On June 5, 2013, at a news conference held in Parc Jacques-Cartier, in Sherbrooke, Enviro-access awarded Carbon Care(TM) certification ― Compensated emissions to the Canada Summer Games ― Sherbrooke 2013. It is the first event to receive this certification.
“The host organization of the Canada Summer Games ― Sherbrooke 2013 has shown leadership by organizing the first event to obtain Carbon Care(TM) certification ― Compensated emissions. This certification confirms the highlevel commitment made by the host organization to manage its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions responsibly,” explained Enviro-access president and CEO Manon Laporte.
M. Patrice Cordeau, director of the Sustainable Development Service at the Canada Summer Games – Sherbrooke 2013 and Mrs Manon Laporte, CEO of Enviro-accès. Credits: Yves Longpré
The Canada Summer Games ― Sherbrooke 2013 organizers have drawn up an inventory of their GHG emissions before even staging the games. They have also drafted and implemented an action plan to reduce these emissions. Lastly, they have offset their emissions by buying carbon credits. In a context where the public is both increasingly aware of the need for action to protect the environment, particularly regarding GHG emissions, and increasingly critical of organizations that neglect to do so, the actions certified here stand out as a remarkable achievement on the part of the organizers of a sporting event.
“We are particularly proud not only of having succeeded in obtaining Carbon CareTM certification, but also of having organized sustainable games, outfitted with equipment especially designed for managing residual materials and potable water. This achievement required a genuine and concrete commitment from all members of the team,” declared Patrice Cordeau, director, Sustainable Development Service for the Canada Summer Games ― Sherbrooke 2013.
Carbon CareTM certification by Enviro-access ― Event Category
This recognition confirms that an event organizer is sensitive to its potential impact on climate change and proactive in managing the gas emissions produced in the planning and staging of the event. In addition, it attests that the organizer has prepared an inventory of its GHG emissions, prior to the event, based on the requirements of ISO standard 14064-1 and including emissions from relevant sources, such as:
- vehicles used
- buildings and spaces occupied
- equipment used on the sites.
The organizers must also provide tangible proof of initiatives taken that clearly show their commitment to reducing their GHG emissions both before and during the event. In this respect, the Canada Summer Games ― Sherbrooke 2013 organizers have exceeded all expectations by developing and applying not only a GHG emission reduction plan containing numerous measures aimed at reducing their energy consumption and hence their GHG emissions, but also:
- a sustainable development policy;
- an environmentally responsible procurement policy;
- an environmentally responsible action plan.
Carbon CareTM certification ― Compensated emissions
Organizations wishing to go even further in their commitment have the option of compensating for their emissions by entering into an agreement to purchase and withdraw GHG emission reductions in order to offset all the emissions quantified in the GHG inventory of their event. These organizations then qualify for Carbon CareTM certification ― Compensated emissions.
Carbon CareTM certification is intended for private and public companies, as well as municipalities, financial and educational institutions, and events.
Press releases
The Wall Street Journal (June 6, 2013) – Canada Summer Games Sherbrooke 2013 earns Carbon Care(TM) Certification Compensated emissions from Enviro-access
Yahoo!Finance (June 6, 2013) – Canada Summer Games – Sherbrooke 2013 earns Carbon Care(TM) Certification – Compensated emissions from Enviro-access
Solid Wate & Recycling (June 6, 2013) – Canada Summer Games – Sherbrooke 2013 earns Carbon Care(TM) Certification – Compensated emissions from Enviro-access
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