Humber’s Sustainable Energy and Building Technology Graduates Delivering a Carbon Conscious World

Humber College graduates are newly discovered gems who bring a wealth of benefits, potential and fresh new ideas to companies who are recruiting the next generation of change makers.

Ecovert knows the Humber difference and is tapping into career-ready graduates to unlock their full potential and provide them with the opportunity to bring new approaches to sustainable and carbon conscious buildings.

A full-service sustainability consulting firm committed to creating environmental, economic and social synergies for the real estate sector, the company has hired seven Humber College alumnae in the past five years. Graduates of the Sustainable Energy and Building Technology (SEBT) advanced diploma program in the Faculty of Applied Sciences & Technology, these students are bringing high demand industry leading skills to deliver a carbon conscious build.

“Sustainability is such a growing industry,” says Connor Humphreys, building performance analyst, Ecovert, and Humber class of 2019. “When I first started out, I saw the trend of sustainability becoming more of an important part of the building industry. Pursuing a career in sustainable energy and building technology is an excellent opportunity to get in at the ground level of an emerging sector.”

The industry landscape is constantly changing but the trends are clear. The shift toward low carbon, carbon neutral, and highly efficient buildings is increasing, and those who adopt these priorities will be the top players.

“As the need for sustainability targets grow, I think we’re going to start seeing projects led by the sustainability team,” says Chad Thurlow, senior project manager, Ecovert and Humber 2017 alumni. “Traditionally, it’s the architect or general contractor who leads the design however, but I could see a shift to the sustainability team as the main driver.”

While Humber’s SEBT program prepares graduates with a unique set of hard skills to examine, model and improve the energy and environmental performance of new and existing buildings, the program also emphasises the importance of soft skills including teamwork, adaptability to change and strong communication.

“What separates a good employee from a great employee is how well you can communicate and confidently speak with clients,” says Connor. “It’s one thing to know your content but it’s another thing to effectively communicate. As an engineer, we constantly struggle with how to effectively communicate in everyday, simple language. You can be a genius but it means nothing if you can’t effectively communicate your vision to your client or design team.”

The Humber Advantage

While Connor attended a university to pursue an engineering degree, he was not enjoying the program and began to explore alternate options. He researched and found Humber’s Sustainable Energy and Building Technology advanced diploma program and liked the curriculum because he felt the course better aligned with his career goals. He left university and immediately enrolled at Humber.

“I really liked the hands-on approach and how our instructors encouraged teamwork and group activities,” says Connor. “I learned the different layers of the construction building process and real-world skills that I could put into practice upon graduation.”

For Chad, he was a struggling actor who had attended university and wanted to pursue a three-year program in an industry that was making a difference. “The SEBT program at Humber is not narrow focused but rather introduces students to a menu of career options and an opportunity to network and work with industry partners.”

Kerry Johnston, academic program coordinator of the Sustainable Energy and Building Technology Program at Humber College, says it is critical that we prepare our students to succeed in a global, knowledge-based economy that is technology-driven and changing at an unparalleled rate.

“Society faces significant population growth challenges while we seek to decarbonize, adapt to climate change and manage resources in a more sustainable manner. Meeting these challenges means buildings, energy systems and infrastructure must evolve and yesterday’s solutions must be replaced with new approaches,” says Kerry Johnston.

“The Sustainable Energy and Building Technology program comprehensively covers both the concepts of sustainable building and urban development as well as the technical details and design tools of renewable energy generation, building science, and mechanical building systems,” says Kerry. “This dynamic blend of academic and experiential programs deeply engage students in their learning and empower them to think critically, make bold choices and become leaders of change.”

Labs are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to give students hands-on experience including access to Humber’s LEED Gold Centre for Urban Ecology for the opportunity to study a sustainable building in operation and understand the relationship between design, construction and operation.

The program includes a co-op option where students can apply their skills and knowledge in a real-world environment and gain valuable, practical experience related to their program. A component of the program that Chad feels “is invaluable.”

When asked what advice they would give to current SEBT students, Chad emphasizes the importance of saying yes and accepting new initiatives. “You never know who you’ll meet or the knowledge you will gain.”

“Everyone has to start someone,” adds Connor. “Don’t be afraid to network and ask questions. You will never regret gaining experience in this forward-looking industry.”

To learn more about Humber College’s three-year Sustainable Energy and Building Technology program, visit