Benjamin Patton: A biomass career path described as ‘Ikigai’

High above the ground in the lush forests of British Columbia, a young Benjamin Patton first found his calling among the branches as a climbing arborist.

Today, grounded in his role as the founder and CEO of TreeCycle Canada, Patton is pioneering sustainable solutions in the biomass industry, earning him an Honourable Mention in the Thought Leader of the Year category at the 2024 Canadian Biomass Awards.

At just age 31, Patton’s professional journey is a narrative of passion melded with purpose. His background, which includes roles as an Arborist Technician, Danger Tree Assessor, Occupational First Aider, and Wildlands Firefighter, has culminated in a commitment to environmental stewardship and wood waste management.

Patton’s academic endeavors — spanning from BCIT’s Applied Biology Program to a Wood Kiln Drying Certificate from UBC’s Faculty of Forestry — have given him with a deep understanding of natural resource management and urban forestry.

Reflecting on his diverse career path, Patton finds resonance in the concept of ‘Ikigai’, a Japanese term meaning the “reason to live”, which aligns one’s passions and talents with what the world needs and is willing to pay for.

“My career path could best be described by Ikigai,” Patton said. “It’s about blending what we are good at and what we love, with the needs of the world and the opportunities to make a living.”

Recognition has followed Patton’s impressive track record. Notably, he was named a Top 20 Under 40 for Canadian Forestry Professionals and served as a Youth Delegate at the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s annual conference.

His role as a mentor in UBC’s Forestry and BioEconomy Tri-Mentorship Program and as a Green Mentor for PLT Canada’s Green Mentorship Program highlights his dedication to fostering and supporting new talent.

“The future of the industry is so bright that we will need to wear shades,” Patton enthuses. He sees a radiant future shaped by innovations in nanocellulose and synthetic graphene, enhancements in supply chain efficiencies through the integration of IoT, and the increasing commodification of biomass materials. These developments, he believes, are setting a sustainable course that will benefit both the planet and its inhabitants.

For those aspiring to make a difference in the biomass sector, Patton advises finding one’s Ikigai to create a fulfilling and impactful career. “Use your skills, fueled by your passions, to solve important problems in a way that allows you to be compensated,” he said.