Canada's ESG Future
Honourable François-Philippe Champagne Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Q&A
Given the global shift towards ESG investing, how is Canada positioning itself as a leader in leveraging technological advancements to attract sustainable investment and promote economic growth while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility?
By supporting clean technology companies to develop leading edge products and services that the world needs, we are transforming the green economic future of Canada. We continue to accelerate
the transition to clean growth through new tax credits outlined in our recent budget. That includes measures such as the new Electric Vehicle Supply Chain investment tax credit, which will provide a 10 per cent tax credit for the cost of buildings used in the EV supply chain for businesses that invest in Canada across three key supply chain segments:
• EV assembly;
• EV battery production; and,
• cathode active material production.
Budget 2024 also renewed the Clean Growth Hub, an initiative co-led by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Natural Resources Canada. Together, they have partnered with 16 other departments and agencies to offer this one-stop shop to help businesses navigate the federal government’s numerous clean economy programs and incentives.
Pomerleau’s Leadership in ESG is Leading to a
focus on sustainable construction and ESG
Did you know that buildings and construction activities account for 30 per cent of Canada's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions? The sector has a key role to play in the fight against climate change. That’s why Pomerleau joined the Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge in 2023. The general contractor intends to help lead the transition to a low-carbon economy and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
To reach this goal, integrating the principles of environmental protection, social engagement, and sound governance (ESG) on worksites and in offices is key. In the last year, Pomerleau has achieved success with several of its sustainable projects.
The University of Toronto’s Academic Wood Tower
The University of Toronto’s Academic Wood Tower (UTAT) has begun to take shape, serving as a beacon of progress for environmental infrastructure. Once completed, the mass timber building is expected to be the tallest of its kind
in Canada and one of the tallest timber and steel hybrid structures in North America.
“We’re seeing more and more owners adopt mass timber construction due to its many advantages, including biophilic design, reduced carbon footprint, and speed of construction. As one of Canada’s leading general contractors, Pomerleau is well-positioned to leverage our experience in mass timber construction to deliver these types of projects across Canada,” says Ryan Going, Project Manager for UTAT.
715 Mikinàk Street
Pomerleau recently built the Ottawa Community Housing neighbourhood, 715 Mikinàk Street. The design was inspired by Passive House standards, which seek to reduce GHG emissions and operational costs for owners and tenants. Solar panels were installed on the residences’ roofs, producing power equivalent to charging 16 million smartphones yearly. In addition to the environmental
Greener Future
contributions, Mikinàk allocated 20 units to the Indigenous community.
As one of Canada’s Greenest Employers, Pomerleau is making a commitment to advance its ESG performance. Right now, over half of its building sector projects are aiming for sustainable certifications. With the foundations established to build a sustainable future, Pomerleau is on track to achieve its ESG goals and make a difference within the construction industry.
To learn more, visit pomerleau.ca
This article was sponsored by Pomerleau
Grace McGrenere
Pomerleau’s
Building mutual trust and respect matters
Building relationships is a journey. We’re putting our energy into working with Indigenous communities to learn, grow and earn trust.
Progressing our sustainability performance matters
A healthy environment is essential. That’s why we’re putting our energy into focusing on our impact on air, water, land, biodiversity and climate. Working together towards Canada’s net zero goal matters
As part of Pathways Alliance, a collaboration between Canada’s six largest oil sands producers, we’re putting our energy into looking for ways to reduce our emissions from operations.
