Over
the last few decades the concept behind the opening and running a business has
undergone numerous changes. Today, owning a business or a company comes along
with several responsibilities such as environmental conservation, sustainable
exploitation of energy and social responsibility. Sustainable business
development has attained substantial recognition in Quebec and other
neighboring regions. Even so, if sustainable development is to achieve its
potential, business owners must integrate it with planning and adoption of
strategies that meet the needs of the enterprise and its stakeholders. The
following essay focuses on the sustainable development strategy in Quebec.
The enactment of
the sustainable development act
Quebec
City has been on the front line in establishing initiatives to encourage
organizations to pursue sustainable practices in running their operations. The
initiatives are aimed at integrating environmental economic and social concerns
in the operation of a business regardless of its size. The passage of the
sustainable development act was a major milestone towards achieving sustainable
business development in Quebec. According to the government’s vision, Quebec
intends to produce responsible, innovative society that is based on harmony between
economic vitality, environmental quality, social equity and whose quality of
life is and remains a reality. According to the sustainability act enacted in
2012, every government department, agency and enterprise must publicize its
contribution to the 2011-2016 sustainability strategy.
Energy
efficiency initiatives
Among
other energy efficiency initiatives, hydro-Quebec is aiming at saving energy of
up to 11 TW/h by 2015. This will be achieved through the establishment of a
voltage regulation and reactive power control project to reduce power losses.
Saving on electric power is one of the strategies that Quebec leadership has
adopted as part of their sustainable development program.
Reducing
emission of green house gasses
Quebec
has adopted an environmental program aimed at reducing green house gasses
emanating from vehicles and industries. The program of green house gas
reduction is in line with Quebec energy strategy, climate change action plan
and Quebec policy for eco-responsible government initiated in 2006 and 2013.
Under this program the government targets the incorporation of fuel efficient,
electric and hybrid vehicles along with community education on environmentally
friendly driving habits. This will reduce the amount of green house gasses emitted
into the atmosphere by a great extent.
Preserving and
enhancing biodiversity in transmission and distribution
In
the attempt to ensure continuity of service, vegetation in transmission and
distribution line rights-of-way must be controlled. In response to this,
various companies have joined in the initiative to promote bio-diversity in
regions that are affected by the presence of transmission and distribution
lines. Some of the initiatives put in place to increase biodiversity include
protection of streams, onsite management of wood debris and preservation of
wetlands.
Implementation of Quebec’s policy for
eco-responsible government
Policy
for eco-responsible government targets the involvement of the government in
various programs aimed at improving the environment. The government is involved
in the collection of hazardous waste materials, metal recycling and
reconditioning of power lines. In addition to these initiatives, the government
has also implemented a project of analyzing products before purchase. Analysts
test the safety of a certain product and give eco-responsibility specifications
before purchase or importation of a product.
Question 2
There
are a number of companies that have responded positively to the initiation of
suitable business strategy in Quebec. Hydro-Quebec is one of the companies that
have been on the fore front in the implementation of this project. During its
existence the company has incorporated several principles of sustainable
development in its business practices. Through the leadership of Thierry Vandal hydro-Quebec has not only achieved
great success in its business operations, but has also seen the implementation
of several projects under sustainable business strategy.
Question 3
There are a number of highly
ranked sustainability practices that are practically evident in Canada. These
practices are not an exclusive responsibility for the government or a few
companies which are well endowed.
Instead, the practices have been adopted by all citizens of Canada
regardless of their position in business or leadership.
Government involvement in the
sustainability program is a remarkable achievement that Canada has made ahead
of other regions. This is the main factor behind the success of the
sustainability program since its implementation. The government leads its
people by setting an example in implementing and taking part in the program.
Adoption of energy efficient
systems is also a notable development that Canada has made in adopting
sustainable development. These energy efficient programs have been adopted in
companies as well as households in Canada. Canada has managed to save a
considerable amount of energy and is still targeting and an increase in power
efficiency.
Another significant
sustainability practice is the enhancement of bio-diversity and protection of
natural environment. This helps in preserving rare plant species and wild
animals. Reducing the green house gases also plays a major role in protecting
the environment. Conserving the environment is taken as a collective
responsibility for every citizen living in Canada. This creates a safe
environment for human beings animals and plants.
Reference list
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Studies, 24(3): 403-441.
Adam M.&
Sabine, S. (2010) Doing good buffers against feeling bad: Prosocial impact
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Harrison& Robert A.P. (2010). Managing for
stakeholders, stakeholder utility functions, and competitive advantage. Strategic
Management Journal, 31:58-74.
Vinod, R.& Singhal& Ravi, S. (2010) An
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the firm. Journal of Operations Management, 28: 430-441.
Clarke, A.(2012). Passing Go: Moving Beyond the
Plan. Ottawa, ON: Federation of Canadian Municipalities
MacDonald, A. (2012). Community collaboration
for sustainability in Canada: Incentives and disincentives for partner
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(Unpublished Master’s Thesis). Waterloo, ON: University of Waterloo.
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