Launch of a New Sustainable Development Policy and Action Plan

With pride and enthusiasm, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes unveiled its new Sustainable Development Policy to team members in September. In addition to outlining the firm’s mission, vision, values, and key areas of focus, the policy includes an action plan, a responsible procurement plan, eco-friendly workplace practices, and guiding principles to be applied to its architectural projects.

Led by Sergio Acevedo, architect and head of sustainable development, the policy—and its related documents—aims to integrate sustainable development principles into all areas of the firm’s operations. Tailored to the company’s specific needs and fields of practice, it reflects its commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of its operations and services, while generating positive impacts on clients’ projects, communities, and the quality of life of team members over the long term.

Recognition from Vélo Québec

In 2024, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes established an active and dedicated cycling committee, founded the firm’s Cycling Club, and launched a subsidy program for BIXI memberships. The year also marked the firm’s achievement of Silver VÉLOSYMPATHIQUE certification.

With a view to encouraging other organizations to foster a cycling culture in the workplace, Vélo Québec will showcase Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes’ approach as an inspiring model for employers undergoing certification—ranging from SMEs to large corporations—at the end of October. As exemplary practices are key to change, Vélo Québec will highlight the firm’s achievements by organizing a tour of its facilities as part of a presentation and discussion event.

This recognition underscores the firm’s efforts to promote cycling and represents a unique opportunity to further advocate for active mobility.

Net zero report for 2024

In alignment with global carbon-neutrality goals and its own sustainability commitments, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes conducted its first carbon footprint review for 2023.

Based on a structured approach involving an in-depth study of its scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and by offsetting these emissions through the purchase of certified carbon credits supporting renewable energy, transportation, waste management, and energy-efficiency projects, the firm achieved its first carbon-neutral balance.

At the beginning of 2024, the firm took additional steps to reduce GHG emissions at the source, notably by promoting eco-responsible workplace practices among employees, and then offset the remaining emissions in full:

Total emissions: 148 tonnes of CO₂e (Scopes 1, 2, and 3)
Offsets: 170 tonnes of CO₂e (certified carbon credits)
Net balance: -22 tonnes of CO₂e

A net-negative carbon balance was therefore achieved once again for 2024. Notably, overall emissions were reduced at the source by 16.3% (-28.8 tonnes of CO₂e) compared with 2023, when total emissions were estimated at 178 tonnes of CO₂e.

Despite a 30% increase in staff between 2023 and 2024, the team rose to an ambitious challenge: to grow while reducing its carbon footprint. This significant decrease in emissions was primarily due to improvements in commuting habits (–29.5%) and better energy management:

• 12,352 km were travelled by bicycle: 30% of team members commuted by bike (22% in 2023).
• The share of low-emission commuting (cycling, walking, metro, bus, train, or carpooling) increased from 57% to 61%.
• 33,766 km were travelled for business trips and professional travel, compared to 215,398 km the previous year.
• 18.4% decrease in GHG emissions per employee thanks to hybrid work practices.
• 5.7% reduction in electricity consumption through eco-responsible habits such as turning off unused screens, computers, and lights—every action counts!
• 7.5% decrease in data transmission volume (greater use of shared folders instead of multiple email attachments, turning off cameras during large videoconferences, etc.).
• 16.5% reduction in GHG emissions per employee related to office supplies, thanks to better planning and more durable purchases.
• 18% decrease in emissions per employee related to waste generation, due to waste reduction and improved sorting of recyclable and compostable materials.