Colleges have an important role to play in addressing climate change and sustainable community development. Among the levers available, applied research is a preferred tool for leveraging scientific expertise within colleges to generate multiple impacts in their communities.

The session will begin with the presentation of an applied research project on the valorization of carbon through the development of an industrial symbiosis to reduce the GHG emissions of a large emitter while promoting socio-economic benefits. This project is a good example of collaboration between social and technological innovation players from two colleges with one industrialist and several partners. Emphasis will be placed on sharing some of the tools that have been used, such as multi-criteria analysis, participatory thinking and assessing the carbon footprint of activities, as well as on the main benefits and challenges of the project. The presentation will be interactive by using the Mentimeter application to invite participants to provide feedback on the project presented, as well as suggest relevant approaches or tools to develop and strengthen college-industry partnerships. The second part of the session will focus on the suggestions brought forward; the challenges associated with this type of collaboration and the most promising ways to fast-track the fight against climate change and, more generally, the adoption of responsible industry practices.