The manufacturing sector is increasingly becoming concerned with sustainability and decarbonization, particularly in sectors like mining and metals, energy, and automobiles, which are involved in key global supply chains and have large environmental impacts. Mining and metals are essential to many industries but add appreciably to carbon emissions. The generation of energy, especially from non-renewable energy sources, is a significant source of greenhouse gases. Meanwhile, industries such as automotive, packaging, and consumer goods struggle to reduce their environmental footprints. Jerome Lucaes, the Founder and CEO of FAST FORWARD ZERO, paves the way by adopting new-age solutions to enable these industries to go for net-zero emissions and sustainable growth.
Jerome Lucaes started his career path with an internship at the National Research Center in France in 1990, where he worked on climate change modeling. His initial work ignited his interest in the environmental effects of human activities. He initially sought employment in water utility management, technology, and aluminum sectors, where he advocated for sustainability, such as establishing the role of Environmental Footprint Manager at Rio Tinto Aluminum. Jerome co-initiated the Aluminum Stewardship Initiative and launched low-carbon aluminum brands. He now guides businesses toward net-zero carbon strategies, while also supporting investors and educating leaders on sustainability, with a focus on industries like steel, copper, and lithium.
Jerome Lucaes has always prioritized a healthy work-life balance, recognizing his personal and family needs despite his strong professional commitments. Even though he calls himself a workaholic, he puts up boundaries so he can have quality family time. His belief system, rooted in personal values and spiritual faith, also further encourages the pursuit of balance. As Jerome looks toward the future, he is committed to bringing positive change across industries through enabling business in sustainability transformations. He speaks to strategic partnerships, where he utilizes expertise in making sustainable, lasting impact. His tips to budding leaders include having a world’s view, acting, remaining authentic, and loving the ambiguities of change.
Awardee of CIOLook’s One of the Top Leaders Driving Sustainability Towards a Greener Future in 2024, Jerome Lucaes’ strong adherence to sustainability and decarbonization proves his focus on building a greener future for industries that contribute heavily to the environment.
