Notice of release
Québec, May 28, 2024. – The Institut de la statistique du Québec released today the results of the second edition of the Survey on Sustainable Development, Eco-Responsible Practices and Clean Technologies conducted among 5,000 businesses. The survey report contains detailed analyses by business size, industry and sales figure. It also compares data from 2022 with those from 2019 (previous edition).
Eco-responsible business practices
A majority of Québec businesses (87%) reported having at least one eco-responsible business practise in place in 2022, the same proportion as in 2019.
For the first time, the Institut is releasing data on the proportion of businesses that have in place at least one eco-responsible business practice related to the circular economy apart from recycling. This proportion was 69% in 2022.
Some eco-responsible business practices are becoming increasingly common
When comparing the results with those from 2019, some positive changes can be seen in terms of the following eco-responsible business practices:
| 2019 | 2022 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Residual materials management (recycling, composting, etc.) | 46% | 61% | |
| Energy management | 24% | 32% | |
| GHG emissions reduction | 14% | 18% | |
| Air emissions management | 8% | 12% | |
The proportion of businesses that have in place eco-responsible business practices related to the fight against climate change rose from 32% in 2019 to 39% in 2022.
However, there has been a decline in terms of eco-responsible investment (17% in 2019 vs. 12% in 2022) and contribution to the community’s development and quality of life (42% in 2019 vs. 34% in 2022).
Learn more about eco-responsible business practices.
Use of clean technology stable since 2019
Nearly 7 out of 10 businesses reported using clean technology (68%). This proportion is not statistically different from 2019.
The proportion of businesses with five or more employees that reported having used clean technology was higher than average in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting (79%), manufacturing (76.1%), and mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (74%).
In contrast, this proportion was lower than average in the information and cultural industries sector (46%).
Moreover, 32% of businesses reported having used clean technology related to the fight against climate change, a proportion that has remained stable since 2019.
Learn more about clean technology use.
Commitment to a formal sustainability approach on the rise
The proportion of businesses that have committed to a formal sustainability approach has increased from 4.8% in 2020 to 7.5% in 2023. The sustainability approach must be formalized, documented, and subject to accountability mechanisms.
For 25 years, the Institut de la statistique du Québec has been producing, analyzing, and disseminating official, objective and high-quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision makers and an essential source of information for all those wishing to learn more about Québec.