ENVIRONMENTAL & SUSTAINABILITY
ENGINEERING
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
PROGRAMME
Environmental and Sustainability Engineering
Saving the Planet Through Technology
Why Environmental and Sustainability Engineering?
Change the World, One Solution at a Time
Environmental and Sustainability Engineering (ESE) lets you tackle the planet’s toughest problems—climate change, pollution, resource depletion—and create real solutions. You will work to make Earth more liveable for future generations. Are you ready to leave a mark?
Sustainability: Present and Future
Sustainability is not just a trend but essential for the present and future. By stepping into this field, you’re setting yourself up for a critical and growing career. In ESE, the impact of your work is immediate and visible. Witness the tangible benefits of your efforts, making a direct difference in people’s lives.
A Rewarding Career
Looking for a meaningful career with impact? ESE offers the perfect blend: a chance to contribute to a sustainable future while securing job growth, career advancement, and a rewarding role in solving global challenges.
Align with Global and National Goals
Aligned with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, you will be directly involved in efforts to achieve carbon neutrality, renewable energy, and sustainable living. This is your career, in harmony with natural and national objectives.
What Makes Us Different?
Learn from the Best in the Field
ESE is home to top-tier academic staff, as seen in many rankings, such as, for example in the 4th edition of Research.com ranking of the best researchers in the field of Environmental Sciences.
Aligned with Sustainability Trends
As Singapore works towards net-zero emissions by 2050, sustainability is a national priority. Gain relevant expertise in areas like decarbonisation and circular economy practices.
Prestigious Internships with Top Agencies
Gain practical experience with leading agencies and top firms, bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications.
Broadening Horizons with Global Exchanges
Join semester exchanges at renowned institutions such as KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), Oulu University (Finland) and The University of British Columbia (Canada).
Numerous Local Networking Opportunities
Through partnerships with local organisations, students can tackle realworld projects and make a meaningful impact, even while pursuing their studies.
Academic Journey
1
2
Embark on your journey into Environmental and Sustainability Engineering through immersive, hands-on courses that blend theory with practical learning. Engage in lab experiments, fieldwork, and simulations gaining valuable firsthand experience.
Build a strong foundation with core knowledge in:
• Environmental Chemistry and Microbiology
• Energy and Climate Change
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Water Technology
• Air Quality
• Resource Management and Circular Economy
3
4 Year Year Year Year
Expand your horizons with an optional student exchange programme, where you’ll spend a semester at partner universities to study sustainability practices in diverse cultural contexts. Complement this with a compulsory industrial attachment, working alongside industry leaders to tackle pressing environmental issues.
Deepen your expertise through designdriven projects and final-year projects that focus on real-world challenges and solve current sustainability problems by collaborating with industry partners or research teams to prototype solutions. Pair this with a second major in Sustainable Urban Development to explore how cities can balance ecological resilience with socioeconomic needs.
Career Prospects
Environmental and Sustainability Engineer
Designs and implements sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges, focusing on eco-friendly infrastructure and resource efficiency.
Environmental Remediation Specialist
Restores contaminated sites by developing and managing clean-up strategies to protect ecosystems and human health.
Environmental Policymaker
Develops and implements policies and regulations to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.
Environmental, Health and Safety Manager
Oversees programmes to ensure safe work environments, protect community health, and comply with environmental regulations.
Environmental and Sustainability Engineering
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Specialist
Analyses and manages a company’s impact on environmental, social, and governance factors to promote responsible operations.
Environmental Consultant
Advises businesses and governments on environmental practices, policies, and strategies to meet sustainability goals.
Student Projects
Project OceaNUS
Lin Shuowang (Project Director), Jaclyn Choo (Vice Project Director-Externals)
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental and Sustainability Engineering), Class of 2027
Nicholas Chong (Vice Project Director - Internals) Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Engineering), Class of 2027
Environmental Compliance Specialist
Ensures that organisations adhere to environmental laws and regulations, helping to minimise environmental impacts.
