In recent decades, industrialisation and urbanisation in Hong Kong and its surrounding regions have resulted in a notable deterioration of the environment. To contain pollution and improve the environment, the HKSAR Government has embarked on a multi-billion dollar programme of engineering projects as well as a schedule of legislative control. These include the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS), waste management plans, and the requirement of environmental impact assessments for all major public and private development projects. There is now a strong demand for civil engineering graduates with a solid background in environmental pollution control in both the public and private sectors.

Environmental engineering was first incorporated into the civil engineering curriculum in 1980. Since its introduction in 1992, the BEng in Civil Engineering (Environmental Engineering) (Civ-EnvE) programme has been recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers, the Institution of Structural Engineers of the UK, and the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. It has won a high reputation for training first class civil/environmental engineers.

Environmental engineering embraces a wide range of subjects, including water quality, wastewater treatment technology, solid waste management, hydraulics and water resources, air pollution control, and environmental policy and law. Unlike many environmental programmes elsewhere, the three-year Civ-EnvE curriculum retains the traditional emphasis on engineering concepts and quantitative analysis. It builds on the excellent training offered by the Department of Civil Engineering's basic civil engineering (CivE) curriculum. In addition, students are required to complete a rigorous course designed to provide fundamental training in environmental engineering. Subject to approval, students may opt to minor in Business, Economics or Finance.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

The BENG(Civ-EnvE) programme is accredited by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. Graduates can, with proper training and working experience, obtain the status of Registered Professional Engineer. This professional status is recognised through the Washington Accord by the signatories of engineering organisations in the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

CAREER PROSPECTS

BEng(Civ-EnvE) graduates have a bright career future and a number of options. They have found responsible and challenging jobs with various types of employers, including contractors, consulting firms, private companies (e.g. waste treatment and management companies, pollution monitoring and control equipment firms), public utilities and the government (e.g. Environmental Protection Department and Drainage Services Department). Many graduates also work as traditional civil engineers. Graduates can, after proper training and examination, attain Corporate Membership of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers or other relevant professional bodies and become qualified environmental engineers and/or civil engineers.

Some graduates, especially those who graduate with a minor in Business, Economics or Finance, pursue broader interests that go beyond engineering, such as business or management. The programme provides these students with an attractive and useful first degree. Suitably qualified graduates may also consider entering postgraduate research degree programmes.