Sustainable Development Approach

1.

Ensure sound environmental management of the Port Territory by going beyond regulations and aiming for the highest standards of Green Marine certification

In 2008, the Port of Québec was among the founding members of Green Marine, an ambitious environmental program that serves as a benchmark for the maritime industry. Since 2018, it has maintained the program’s highest performance level (Level 5) across all applicable indicators, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to environmental excellence and continuous improvement.

2.

Carry out at least five new tangible projects per year to protect and promote the environment and biodiversity in the area

In line with the “Vision 2035” initiative and inspired by the commitments made at COP15 in 2022, the Port of Québec launched a strategic review on biodiversity conservation in 2024. In particular, the Port is committed to carrying out five concrete projects each year to actively contribute to the preservation of natural environments. Discover these projects and our actions in support of biodiversity on the “Biodiversity” page.

Objective : Carry out at least five new tangible projects per year

3.

Adopt a comprehensive greening plan that is consistent with the community’s goals

Since 2018, thousands of plants have been planted on the Port of Québec’s grounds, helping to transform its spaces in a sustainable way. This initiative is part of a greening plan that is comprehensive, integrated into the territory, and designed to strengthen resilience in the face of climate change.

4.

Implement the new Impact Assessment and Mitigation Process (IAMP) for activities and projects on the Port territory

Since 2024, the APQ has implemented the Impact Assessment and Mitigation Process (IAMP), a new version of the Environmental Citizen Participation Process (PEPC) that meets current regulatory requirements while promoting the active participation of affected citizens and First Nations.

5.

Establish objectives for ecosystem preservation, conservation, and enhancement with an ecosystem sustainability plan

The plan is currently being developed with about ten local environmental actors and stakeholders.

Recognizing the importance of combating climate change and anticipating its impacts to ensure the sustainability of its operations, the Port has set greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and plans to develop a climate change adaptation plan in 2026. For more information, visit the Decarbonization and Climate Resilience page.

1.

Enhance the employee experience and maintain a job satisfaction index among the best in comparable organizations

The Port of Québec is strengthening its human resources management by focusing on innovation, performance, and employee well-being. These advancements are part of a long-term vision aimed at building a dynamic, inclusive, and resolutely forward-looking workplace. The charts below provide a concrete illustration of the actions implemented and the progress made toward the established goals regarding employee health, safety, well-being, and engagement.

Objective : Offer 12 occupational health, safety, and wellness initiatives to employees each year.

Objective : Offer 4 volunteer opportunities to employees starting in 2025.

2.

Increase our community involvement, notably by setting up an annual fund dedicated to citizen initiatives

The mission of the Fonds d’initiatives citoyennes innovantes (ICI) is to support meaningful projects conceived and carried out by the citizens of the Capitale-Nationale. It aligns with the Port’s Vision 2035 and its stated commitment to contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future.

Objective : Support 5 community projects per year

3.

Continue to work with stakeholders to improve air quality, particularly through active participation in the 2022–2027 action plan put forward by the Comité intersectoriel sur la contamination environnementale et la qualité de l’air dans l’arrondissement de La Cité-Limoilou (CICEL).

Improving air quality is a priority for the Port of Québec. That is why it has adopted new, more effective practices while continuing its efforts toward innovation in environmental management.

4.

Carry out three projects in collaboration with local stakeholders to address the priorities identified at the citizen round tables.

Project 1 (2024): Greening of the Cap-Blanc area

In response to suggestions from local residents and to improve the visual integration of port operations along Champlain Boulevard, 25 trees and over 340 climbing plants were planted.

Project 2 (2024): Final design developed for the wooded park in the Baie de Beauport area.

The work has defined the proposed layout and the project’s main directions. Efforts to secure funding are currently underway to enable its implementation.

Project 3 (2025): Workshop for reflection and discussion with the community on the revitalization of the Pointe-à-Carcy wharves

The discussions generated ideas and expectations centered on four key themes: dining, recreation, contemplation, and physical activity, thereby helping to foster a shared vision for the site’s revitalization and community ownership.

5.

Continue sharing more relevant information about citizen concerns in an effort to be transparent

The Port has implemented various mechanisms to maintain an open and constructive dialogue with community members, aiming to gather their concerns and ensure the sharing of accurate and relevant information. The Port also reports on the progress of its sustainable development commitments through dedicated information pages.

6.

Foster constructive relationships with First Nations and increase their contribution to Port activities

In February 2025, the Port of Québec and the Wendat Nation formalized a renewed framework agreement aimed at structuring and deepening a relationship based on trust, respect, and the rights of the Wendat Nation. The multisensory showcase, inaugurated in March 2025 at Terminal 30, is a concrete realization of this collaboration, which is in line with the spirit of this framework agreement.

1.

Improve the integration of ESG culture and practices within the organization

Since adopting its very first sustainable development action plan in 2014, the Port of Québec has come a long way. Ten years later, it is taking a new step forward with its third action plan, the result of an open dialogue with its internal and external stakeholders. This initiative reflects a clear ambition: to innovate, continuously improve, and actively contribute to more sustainable port development, for the benefit of the community and future generations.

2.

Support up to four new innovative initiatives per year to further emerging sustainable development solutions

The Port has adopted a collaborative approach by actively integrating itself into the innovation ecosystem. It thus offers a concrete testing ground for research and technological development, allowing companies to test their products, accelerate their time to market, and explore new solutions tailored to the realities of maritime transport and port logistics. To learn more about completed projects, visit the page Projects in Action.

Objective : Support 2 to 4 new initiatives per year.

3.

Gradually integrate new requirements related to ESG practices into our contracting and procurement practices.

The work carried out in 2024 with the ECPAR enabled us to conduct an initial assessment, identify the key principles to be integrated, and define a clear action plan for the gradual integration of new ESG requirements into the procurement process. This work notably led to the development of a responsible procurement policy adopted in 2025.

4.

Gradually integrate new requirements related to ESG considerations into our contracting and procurement practices

Since 2023, the Port of Québec has organized an annual Environment, Health, and Safety Symposium bringing together the Port and its port partners. This event serves as a forum for discussion on key environmental, health, and safety issues in the maritime sector. It also features group discussion and specialized conferences aimed at sharing best ESG practices and strengthening collaboration within the port community.

5.

Gradually integrate new requirements related to ESG considerations into our contracting and procurement practices

The Port of Québec has implemented its first sustainable tourism action plan, developed in collaboration with Destination Québec Cité. In 2024, it became the first port in the Americas to obtain Biosphere certification, an international recognition of sustainable development in the tourism industry. This distinction illustrates the Port’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.