CAE MEMPHRÉMAGOG TAKES A PROACTIVE APPROACH TO ESG AND HAS IMPLEMENTED SEVERAL CONCRETE PRACTICES
The term ESG covers a wide range of topics, from environmental to social to governance-related issues.
The ESG profile aims to address the financial materiality of non-financial issues for an organization.
E – Environmental Criteria
Environmental criteria include issues related to energy and waste management :
Energy management involves tracking, controlling, and conserving energy used in buildings, facilities, and operations.
Carbon Neutrality
Implementation of an action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including an annual carbon footprint since 2021.
o 2024 Carbon Footprint
- 7.65 tons of CO₂ emitted
- Offset Compensation through ECOTIERRA and its PIVOT program in the Estrie region
Waste management refers to the process of collecting, transporting, processing, recycling, and disposing of waste.
Certification
First recognition certification “ICI on recycle +” obtained in 2018
Holder of an Elite recognition certificate Élite from the “ICI on recycle +” program
https://www.recyc-quebec.gouv....
Recycling
- Installation of 4-stream bins in the shared kitchenette and removal of other bins from individual offices and shared spaces
- The latest waste characterization study shows a recovery rate of 93%
- Compostable materials are collected separately
- Returnable containers are collected separately and returned to a collection site
- Household hazardous waste is collected and safely disposed of at an eco-center
- Ink cartridges are collected and sent to “La Cartoucherie” for remanufacturing
Digital management of board meeting documentation
- Board meetings are held using digital tools to reduce paper use
S – Social Criteria
Social criteria include issues related to human resource management :
These are strategies to attract new talent and innovate in management practices to retain employees long-term.
HR Policy
- Adoption of a flexible and agile human resources policy offering attractive and highly competitive benefits that support attraction and retention.
Remote Work Policy
Implementation of a remote work policy enabling a hybrid work model to balance professional and personal needs.
Agile Communication Structure
- A structure that encourages communication through monthly team meetings and one-on-one sessions to discuss work plans and individual development plans
- ESG status points are included in monthly team meetings
Organizational Structure
Identification of an optimal structure with team input, including opportunities to enhance roles within the organization
- Succession planning conducted for all organizational positions
Environment and Community
- Cohorts of businesses are organized to encourage or accelerate sustainable development practices
These aspects ensure a safe and healthy work environment for all employees
Risk Analysis
A workplace risk assessment was conducted (biological, physical, ergonomic, psychosocial, and safety risks)
OHS Action Plan
Adoption and implementation of a health and safety action plan outlining preventive measures
Interim OHS System
- Adoption of an interim prevention and participation mechanism for workplace health and safety
- Appointment of a liaison officer
These involve creating a workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and included
Pay Equity
Completion of a pay equity process ensuring fair compensation based on role and responsibilities
Team Diversity
- A workforce that is diverse in age and gender-balanced among both employees and board members
Geographical Diversity
- Board members represent all regions of the MRC
Skills Diversity
- Board members bring diverse economic sector knowledge and management expertise
G – Governance Criteria
Governance criteria include issues related to the strategic management of the organization :
Cybersecurity protects stakeholder data, ensures operational resilience, and maintains trust in the digital era
Data Privacy Policy
- Adoption and implementation of a personal and confidential information management policy in compliance with Law 25
Cybersecurity Diagnosis
Annual cybersecurity assessment to measure performance and identify improvement opportunities
Employee Training
- Employees receive training on secure digital tool usage
- A policy on the use of digital tools has been implemented
- Cybersecurity is a recurring item in monthly team meetings
Business ethics refer to moral principles and values guiding an organization’s decisions and actions
Mission, Vision, Values
Organizational mission, vision, and values are aligned with ethical management and updated as needed
Code of Ethics and Confidentiality
All employees and board members sign a code of ethics and confidentiality policy
Policies
- The board adopts various policies governing its role and responsibilities
Strategy and planning involve setting goals, defining objectives, and determining the best course of action
Strategic Planning
- A triennial strategic planning process with annual updates in collaboration with the team and adoption by the board
Action Plans
Annual action plans outlining specific activities and measurable targets for the three business lines: local economic development, technical support, and financing
Risk Analysis
Completion of an organizational risk assessment with an action plan to mitigate risks based on importance/probability scale
Responsible procurement means sourcing goods and services while considering their environmental, social, and economic impacts
Responsible Procurement Policy
Adoption and implementation of a policy promoting, among other things, the use of local goods and services when possible
- Use of the Estrie social economy business directory to identify partners in this economic sector
https://economiesocialeestrie.ca/acheter-en-economie-sociale/
Use of Responsible Products
- Use of Ecologo-certified cleaning products
- Use of 100% post-consumer recycled FSC-certified paper
- Use of Bonterra tissues, made in Quebec