Anna Harman. Anna Harman (born 1994) is a Canadian engineer, climate change consultant, and sustainability leader dedicated to reducing carbon emissions in the built environment. Currently serving as a senior advisor for Decarbonization Strategy at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), Harman leads efforts to decarbonize commercial real estate portfolios across Canada and internationally. Recognized for her innovative approach to tackling climate challenges, she has been named one of Canada's 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leaders and was awarded the Young Energy Professional of the Year in 2021. 

Through her work, Harman combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a passion for mentorship to drive meaningful progress in the fight against climate change.

Early life and education

Anna Harman was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario. She attended Queen's University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering. During her time at Queen's, she was an active member of the campus community, serving as co-chair of the Conference on Industry and Resources: Queen's University Engineering (CIRQUE) and playing for the Queen's Women's Varsity Volleyball Team as a middle blocker.

Career

Harman began her career as a consulting intern at The Mitchell Partnership Inc., designing aspects of HVAC and plumbing systems for commercial buildings. She gained experience in HVAC technical sales during her co-op at HTS Engineering, where she prepared shop drawings and pricing for HVAC equipment. 

Recognizing that nearly 40% of global emissions come from buildings, Harman dedicated herself to the cause of improving the carbon footprint of commercial real estate. 

Her leadership has been crucial in driving the decarbonization of commercial real estate portfolios across Canada and around the world. She also played a key role in developing some of the first decarbonization strategies for the Government of Canada. In her role as the former vice-president of the Association of Energy Engineers Canada East, Harman led initiatives to implement sustainable practices across portfolios. Currently, as a senior advisor for Decarbonization Strategy at JLL, she leads a team of engineers and strategists in delivering net-zero carbon and decarbonization strategies for global real estate portfolios. Her work has helped reduce an estimated 18 million tonnes of emissions across 2,500 buildings in Canada and 350 buildings in 80 countries.

WSP in Canada

In 2017, Harman joined WSP Canada as a Climate Change Advisor and Project Manager. In this role, she led net-zero carbon plans and sustainability strategies for building portfolios, working on projects such as the National Portfolio Carbon Neutral Implementation Plan for Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) and the Sustainable Development and Environmental Strategy Implementation Plan for Real Property Services (RPS Canada). She also gained expertise in Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments (WBLCAs), energy audits, and LEED certification. Harman co-founded and chaired the WSP Ottawa Sustainability Committee and educated young students about engineering and climate change as part of the WSP Ottawa Gender Balance Committee.

Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)

In 2022, Harman joined Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) as a senior advisor for Decarbonization Strategy. At JLL, she leads a team of engineers and strategists to develop and implement net-zero carbon and decarbonization strategies for global real estate portfolios. Her work includes carbon portfolio roadmapping and innovative approaches to emissions reduction. 

As of 2024, she serves as Data & Analytics Manager, Climate Impact, where she continues to drive forward global decarbonization efforts.

Leadership and volunteer work

Harman is an advocate for women in energy and sustainability leadership. She co-founded and leads the Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) as part of AEE Canada East, where she also serves as vice president.

She volunteers as a Sustainability Advisor to the National Children's Botanical Garden of Canada and has mentored students through the OCSB Social Entrepreneurs Program.

Awards and recognition

Harman has received several accolades for her work in sustainability, including being named a 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader and the 2021 Young Energy Professional of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers.

Personal life 
Harman enjoys contributing to environmental initiatives and mentoring young professionals in the energy and engineering fields.

References

1994 births
Living people
Canadian women engineers
Gender equality
21st-century Canadian women engineers