Concrete actions for concrete results
Quebecor’s commitment to the environment and sustainable development is deeply embedded in its daily operations. Guided by the strong belief that each action, small or big, can bring about important change, Quebecor’s environmental strategy has given rise to countless initiatives that have concrete impacts on the environment.

Partnerships
Each year, the partnership between Quebecor and Earth Day Quebec encourages thousands of Quebecers to take action for the environment. Certain programs that have been implemented through this partnership include Earth Calling!, Vidéotron’s tree plantations and Archambault’s campaign to encourage its clients to use reusable bags.

Energy efficiency
Quebecor recognizes the importance of climate-change related issues, and makes efforts to improve the energy efficiency of its activities. Among the initiatives implemented, include automatic lighting systems and pilot projects designed to reduce gas consumption by Videotron’s vehicle fleet.

Since August 2010, the north tower of Quebecor’s head office, has boasted one of Quebec’s highest green roofs. Situated on the 15th floor of the building at a height of 60 metres, the green roof yields a host of benefits, such as efficient rainwater management, a reduction in the heat island effect, and increased energy savings.

Furthermore, to facilitate the identification of energy efficiency opportunities, Quebecor decided to measure its carbon footprint, by quantifying the green house gas emissions generated by its activities. Quebecor declared its carbon footprint to the carbon disclosure project (CDP) for the first time in 2011. The CDP is an international initiative launched in 2000 to raise awareness among investors, companies and institutions regarding the risks associated to climate change.

Promoting sustainable procurement
Quebecor Media continues to print all black and- white books on recycled paper containing 100% post-consumer fibers. In 2010, this initiative saved more than 18,000 trees, or the equivalent of 381 football fields. Furthermore, because sustainable procurement is an integral component of the company’s environmental commitment, more than 90% of TVA Publishing’s magazines are now printed on paper that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Since 2009, Archambault has been selling reusable bags and charging its clients $0.05 for each plastic bag requested, all of which is donated to Earth Day Quebec to finance green projects.

The partnership between Videotron and Earth Day Quebec, regarding the on-line billing programme is now finished. With more than 345 000 trees planted, the programme was a great success.  While Videotron would like to thank all of its clients who subscribed to on-line billing, it is now the time for Videotron to develop new initiatives so as to promote on-line billing amongst its clients.

Responsible management of waste
Quebecor has made important efforts to reduce the volume of waste sent to landfill sites. As part of Earth Day Quebec’s Earth Calling! program, Quebecor continues encouraging consumers to bring their old mobile phones to 240 collection points at le Superclub Vidéotron locations, Videotron boutiques and Archambault stores. The devices are donated to Earth Day Quebec, who is in charge of giving them a new lease on life by reusing them when possible or recycling the defective devices. All proceeds from the resale or recycling of the devices are reinvested into Earth Day Quebec’s programs.

Quebecor is also proud to be associated with the Service d’intégration au travail (SIT), a leading community organization in the Mauricie region that promotes workplace integration of people with mental health issues. SIT is helping Videotron manage, in an environmentally responsible manner, the residual materials generated by the construction and maintenance of Videotron’s network.

Raising awareness
It’s with the knowledge that small actions can bring about big changes, that Quebecor uses its media outlets to encourage individuals to do their part for the environment. The TVA Network’s programs, TVA Publishing’s magazines and Quebecor’s other print media frequently highlight environmental stories and promote Earth Day Quebec programs.

Furthermore, Quebecor, in partnership with Boralex, is proud to support Earth Day Quebec’s Home Town Heroes contest. Presented since 2008, the contest strives to encourage the protection of the environment and to recognize exceptional environmental achievement by Quebec residents.