“Project OceaNUS is a student-initiated overseas community involvement project founded by NUS Environmental Engineering students! Our mission is to improve living conditions by bringing sustainable solutions tailored to the needs of overseas communities.
In our most recent project, we partnered with Na Xath village in Laos to install solar-powered lamp posts and water pumps, ensuring a reliable water supply for the villagers. Beyond engineering work, we connected with the local community by engaging with school children through sustainability and English lessons, as well as sports activities.
As a member of Project OceaNUS, you will have the opportunity to grow as an environmental steward beyond the ESE curriculum and gain valuable servicelearning experiences with a global perspective!”
Profiles of Current Students
Chia Min Shen
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering), Class of 2028
“I’m currently pursing minors in Chemistry and Performing Arts whilst pursuing my undergraduate in Environmental Engineering. I have enjoyed my time at NUS as its interdisciplinary curriculum has allowed me to deepen my knowledge as an environmental engineer while also pursuing my passion for the arts. The Environmental Engineering programme is designed with a well-balanced blend of lectures and hands-on activities, equipping us with the skills and knowledge to be future career-ready. We very often have the opportunities for site visits to learn about real-world engineering applications beyond the classroom. I also had the opportunity to embark on a student exchange programme at the University of Hong Kong. It was an enriching experience that allowed me to learn in a new environment and build meaningful friendships with students from diverse backgrounds.”
Hannah Ng Jing Yi
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering), Class of 2027
“Environmental and Sustainability Engineering (ESE) strikes a great balance between technical knowledge and practical applications. One of my most memorable moments was during year one when we visited the lakes in Botanic Gardens to sample, analyse, and understand its characteristics and the extent of anthropogenic impacts on water bodies. Utilising methods like chemical oxygen demand and ion chromatography in the lab made pollution measurement concepts understandable in a practical way.
The programme is not without its challenges, but the professors are approachable and supportive. Environmental Challenges in the Anthropocene inspired my passion for wastewater treatment, detailing how targeted engineering solutions can address environmental challenges. Beyond academics, ESE offers opportunities to step up, serve, and improve student welfare. Serving as the finance head for the Civil and ESE (CESE) Orientation Camp enabled me to collaborate and learn from my peers from different disciplines. I am confident this programme will equip me with practical skills and a solid foundation to forge a sustainable future.”
Profiles of Alumni
Koh Wei Lin
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering), Class of 2019
Senior Executive, Market Transformation, WWF-Singapore
“Since graduating with a degree in Environmental and Sustainability Engineering from NUS, I have been helping businesses adopt sustainable and responsible practices through roles in both private and non-profit organisations. My work focuses on collaborating with stakeholders, educating consumers, and bringing industries together to pilot innovative solutions that address environmental challenges.
As the sustainability landscape continues to evolve, I strive to grow and learn through diverse experiences, including participating in the Young Southeast Asian Leadership Initiative, further shaping my ability to drive impactful change.”
Arka Ray
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental Engineering), Class of 2021
Lead Engineer, Home Team Science and Technology Agency
“During my time in Environmental and Sustainability Engineering, I gained skills that extended far beyond the curriculum, equipping me to address real-world challenges and work with dynamic and incomplete information. This experience made me adaptable and committed to continuous learning, enabling me to discover and implement better approaches. Most importantly, the guidance and interactions with my professors taught me to think critically and independently rather than simply focusing on the answer. These experiences have been instrumental in preparing me to thrive in my career. I believe anyone who joins and is curious to learn will gain tremendously from this programme.”
Admission Requirements
Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level
A pass in H2 Mathematics or Further Mathematics.
Polytechnic Diploma
An accredited diploma.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
A pass in HL Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches.
NUS High School Diploma
A good major GPA in Mathematics.
International Qualifications
Applicants presenting international qualifications may apply with equivalent high school results.
