The Y and the Environment: Sustainable Development at the Heart of Communities
As a social impact organization, we take environmental issues to heart. Our commitment to the green transition is an integral part of our processes, projects, and initiatives. We are conscious of our footprint, both social and environmental.
How Are We Working to Protect the Environment?
At the Y, we integrate sustainable development and the people passionate about it in how we do things. This takes many forms.
Facilities with a Low Environmental Footprint
Several measures have been implemented in our facilities to reduce our environmental footprint. For example, we work hard to reduce our energy and water consumption, and increase and improve our recycling practices. Wherever possible, we participate in the composting programs of the municipalities where we offer our programs and services.
- Composting toilets and reed bed filters at Camp YMCA Kanawana.
- Transition to LED lighting in our pools and gymnasiums.
- Use of geothermal energy at the Cartierville YMCA centre.
- Cool roof at the Saint-Roch YMCA.
- Rigorous monitoring of public services (electricity and gas).
Think green
In our youth programming
We integrate environmental concepts, respect for nature, and sustainable development into our youth programming. This includes themes, rules, and activities in our summer camp, located in the heart of nature. Our C-Vert program also aims to train young environmental leaders through concrete projects in the community.
In the association
In addition, every year we renew our environmental commitment through our Green Committee, whose mandate is to develop and implement a sustainability action plan for the association.
