KINGSEY FALLS, QC,
Nov. 19, 2010
(Press Release) -
Yesterday, during the seventh edition of the Tremblant Forum on Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Bombardier and Cascades-recipients of a Québec Prize of Excellence in Corporate Citizenship in 2010 and 2009, respectively-announced a groundbreaking collaborative agreement on corporate social responsibility. Once again, the two corporations are leading the way by showing that it is possible to create a new, innovative business model.
Under this agreement, Bombardier will purchase environmentally responsible goods and services from Cascades at the same cost as the corporation's previous suppliers. In return, Cascades will share its expertise in energy efficiency with a view of helping Bombardier further reduce the environmental footprint of its operations, beginning with its Saint-Laurent plant in Montréal.
"We have developed unique expertise in energy efficiency over the years, and we are prepared to share that knowledge and contribute to the sustainable development of other companies," said Alain Lemaire, President and Chief Executive Officer, Cascades Inc. "We introduced this idea to Bombardier because we believe that passing on our values and know-how is integral to a responsible company's growth."
"Introducing Cascades' eco-friendly products at our plants in the Montréal area makes perfect sense from an environmental standpoint," said Guy C. Hachey, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. "In exchange, Cascades' offer to advise us on energy efficiency fits in perfectly with our drive for continuous improvement and provides added value for both organizations... and for the environment."
Discussions between Bombardier and Cascades are ongoing as the organizations try to find more collaborative opportunities within Bombardier's other sites worldwide, in Transportation and Aerospace alike. It is their hope that making this agreement public will inspire other companies to initiate a constructive dialogue, allow others to benefit from their expertise and work together to improve their environmental performance.
