To contribute to SDG 12, which aims to "ensure sustainable consump- tion and production patterns," we are working hard to minimize our footprint, both in terms of the purchases we make, and the residual materials our projects might generate.

39

Maximize the lifespan of goods and materials

The environmental impact related to materials at the different stages of the value chain is enormously im- portant for an industry like ours. The construction of buildings and infrastructure requires an impressive number of inputs. Manufacturing processes have an environmental footprint, generating residual mate- rials of all kinds: concrete, wood, metal, gypsum, etc.

Strategy on the circularity of goods and materials

Our strategy on the circularity of goods and materials is based on the principles of the circular economy, which prioritize reducing the consumption of resources and protecting the ecosystems that generate them, and reusing and/or recycling or re- covering already existing materials. Pomerleau s circularity strategy aims to see our environmental ambitions reflected throughout our value chain.

Our strategy is centred on two goals:

→ Account for residual materials, to manage them better.

→ Integrate circular economy principles into Pomerleau s procurement processes.

In Quebec, nearly 2 million tons of residual CRD5 materials are sent to sorting centres each year, while the total quantity of residues generated by the industry remains unknown. Despite their potential for recovery, a large proportion of these residues are destined for landfill.

5 Construction, renovation, and demolition

GREEN VALUE CHAIN → CIRCULAR ECONOMY