduates. “This new workforce will be critical to deliver the necessary technology solutions we will need to address the climate change challenges we face today and in the future.”

CSERC complements other recent developments at Carleton including the hiring of a new sustainability officer. In 2008, Carleton launched a Bachelor of Engineering in Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering that will produce ‘green engineers.’ Masters degrees in sustainable energy engineering and sustainable energy policy are in the works. Students in the industrial design program have an opportunity to create sustainable designs and contribute to a model sustainable village in Batawa. The Azrieli School of Architecture and Urbanism offers a major in conservation and sustainability. Several leading researchers at Carleton are committed to solving real-world problems that affect the environment.

Robin Sinha is a Carleton alumnus (BEng/83). Most recently, he was a deputy science and technology director within the CANMET Energy Technology Centre of Natural Resources Canada, leading a number of public-private domestic and international projects involving the application of energy efficient and clean energy technologies for housing, buildings and communities. Internationally, he has been involved in a range of industry-government programs to enhance the export of value-added, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible housing to Japan, the United Kingdom, China and other international markets. He spent several years in the private sector working on various energy efficiency projects and worked with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to develop innovative energy solutions for housing in the far North.