New sustainable development plan unveiled for the Port of Quebec

The Quebec Port Authority has released its strategic plan for Environmental, Social, Governance, and Sustainable Development (ESGSD) for 2024-2028. With 20 specific measures, the plan aligns with the port's Vision 2035, focusing on decarbonization to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% by 2035. The efforts will also focus on cruise activity, with a 50% reduction goal in ship emissions by 2030, contingent upon dock electrification.

“An infrastructure like the Port of Quebec can be a solution to environmental challenges,” says Mario Girard, the port’s CEO and president. “Environmental issues are part of our daily lives, and the development of this new ESGSD action plan demonstrates our determination to go far beyond regulatory requirements when it comes to sustainable development.”

In alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the plan concentrates on four key areas: environment and biodiversity, climate resilience and decarbonization, employees and communities, and ESG leadership. The 20 concrete measures planned include:

• Adopting a greening plan by 2025
• Establishing objectives for ecosystem preservation, conservation and enhancement by 2026
• Analyzing climate risks and opportunities and adopting a climate resilience plan
• Creating an annual fund dedicated to citizen initiatives
• Actively participating in the 2022–2027 action plan of the Comité intersectoriel sur la contamination environnementale et la qualité de l’air dans l’arrondissement de La Cité-Limoilou (CICEL) to improve local air quality.

The Port of Quebec's Vision 2035 aims to position the port as a global leader in sustainable supply chains while recognized for its responsible territory management, environmental stewardship, and citizen-acknowledged biodiversity protection.