Context

For 55 years, Vélo Québec's mission has been to encourage and facilitate the free and safe practice of cycling for leisure, tourism and transportation purposes, through representation, consultation, research, education, promotion and the organization of events aimed at improving health and the environment. Through its various activities, the organization aims to act as a catalyst for social transformation and improved quality of life through the development and sharing of a cycling culture.

Nevertheless, Vélo Québec recognizes that the organization of its events, which attract tens of thousands of visitors every year, has a significant impact in terms of GHG emissions, waste management and energy consumption. More than ever, bicycles appear to be a simple solution to a number of complex problems, particularly when it comes to the environment. However, Vélo Québec now wants to ensure that its actions don't undermine the work we do every day to offer people more pleasant, sustainable living environments. In keeping with its values, Vélo Québec has therefore decided to adopt objectives and an action plan to reduce the environmental impact of its events, and increase the positive economic, social and environmental impact of its activities on communities.

It had become essential to align the organization's practices with its mission, vision and values, and to share with the public, through action, the best eco-responsible practices for holding major events such as ours. The present Eco-responsibility policy constitutes the organization's roadmap for the next 4 years in the organization of its various activities. At the end of these 4 years, and thanks to a detailed action plan, Vélo Québec will have achieved its objectives, and will have worked to improve the quality of life of Quebecers.

Definitions

Here is a set of definitions that will shed light on the main components of the present document. Eco-responsibility policy.

Accessibility

Character of a product, process, service, information or environment that, with a view to equity and in an inclusive approach, enables any person to carry out activities independently and obtain equivalent results (Groupe DÉFI Accessibilité (GDA), 2011).

Ecoresponsibility 

The need to integrate environmental protection and impact reduction measures into its activities, and the moral obligation to behave responsibly towards the environment. Although eco-responsibility emphasizes the environmental dimension, it is inseparable from a social commitment.

Equity

An approach that promotes fair conditions for everyone to participate fully in society, and recognizes that while everyone has the right to fair treatment, not everyone has - or has had - access to the same resources, opportunities and benefits (Canada Council for the Arts, 2021).

Main events

Vélo Québec organizes numerous events every year. The main cycling events are Go vélo Montréal Festival, the Petite Aventure and the Grand Tour. Vélo Québec also organizes non-cycling events, such as its Annual General Meeting and special seminars.

Guiding principles

Vélo Québec's eco-responsible approach is guided by the following guiding principles, many of which are directly inspired by the organization's values and the principles of the Quebec Sustainable Development Act.

Fields of application

This policy applies to all Vélo Québec events, whether cycling or not, as well as to its office practices.

The persons subject to this policy are all Vélo Québec employees, its Board of Directors, contract workers and interns. They play an active role in achieving the stated objectives. The people associated with this policy are Vélo Québec's partners, suppliers and participants. They are invited to support Vélo Québec in its approach, and to implement actions that are consistent with this policy.

Orientations

Vélo Québec's commitment can be broken down into 4 areas of action. 

Structure and responsibilities

A Green Committee is made up of at least one person from each sector of activity (Association, Events, Publishing and Travel), one person from Communications and Partnerships, one person from Customer Service, and one person from the Executive Committee. This green committee will have the following tasks: 

• Support the persons in charge for all tasks ;
• Develop and update the action plan annually; ;
• Review the policy every 4 years; ;
• Ensure the mobilization of stakeholders to achieve the objectives of this policy; ;
• Raise staff awareness to achieve objectives; ;

This green committee will be headed by two managers. This co-responsibility, made up of one person from the events business sector and one person from the management committee, will have the role of : 

• Coordinate and lead green committee meetings; ;
• Monitor inspiring eco-responsibility best practices applicable to Vélo Québec activities; ;
• Coordinate the drafting of an annual report on the process.
• Create and update an eco-responsibility page on the website, detailing the main actions taken and the results achieved; ;
• Reporting to senior management.
• Present the approach, its actions and the achievement of objectives to the Board of Directors.

Authority

Application of this policy is the responsibility of the Green Committee and its co-managers, under the authority of the President and CEO.

Monitoring and reporting

This policy, and the resulting action plan, will be subject to annual reporting in order to measure the achievement of objectives and the realization of planned actions.

Visit Eco-responsibility policy be reviewed every 4 years by the Green Committee's co-leaders, in collaboration with the VP Operations and the Green Committee in place at the time.