Accompanied by the SADC team, the cohort members participated in the various stages of the PROAction process, including initial training in sustainable development, conducting a diagnosis to identify issues and opportunities, developing an action plan, and personalized support towards concrete actions aimed at adopting eco-responsible business practices and improving environmental, social, and economic performance. The PROAction support program also provides access to specialized consultants based on specific needs and promotes organizations through various communication tools.
Among the actions implemented by the cohort members, notable initiatives include the creation of an internal environmental committee, the deployment of a communication strategy, eco-driving training, improving waste sorting and reducing waste, developing a responsible purchasing policy, energy efficiency assessment, involvement of the board of directors and team members, integrating sustainable development into the organization's strategic planning, circular economy networking for waste, etc.
Among the benefits of such an approach, we note the reduction of energy consumption and environmental footprint, cost savings, workplace well-being and health, attraction and retention of workforce, a positive reputation, and impacts on customers and the community.
« It is an honor for the SADC to support businesses and organizations that have decided to embody the values and principles of sustainable development in their mission and are taking action. By actively participating in the social and ecological transition, these leaders are paving the way for the entire community », proudly mentions Ophélie Couspeyre, president of the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour.
The SADC can count on valuable financial collaborators to deploy the PROAction program, including the Alcoa Foundation, the main partner. Ms. Émilie Boissonneault, communications advisor at the Bécancour Aluminum Smelter and representative of the Alcoa Foundation, spoke to highlight the involvement of participants and the importance of such an approach for businesses and communities. It is worth noting that the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour benefits from a three-year financial collaboration of $100,000 from the Alcoa Foundation to offer the PROAction sustainable development support program to businesses, organizations, and municipalities in its territory. This year, the SADC is part of the sustainable recovery cohort project implemented by the SADC and CAE Network with financial collaboration from the Écoleader Fund.
The PROAction sustainable development support
Offered since 2017 by the SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour, the PROAction sustainable development support has enabled more than 50 businesses, organizations, and municipalities in the territory to take concrete action. It is also possible to receive tailored sustainable development support outside of the cohort at any time.
The SADC of Nicolet-Bécancour is funded by the Community Development Program of Economic Development Canada. The organization holds an investment fund of over $6.5M and supports 133 local businesses, generating more than 1200 jobs. For 36 years now, the SADC has been evolving in the regional landscape by offering local communities the opportunity to find innovative and tailored solutions to promote the economic, sustainable, and local development of the region. The territory of the SADC consists of the MRC of Nicolet-Yamaska, the MRC of Bécancour, and the Grand Daveluyville.
From left to right: Valentine Roche, development advisor at the SADC, Damien Adam from Soudure Camille Castonguay, Claudia Boissonneault from Autocar Hélie, Eric Desmarais from Spec-Tech, Mariève Proulx-Roy, former director of the CDC of Nicolet-Yamaska, Chantale Bédard from the Parc de la Rivière Gentilly, and Carolyne Aubin, sustainable development advisor at the SADC.
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For information:
Carolyne Aubin, Sustainable Development Advisor
819 233-3315 ext. 2225 | caraubin@sadcnicoletbecancour.ca