A first in Quebec. Marie-Pier Lussier and Jennifer Pinna, respectively Project Manager and Circular Economy Advisor at the Centre de transfert technologique en écologie industrielle (CTTÉI), were awarded Circulab certification at the end of 2023. They now offer enriched services to companies and organizations wishing to integrate the circular economy into their business model.
A strategic and pragmatic approach to the circular economy
The Circulab approach is based on the observation that simply eliminating waste is not enough. We need to rethink our business models, integrating the principles of the circular economy as closely as possible with our corporate strategy.
Marie-Pier and Jennifer both hold Master's degrees in environmental management, and have a wealth of experience in deploying and facilitating industrial symbioses in Quebec. They took the plunge for specific reasons.
"We've been following the progress of the Circulab community in Europe since the very beginning in 2012. They have produced tools that are applicable by entrepreneurs, such as the Circular Canvas. It's similar to the Business Model Canvas, a tool well known to our economic developers, except that it incorporates the principles of the circular economy. Obviously, this is a major step forward, because instead of seeing the circular economy as a detail to be added 'afterwards', we integrate it right into the business model," explains Jennifer Pinna.
A new service offering for businesses and organizations
"Quebec is an economy of SMEs, and to help them make the transition to the circular economy, we need these tools to help them think systemically and efficiently," adds Marie-Pier Lussier.
In fact, the Circulab approach can benefit both start-ups and companies undergoing strategic planning, as well as those wishing to rethink their activities, optimize their operations or consolidate their team.
"Just as a company encourages its managers to train in methods such as Lean Six Sigma or Agile, we encourage them to turn to us to change the way they do business. Adopt the right reflexes, optimize their operations, eco-design their products, and many other ideas. It's a concrete way of achieving sustainable continuous improvement," concludes Claude Maheux-Picard, General Manager of the CTTÉI.
To find out more, read Marie-Pier Lussier and Jennifer Pinna's interview on Circulab .
About
A leader in Quebec's transition to a circular economy, the Centre de transfert technologique en écologie industrielle (CTTEI) develops innovative, cost-effective waste management solutions for businesses and communities, thanks to its unrivalled expertise in industrial ecology.
