It is with great pride that the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour announces the continuation of its sustainable development support program PROAction for the next 3 years thanks to the collaboration of the Alcoa Foundation. The PROAction support program aims to assist businesses, municipalities, and organizations in strategic sustainable development thinking for the implementation of structural actions that have social and economic impacts while reducing environmental impacts.
This three-year partnership thus consolidates the awareness and support efforts in sustainable development that have already begun and continues in this direction for the coming years. « In addition to supporting programs that create sustainable value for the communities where Alcoa is present, the Alcoa Foundation aims to promote the fight against climate change. The work of the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour is directly aligned with this mission, and that is why we are proud to contribute to the PROAction program by allocating nearly $100,000 CAD between 2019 and 2022 », indicates Julie Dubé, representative of the Alcoa Foundation.
Established by the SADC in 2017, the program has enabled the realization of 10 conferences on sustainable development themes as well as the support of five businesses and four municipalities. « The SADC has been talking about sustainable development for a long time! Since 2006, the organization has been focused on developing the potential and skills of local entrepreneurs and leaders to promote sustainable development of organizations and our territory. The arrival of the PROAction program further strengthens our commitment to support businesses and communities in this regard », mentions Steve Brunelle, general director of the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour.
In detail, the program, which is aimed at business or organization managers as well as elected officials and municipal administrations, focuses on awareness, information, sharing of initiatives, and personalized support towards taking action. The journey, lasting 6 months, takes place within a cohort and offers an introductory training on sustainable development, the realization of a diagnosis aimed at identifying the organization's priority issues, workshops for exchanges between participants, and post-diagnostic support. This support helps identify the most strategic actions to implement in order to reduce costs, increase revenues, reduce environmental impacts, and maximize social benefits. « Nowadays, consumer and citizen expectations regarding the environment and social responsibility are increasingly high; it is important that every organization and business takes this into account. Moreover, it has been shown that companies involved in sustainable development initiatives find it easier to attract young talent and can also better meet the expectations of major clients », indicates Carolyne Aubin, sustainable development advisor at the SADC and program manager.
Recruitment ongoing for PROAction cohorts
Starting next January, the SADC announces the formation of cohorts by sector of activity, namely the cohorts for Commerce and Services, SMEs (manufacturing), and Municipalities/Organizations. A cohort of tourism organizations will also be formed. The number of places is limited to four organizations per cohort. Activities will begin next January and continue until June 2020. The cost of support is $500 with the possibility of accessing a grant through the new Écoleader Fund for businesses. The program also includes the promotion of participating organizations as well as the awarding of recognition for sustainable development efforts at the end of the support period.
Information for business cohort, click here
Information for municipalities and organizations cohort, click here
Examples of action
Energy diagnosis (buildings and equipment), optimization of transportation to reduce GHGs, research for eco-designed packaging, implementation of composting, employee awareness on waste sorting, adding social and environmental criteria to purchasing practices, development of an employee manual, involvement and mobilization of employees in solutions, communication actions and sustainable development policy.
PROAction conferences on sustainable development
This year again, and thanks also to the collaboration of the Écoleader Fund, the SADC will offer inspiring conferences on sustainable development such as on the organization of eco-responsible events, which will take place on December 5, and on February 19, 2020, the conference under the theme « Energy efficiency, how to take action » will be held. Other conferences are to come, including on responsible sourcing, climate change, and clean technologies as part of Earth Day.
The SADC can count on the collaboration of several partners including the Alcoa Foundation, the Intermunicipal Board for Integrated Waste Management Bécancour - Nicolet-Yamaska, Services Québec, the MRC of Nicolet-Yamaska, and the MRC of Bécancour. Other partners will also join the project in the coming years.
For information and registration for the conferences and cohorts, contact Carolyne Aubin, sustainable development advisor at the SADC, at 819 233-3315, extension 2225.