Photo courtesy Sherbrooke University
Sherbrooke University Net Zero Co-Chairs Ben Amor and Marie-Luc Arpin
Tackling climate change beyond carbon neutrality
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
The Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS) has launched a groundbreaking research initiative that aims to redefine strategies for achieving net zero carbon emissions. Co-chaired by Professor Marie-Luc Arpin of the Department of Management and Human Resources, and Professor Ben Amor from the Department of Civil and Building Engineering, the chair is tasked with developing innovative life cycle analysis (LCA) approaches to ensure that carbon neutrality goals are met while also addressing broader environmental impacts. Their work represents a bold step toward the aim of creating a sustainable future through interdisciplinary research that combines natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
A bold and expansive goal
Arpin explained in a Sept. 5 interview that the objective of the initiative is to go beyond the more familiar concept of carbon neutrality. “The project is ambitious because it addresses not only carbon emissions but also the full spectrum of environmental impacts, such as biodiversity loss, resource depletion, and human health,” she said. Unlike traditional carbon-neutral strategies, which focus solely on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, this research aims to account for all environmental consequences through life cycle assessments.
Arpin emphasized that this broadened scope is crucial because a net zero strategy should not be limited to carbon emissions alone. “We call it net zero on the full spectrum of environmental impacts,” she said. This broader approach allows the research team to anticipate and address counterproductive dynamics, such as rebound effects—situations where efforts to reduce environmental impact can inadvertently lead to increased consumption elsewhere. “For example, if a company becomes more energy efficient but then scales up its operations, the net benefit could be offset by this expansion,” Arpin explained.
Modelling beyond traditional boundaries
The research chair’s work challenges conventional LCA methods by integrating social science perspectives, as Arpin explained. “Traditional life cycle assessments have huge potential but face limitations when applied to complex decisions that involve trade-offs between different environmental and social impacts,” she said. The goal of the chair is to develop new modeling approaches that not only measure environmental impacts more accurately but also help decision-makers navigate the trade-offs inherent in any strategy aimed at reducing emissions.
Professor Ben Amor, who specializes in sustainable engineering and life cycle analysis, has been instrumental in advancing LCA methodologies. His work, which is heavily data-driven, focuses on developing models that help organizations make more sustainable choices. “Ben’s research develops methodologies for environmental modeling, which are primarily software-based and require a lot of data,” said Arpin. Their collaboration allows them to explore new ways of using LCA results in decision-making processes, particularly by factoring in paradoxes and counterintuitive outcomes.
As Arpin pointed out, their research aims to push the boundaries of traditional environmental modeling by integrating insights from both social sciences and engineering. “Our work generates new approaches for both teaching and assisting decision-makers,” she said, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of the project.
Industry collaboration and real-world applications
The chair is not just an academic exercise; it benefits from strong industry collaboration and financial backing from key industry players like Hatch, EXP, Groupe Canam, and Pomerleau. These organizations have contributed to the research initiative through UdeS’ major fundraising campaign, “Choisir de changer l’avenir”. Their support underscores the practical implications of the research, as they hope to see the findings contribute to real-world solutions for tackling climate change. This was confirmed in a press release from the university, which emphasized that the creation of the chair would not have been possible without these donors, who believe in the impact of academic research on society.
The research chair aims to create strategies that help organizations stabilize and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while avoiding unintended environmental and social consequences. One of the primary focuses is on developing robust compensation methods for emissions that are difficult to eliminate. However, the team is mindful of the potential negative side effects of these strategies, such as making certain communities more vulnerable to climate change.
Anticipating and mitigating these negative impacts is a key aspect of the chair’s work. Arpin reiterated that the rebound effect—the phenomenon where improvements in efficiency lead to increased consumption—is a significant focus of their research. “The idea is not to criticize these policies but to implement them with agility and awareness of potential downsides,” she said.
The role of digital transformation
A particularly exciting area of research for the chair is the intersection of digital transformation and environmental sustainability. One of the chair’s upcoming PhD projects will focus on how digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), can both aid and complicate the transition to a more sustainable economy. “Digital transformation is often viewed as a key enabler of the ecological transition, but we must also consider its environmental footprint,” said Arpin.
AI, for example, is increasingly used to optimize operations and reduce resource consumption. However, some forms of AI, particularly deep learning, consume vast amounts of energy. Arpin pointed out that while not all AI applications are energy-intensive, those that are should be deployed carefully to ensure they do not counteract the environmental benefits they are intended to generate. “It’s a question of whether the sophistication of the AI being used is really necessary for the task at hand,” she said.
Building a framework for the future
As the research chair begins its work, Arpin and Amor are looking ahead to future projects. One area of focus is the role of digital technologies in helping organizations transition to a circular economy—an economic model that minimizes waste and makes the most of resources. “Digital technologies, such as real-time data analysis and AI, can play a significant role in the circular economy by helping us monitor and optimize resource use,” said Arpin.
The chair will also contribute to the education of future leaders in management and engineering by incorporating its findings into the curriculum at UdeS. “Our work is closely linked to the real-world challenges faced by organizations, and we hope that our interdisciplinary approach will inspire practical innovations in both life cycle analysis and management,” said Arpin. According to the press release, the research chair aims to develop, test, and implement the concept of a “Net Zero strategy.” This strategy not focuses on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
A broader vision
With a focus on creating responsible, sustainable strategies that take into account the complexities of real-world applications, the research chair at UdeS believes it is poised to make a significant impact. “This is a super ambitious research project,” said Arpin. “It sets the horizon very far, but that’s what makes it exciting.” The goal of developing net zero strategies that are robust, adaptable, and socially inclusive is a tall order, but it is one that Arpin, Amor, and their team are determined to tackle head-on.