Chairholders
Profile
Julien Beaulieu
Centre for the Transfer of Technologies in Industrial Ecology (CTTÉI)
Cégep de Sorel-Tracy
Chair title
NSERC Industrial Research Chair for Colleges in Industrial and Territorial Ecology
Chair program
Industrial Research Chair for Colleges
Role
Chairholder since 2019
Summary
In natural ecosystems, no resource is wasted or lost; everything that is discarded finds a new home, where it is used as a source of energy or material. Industrial ecology is a concept that was developed about 40 years ago which aims to transpose the way natural ecosystems operate onto industrial systems to better manage the flow of resources and reduce environmental impact. Industrial and territorial ecology efforts bring together businesses, organizations and communities that are intertwined through the exchange of material, human or energy resources. These networks also make it possible to share eco-innovations, sustainable practices and expertise. Industrial and territorial ecology is part of implementing a circular economy, that is, “a production, exchange and consumption system that optimizes the use of resources at all stages of the life cycle of a good or service, while reducing the environmental footprint and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities.” (Institut EDDEC).
The research chair’s work will include three main themes: industrial metabolism, the emergence of industrial synergies and territorial metabolism. A better understanding of their industrial metabolism will enable businesses to better understand, calculate and control their environmental impact and the costs associated with their material flow. This characterization will help identify industrial synergies between businesses in the area. On the regional level, territorial metabolism will help economic development organizations identify the most relevant circular economy activities and track their progress.
More specifically, the chair’s activities will consist of:
- simplifying the MFCA method (environmental accounting of waste);
- developing circular economy decision-making tools;
- establishing an industrial symbiosis within the college;
- creating a market database (Valoripédia);
- improving industrial symbiosis facilitation tools;
- developing a dashboard of regional resources.
The proposed research will make it possible to establish the status of the Quebec circular economy and to compare it to other areas. The results of the work will be disseminated in industrial, institutional and scientific communities, both nationally and internationally. Tools will be developed and tested and training will be given to promote the transfer of knowledge and skills to businesses. By integrating the concepts of industrial ecology, businesses in Canada will be more resilient in the face of variations in the price of raw materials, and their activities will have a smaller environmental impact. This will also promote their foothold in the area, due to a better understanding of available resource deposits and strengthened industrial symbiosis networks.
Partners
- RECYC-QUÉBEC
- ArcelorMittal Mines Canada
- Rio Tinto Fer et Titane
- Gersol
- Desjardins Caisse populaire Pierre-De Saurel
- Groupe Gagnon
- Synergie Québec
Contact information
Centre for the Transfer of Technologies in Industrial Ecology (CTTÉI)
Cégep de Sorel-Tracy
Email: julien.beaulieu@cttei.com
Website:
http://www.cttei.com/creit/