The program exceeded my expectations by giving me a fuller picture of energy economics, building systems, and Canada’s energy landscape” – Al Amin, SCS learner.
Major facilities and services initiatives at the University of Toronto (U of T) require a unique combination of technical expertise and strategic understanding. For mechanical engineer Al Amin, who supports several of these projects, it became clear that strengthening his knowledge of energy systems would help him perform his role more effectively.
The U of T School of Continuing Studies (SCS) Energy Management certificate offered exactly the kind of structured, in-depth training he was seeking.
“I support several major initiatives, including Project LEAP, Project RISE, and the King’s College Circle geoexchange system,” he explains. “The certificate felt like the right way to connect my day-to-day responsibilities with the bigger sustainability goals of the university.”
Amin was particularly interested in understanding the “why” behind the design and operational decisions he encounters in his work.
“The program exceeded my expectations by giving me a fuller picture of energy economics, building systems, and Canada’s energy landscape,” he says. “It helped me connect theory to what I see every day in our capital projects.”
The Energy Management courses at SCS offered the perfect balance of technical topics, policy, economics, best practices, and real case studies with a practical and organized approach, says Amin. “The lessons on commissioning, energy economics, and Canadian energy trends stood out the most,” he adds.
“They helped me understand both the technical and policy sides of energy management. The OISE building assignments that walked through real audit-style thinking were especially useful because I could relate them to challenges in large institutional projects.”
Amin’s classmates brought a variety of perspectives from utilities, engineering firms, municipalities, and operations teams. Hearing about their experiences helped him to understand how similar energy challenges show up in different sectors. He says their questions and examples made discussions richer and more grounded in real scenarios.
The skills and knowledge Amin gained in his classes have changed the way he participates in project coordination. “Now I approach design reviews, shutdown planning, and operations discussions with a stronger understanding of energy implications,” he explains. “I can communicate better with design consultants and operators, and I can see how my small role contributes to sustainability goals across campus.”
In terms of his career prospects, Amin says his confidence and his awareness of where his skills could take him have expanded significantly since completing the certificate.
“I now see energy management, sustainability planning, and commissioning as areas I would enjoy contributing to more in the future. It also made me feel more confident supporting U of T’s major low-carbon projects,” he says.
“The program helped me connect my daily work to the bigger energy and sustainability picture at U of T. It made me a better communicator, a better coordinator, and more aware of how every project decision affects long-term performance.”
Learn more about the Energy Management Certificate at the U of T School of Continuing Studies and explore how you can advance your skills in sustainability and energy systems.