SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

 

For GNL Québec, working in accordance with the principles of sustainable development means being focused on the long-term management of the Saguenay Energy project by continuously improving its environmental performance, its social presence and its positive economic impact in its host environment. This is why GNL Québec has adopted a sustainable development policy that integrates its 16 principles into all current and future activities of the project.

Sustainable development policy :

INNOVATING LOCALLY, DELIVERING GLOBALLY

 

Preamble

Energy is at the heart of economic prosperity and the quality of the environment. The contribution of energy to economic development, poverty reduction, support for education and the general increase in our quality of life and that of humanity is recognized by all. It is in this global context that the Énergie Saguenay project aims to use cutting-edge technologies to reduce GHG emissions in developed economies, and allow developing countries and communities to choose a flexible and low-cost energy source. GHG emissions in the context of the necessary global energy transition.

 

Governments around the world and major international organizations (UNFCCC) recognize that the use of energy is inseparable from economic and social development and the fight against climate change. The role of greenhouse gases (GHGs) on current climate change is well established (IPCC, 2013). Their reduction has become a constant struggle for the national (Quebec City Summit, 2015) and international (Paris Agreement, 2015) community. In Quebec, to achieve this, two major projects are unanimous: the reduction of GHG emissions, and the development and implementation of renewable energy sources according to an inclusive modulation of the transition-substitution type (Gouvernement du Québec, 2016). GNL Québec's ultimate desire is to carry out an exemplary project, with limited negative impacts, which takes into account the considerations of the environment in which it is located.

Mission

 

In a context of energy transition towards a less carbon-intensive planetary economy, GNL Québec's primary mission is to make available natural gas with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by building a complex on the site of the Port Saguenay industrial-port zone. liquefaction and export of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This complex, while having significant economic and social benefits in the national and regional economy, will be exemplary thanks to its innovative facilities and its commitment to carbon neutrality. It will meet a worldwide energy demand that will continue to grow, while helping to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere now and for future generations. Indeed, for the same energy delivered, natural gas emits less GHGs than fuel oil, diesel (-30%) and coal (-50%), in addition to almost completely avoiding the production of atmospheric pollutants such as as nitrogen oxides and fine particles (EPA, 2004).

In addition to pursuing its primary mission, GNL Québec, aware of the regional, national and global energy context, endorses the intentions formulated in the latest energy policy of the Government of Quebec (2016) and thus intends
support the necessary development associated with sustainable energy projects and transition to an economy emitting less GHG.

Sustainable development principles

 

GNL Québec undertakes to deploy the necessary means to meet its primary mission, its commitments and its obligations, by applying to all of its activities, and to the extent possible (technical and economic feasibility), the 10 following principles:

 

  • Prevent all forms of pollution, protect the environment and continuously improve the company's environmental performance: creation of a monitoring committee, drafting of procedures, annual report, etc.
  • Deploy environmental awareness and training programs for its staff and suppliers: continuous training, accreditation, etc.
  • Minimize its own greenhouse gas emissions: implementation of measurement techniques and corrective means, etc.
  • Proactively and transparently comply with the laws and regulations governing its activities to ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements and recognized codes of good practice in terms of the environment and occupational health and safety: annual audit, etc.
  • Support research and development in order to propel innovative technologies in terms of reducing GHG emissions: carbon capture and sequestration, propulsion engine using LNG, supplement to renewable energy sources, etc.
  • Ensure constant dialogue with local stakeholders, including First Nations, in order to have a good understanding of the needs and requirements of the project host community: consultation committee.
  • Maintain stakeholder consultation activities throughout the project life cycle (planning, construction, operation): formation of a project monitoring committee.
  • Participate in the activities of local and regional organizations dedicated to the development of the host community and the development of projects with local and regional economic benefits.
  • Maximize the local economic benefits of the project through an appropriate, ethical and fair hiring and local purchasing policy for all stakeholders: according to criteria that will be known to all and identified by all stakeholders.
  • Collaborate in the development of regional industrial and mining sectors, and northern regions.

Sustainable development means for GNL Québec that it is focused on the long-term management of its project, by continuously improving its environmental performance, its social presence and its positive economic impact in the host environment.

 

GNL Québec intends to position itself as an exemplary and innovative company thanks to its commitment to constantly improve its performance in terms of sustainable development throughout the life cycle of its project.