Our Vision
Simply put
We love designing industrial refrigeration and energy recovery systems.
Polar Engineering has also partnered with Technical Safety BC (TSBC) and the Ammonia Safety Training Institute (ASTI), allowing us to design each refrigeration system to the most rigorous of safety standards. This also allows us to provide extensive safety training to your facility’s staff and refrigeration operators.
About Us
Polar Engineering is a comprehensive engineering, design, project management, and commissioning engineering consulting firm. At Polar we focus on engineering refrigeration systems based on our client’s needs to save energy and deliver a great product for a reasonable capital cost.
Our clients are made up of industrial food processing facilities, hockey arenas, curling clubs, large buildings such as hospitals, and developments which employ district energy systems. Where possible Polar enjoys helping our clients to lead the way by guiding our clients to choose refrigerants which are future proof (ask us about this) and reduce their carbon footprint through fossil fuel reduction programs by implementing heat pumps.
Dashboards
track and show the public what we are doing
Looking to show off your facility?
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Awards
Received the RFABC associates award for outstanding service to RFABC
Received Scott Plastics and Ike Barker awards for outstanding achievements in Mechanical Engineering
Received the Don W. Bell award for the Western North America YEA from ASHRAE
Received the RFABC associates award for outstanding service to RFABC
Received Scott Plastics and Ike Barker awards for outstanding achievements in Mechanical Engineering
Received the Don W. Bell award for the Western North America YEA from ASHRAE
Ecostar award for leaders in green building design.
CleanBC Champion award for audacious carbon reduction projects
North American Danfoss Envioneer Award for leaders in high-temperature heat pump design
Ecostar award for leaders in green building design.
CleanBC Champion award for audacious carbon reduction projects
North American Danfoss Envioneer Award for leaders in high-temperature heat pump design
Polar Team
Ian
Principal Engineer
Steffen
Sr. Mechanical Engineer
Steffen entered the HVAC consulting industry in 2014 and hasn’t looked back since. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a keen interest for detail, Steffen has honed his skills in design, auditing, and energy management to bring new vision to old buildings, and has the experience to navigate the complex waters of deep energy retrofits amongst multiple stakeholders. He has particular passion and expertise in heat recovery systems and demand responsive control strategies. Steffen leads Polar’s the grant and energy study team. He also leads the detailed design work for hydronic system integrations of new heat pump installations, completing the scope of services with Ian’s lead in refrigeration design
Luke
Team Lead / Snr. Mechanical Designer
Luke has over 35 years of experience in mechanical consulting, spanning fire suppression, plumbing, HVAC, and controls. He has led both design and construction phases for projects in healthcare, education, recreation, and industrial facilities, with a focus on integrating energy-efficient, serviceable, and long-lasting systems. A Certified Energy Manager and LEED-accredited professional, Luke specializes in heat recovery system design. Outside of work, he enjoys motorcycle touring, music, and time in nature.
TYLER
Mechanical Engineer
Tyler designs energy-efficient refrigeration systems that reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions. A sustainability advocate, he works on Polar’s detailed design team. In his free time, he enjoys cliff jumping, hiking, and camping on Vancouver Island.
Nathaniel
Sr. Mechanical Technologist
Nathaniel brings over 10 years of engineering technologist experience to Polar’s detailed design team, creating efficient and innovative refrigeration systems. All fuelled by his deep passion for continual improvement. He enjoys cycling, reading, and freediving on the west coast.
Isaac
Mechanical Engineer
Isaac specializes in Energy Systems and works on Polar’s grant and energy study team to help clients access funding for energy-saving projects. Outside of work, he enjoys mountain biking, working in the garage, and exploring Vancouver Island’s wilderness.
Liz
Sustainable Energy Engineer
Liz started with a specialization in ‘Energy Systems’ and ‘Thermo-fluids and Aerodynamics’ at the University of Victoria. Along the way, she completed three co-op terms at Polar, where created detailed design projects and energy studies. Liz is now part of the detailed design team at Polar, where she applies her interests in thermodynamics and sustainable engineering to maximize the efficiency of industrial systems. In her free time, Liz enjoys running, reading, crossfit, and hiking in the Rocky Mountains.
Bryn
Mechanical Engineer
Bryn joined the Polar Engineering team as a co-op student before completing his B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria and joining the Polar team full-time. Bryn works as part of our detailed design team to create innovative, safe, and energy-efficient refrigeration systems for Polar’s clients. In his down time, Bryn enjoys cycling, Spikeball, hockey, and exploring the many landscapes of Vancouver Island.
Jeremy
Mechanical Engineer
Jeremy designs sustainable refrigeration systems and draws on his research background in green energy. Here Jeremy uses his innovative mind set to design efficient systems as an advocate for a greener future. Outside of Polar, he enjoys gardening, gymnastics, and practicing with the Cyr Wheel.
SARAH
Sustainable Energy Engineer
Sarah holds a B.Eng, and a MASc. in Sustainable Energy Engineering. She is very dedicated to making a difference in the clean energy industry in both the social and technical spheres. At Polar Engineering, Sarah works on the grant and energy study team to apply environmentally friendly designs and secure funding for energy saving projects. Outside of the office, Sarah enjoys long days of hiking or skiing and cozy evenings with a good book.
Eric
Project Engineer
Eric joins the Polar team with a B.Eng in Mechanical Engineering and over five years’ experience in district energy and mechanical retrofit design. His background spans air handling unit upgrades to central plant heat pump projects, bringing practical expertise in tackling complex energy challenges. Eric leads both energy studies and detailed design, with an eye for clear visuals and straightforward system layouts. Outside of work, you’ll find him working at the community garden, gravel biking, and being part of Vancouver’s improv comedy community.
Cypress
Green Engineer Co-op
Cypress is a Mechanical Engineering co-op student at the University of British Columbia specializing in Energy and Environment. At Polar, he works on detailed design projects and energy studies, bringing a sustainability-oriented approach to help engineer practical refrigeration systems that minimize environmental impact. Outside work, Cypress enjoys sea kayaking, hiking, and exploring the BC coast.
Scott
P.Eng., CPHD, LEED AP, CDP
Scott brings over 15 years of experience in mechanical consulting, with expertise spanning design, project management, and energy-focused retrofits. Before joining Polar, he spent a decade at AME Group as a project manager and associate, leading HVAC and building system upgrades for institutional and commercial facilities. A Certified Energy Manager and Certified Decarbonization Professional, Scott is passionate about sustainable design and the integration of practical, efficient mechanical systems. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors and staying active.
Aidan
Engineering Technologist
Aidan Joined the Polar team as a co-op student before completing his Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Camosun College. Aidan works as part of our detailed design team to help create innovative and efficient refrigeration systems. In his off time you’ll find Aidan officiating hockey, playing volleyball, spikeball, and going to the beach.
You?
Mechanical Engineer / Technologist
Polar Engineering is expanding, and we’re always looking for talented engineers and technologists to join our team. If you’re passionate about refrigeration, HVAC, pools, or sustainable energy systems—and want to work on exciting projects across BC and Alberta—we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch to learn more.