Responsible economy and decarbonization are no longer abstract concepts. Integrating them now allows companies to acquire contracts or subsidies that will make those most resistant to change salivate.
Exxel Polymers recalled this, on the occasion of the “Granby in net-zero carbon 2030” initiative, launched Thursday morning by Granby Industriel in the premises of the Granby Industrial and Digital Crossroads.
“Clients are now approaching us saying: ‘I have to reduce my carbon footprint, it’s required in the contract. How do I do it?” explains Hans Fortin, Managing Director of Exxel Polymers.
New environmental requirements
Some industrial sectors have, more quickly than others, integrated the new environmental situation into their processes.
Pierre Fillion, CEO of the Sustainable Industries Council, during his speech Thursday morning (Catherine Trudeau/La Voix de l’Est)
“In the aeronautics sector, major clients are now demanding from their suppliers [plusieurs sont à Granby] carbon footprints, decarbonization action plans,” gives the example of Éric Tessier, director of industrial development at Granby Industriel.
Banks sensitive to decarbonization
Another strong argument likely to encourage companies to move up a gear in this area.
According to Desjardins, companies’ decarbonization plans and those to deal with climate emergencies are now taken into account to determine whether or not a financial loan will be granted.
“It’s a new reality,” comments Mr. Tessier.
Éric Tessier, director of industrial development at Granby Industriel (Catherine Trudeau/La Voix de l’Est)
Step 1: Awareness raising and measurement of GHGs
Granby Industriel’s initiative aims in particular to support between five and ten local companies on the path to decarbonization, for 18 months.
This will be done through group training and actions in each of the participating companies.
“The goal is to make companies autonomous in their management of GHGs.”
“We want to make them understand that this can also benefit them economically. When you reduce your GHGs, you have carbon credits that can be exchanged for others who want to offset their emissions.”
— Éric Tessier, director of industrial development at Granby Industriel
Before succeeding in reducing your GHGs, the essential step, underlines Mr. Tessier, is to measure your GHG emissions.
“No miracle recipe”
Then, “there is no miracle recipe,” says Mr. Tessier.
According to him, it is up to each company to see where it can make environmental gains.
Whether with its suppliers, at the transport level or elsewhere in its supply and production chain.
Product lifespan and reuse are also sustainability factors.
Experts trained in companies
Experts in decarbonization will also be trained within the staff of companies in Montérégie de l’Estrie.
“We want to become a hub [carrefour] dissemination and training in net-zero carbon.”
— Eric Tessier
Pierre Fillion, CEO of the Sustainable Industries Council, warned the entrepreneurs present Thursday morning that the decarbonization train was now passing.
“Be net-zero leaders of your industry, he challenged them. Only companies with a future will be part of the parade!”
