For Lisa Brodeur, cutting carbon just makes good business sense

These in-their-own-words pieces are told to Patricia Lane and co-edited with input from the interviewee for the purpose of brevity.

For Lisa Brodeur, cutting carbon makes good business sense.

As the manager of operations for 360 Energy, Brodeur helps small and large enterprises focus on emissions reduction to save money and enhance their reputation.

Tell us about your work.

360 Energy Inc. provides a systematic and tested management approach to optimizing energy and carbon. We start with an analysis of the entire enterprise and make suggestions for no- or low-cost changes, such as turning off lights or equipment in the off-hours, fixing air leaks or shifting production to lower-cost periods. These measures frequently reduce energy bills by five to 10 per cent almost immediately.

Administrators, accounting and others begin to see the benefits of a whole corporate/site approach and support the next tier of changes, which may require some process redesign or capital outlay. Options might include LED lighting or heat pumps. A warehouse might install an energy curtain at the loading bay to keep building temperature more constant during deliveries.

Often once employees have some knowledge and time, they come up with cost-saving efficiencies. For example, workers at Samuel, Son & Co.’s steel plant in Hamilton, Ont., designed a very slight shift in their workflow, meaning machinery can easily be switched off when it is not being used.

Cutting energy bills with a focus on also cutting carbon brings other benefits. An Arizona customer installed a solar-panelled parking lot roof, providing almost all the energy it needs while protecting employees’ cars. Many carbon-conscious businesses enjoy an important comparative advantage in hiring and retaining loyal workers and customers.

Saving energy and carbon works best when it is seen as everyone’s responsibility. If it is siloed into the maintenance department or seen as the sole concern of accounting, the company deprives itself of the imagination and commitment of too many others. Many Canadians worry about climate change and want their employers and enterprises to do well. Including everyone boosts morale.

We are a small team but punch far above our weight, with dozens of clients across North America ranging from Fortune 500-listed companies to small private clients at over 100 sites in the automotive, chemical, cement and steel industries. We also work in the greenhouse industry sector. We help these clients reduce their thousands of tonnes of CO2 by five per cent per year, with many of our clients rapidly joining their journey towards net-zero.

We are proud to be making a difference in the race to slow down climate change while our clients stay profitable.

How did you get into this work?

I studied international business and marketing at university and then spent a year travelling in Asia. I was shocked at how often thick smog forced everyone, including me, to stay indoors. I jumped at the chance to work at this company to play a meaningful role in light of these challenges. Thirteen years later, I am the manager of operations. I love knowing I am working with a team of people who are proud of the work we do.

What makes your work hard?

This is an emergency. We can do this but sometimes people cannot bring themselves to change even when the evidence is clear that it will benefit them or others. Humans are pretty good at pointing fingers and hoping other people will act.

What gives you hope?

We can do this. Entrepreneurs are up for the challenge and see that it is better to manage change than to have it manage us. The imperative of managing carbon is a huge opportunity.

What worries you?

I am the mother of three young children. How can we all thrive in a world that seems so fragile and where so much change is needed so fast.

What do you see if we get this right?

The Biden administration is foregrounding the climate crisis, and with so many smart people in Canada working on this already, we could easily become world leaders and show how carbon management makes jobs, economies and lives better. Yes, we have oil and gas companies but they are also energy companies and they could be such an important part of the solutions.

Did the way you were raised impact your thinking?

My dad took seven years to turn our St. Marys, Ont., farm organic. We knew where our food came from and he showed us how to make it healthier. He taught us the earth will work with us if we remove barriers like toxic pesticides. He also worked very hard. These are some of the values I bring to my work and try to teach my kids.

What would you like to say to other young people?

Have faith in your ideas. Just because it has never been done before does not mean it is not a good idea for the future.

How about our older readers?

You have the credibility and the cash to support the bright ideas coming up through the younger generation. We have a last chance to get this right. Don’t wait.