Québec, May 21, 2026. – The Institut de la statistique du Québec released today the results of the third edition of the Survey on Sustainable Development, Eco-Responsible Practices and Clean Technologies conducted among 7,000 businesses. This report contains detailed analyses by business size, industry and sales figure in addition to comparing the data from the three editions of the survey.
Formal commitments down, but a willingness to do better
Businesses were asked about their formal commitment to a sustainability strategy, meaning an official, public, documented commitment for which there is accountability. Approximately 4.9% of businesses with five or more employees were committed to such a strategy in 2025, down from 2023 (7.5%), but similar to the 2020 level (4.8%).
This drop was mainly observed among businesses with fewer than 250 employees (6.9% in 2023 vs. 4.5% in 2025), as the proportion remained unchanged among larger businesses (31.3% in 2025). The larger a business is, the more likely it is to be committed to a sustainability strategy.
Proportion of businesses committed to a formal sustainability strategy, Québec, 2020, 2023 and 2025
Source
Institut de la statistique du Québec, Survey on Sustainable Development, Eco-Responsible Practices and Clean Technologies.
In terms of less formal actions, businesses can implement eco-responsible practices, take measures to make the economy more circular, or use clean technologies.
In Québec, 92.6% of businesses reported having implemented at least one eco-responsible practice in 2024, up from 86.9% in 2022.
About 7% of businesses said they had hired staff or external resources with skills in the field of eco-responsible business practices, sustainable development or clean technologies.
Around 44% of businesses indicated that they intend to adopt eco-responsible business practices or a sustainability strategy, improve the ones already in place, or use clean technologies.
Use of clean technologies down among smaller businesses
More than 6 in 10 businesses (60.1%) reported using clean technologies. This proportion is down from 2022 (68%) and 2019 (71%). Generally, the larger a business is or the higher its sales figure, the more likely it is to have used clean technologies. The share of businesses that used such technologies stands at 59.5% for businesses with 5 to 99 employees and at 68.8% for those with 100 or more employees.
Clean technologies related to residual materials management are the most common, as they are used by more than 43% of businesses.
Preserving biodiversity and natural resources is also a concern
About 9% of businesses reported having implemented practices aimed at preserving biodiversity and natural resources. Among these businesses, 61% implemented greening measures and 53% put in place measures to protect or restore natural environments, without being compelled by law to do so.
Read the survey report for the 2025 edition (PDF) [in French only].
Read the analysis on clean technology use (PDF) [in French only].
Coming soon
The Institut de la statistique du Québec will soon release an updated version of its bulletins on eco-responsible business practices and circular economy practices. Keep an eye on our release dates or subscribe to be informed when they are published.
The Institut de la statistique du Québec is the public body responsible for providing reliable, objective statistical information about Québec society. 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.