BC.PUE: Advancing the Future of Subsurface Utility Engineering

Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) has transformed how infrastructure projects identify and manage utility risk for over two decades. Project owners now have greater confidence in utility data thanks to higher standards, quality levels and industry’s best practices.

Now, the industry is now taking another step forward with the Board-Certified Project Utility Engineer (BC.PUE) designation, awarded by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Civil Engineering Certification (CEC).

4Sight Utility Engineers Founder and President Lawrence Arcand, P.Eng, P.E., BC.PUE has served as the committee lead to develop the professional certification.

“Those of us in the SUE industry have long understood that utility data is only part of the story. Real value comes from how that information is used to manage risk, inform decisions, and align stakeholders. The BC.PUE designation is an important recognition of that broader role and the expertise required to deliver successful projects," he said.

SUE provides the reliable utility information that the Project Utility Engineer uses to help project teams coordinate, evaluate and guide utility-related decisions. Together, the two create a more complete approach to utility risk management.

The BC.PUE designation helps to establish a professional benchmark for those working in the utility management space, helping to define the skills required on increasingly complex infrastructure projects.

“This isn't about moving beyond SUE. It's about recognizing how far the profession has come,” says Lawrence. As project owners continue to see greater certainty around utility risk, the integration of SUE and Project Utility Engineering will play an increasingly important role in project success.

The future of utility risk management is not simply about knowing where utilities are. It is about understanding what they mean to the project and ensuring informed decisions are made at every stage. BC.PUE is an important step toward that future.

Find out more about the BC.PUE certification and application process on the ASCE website: https://www.asce.org/career-growth/civil-engineering-certification/utility-engineering-surveying