Responsible, sustainable Games: Sherbrooke 2013 innovates

On the occasion of World Environment Day, the Host Society is pleased to announce  that the Canada Summer Games–Sherbrooke 2013 will become the first major sporting event in Canada to be recognized as environmentally responsible according to standard 9700-253 of the Bureau de normalisation du Québec (BNQ). The Université de Sherbrooke has awarded Level 1 certification to the organization. Also on the “green” front, Cascades is joining the Games family as a sustainable development Merit Partner.

Achieving sustainable and environmentally responsible Games in a “green” region is a significant commitment made by the organization, one that reflects the city of Sherbrooke’s goals.

“With 12 000 participants and 15 000 visitors coming to the region, sustainable development must be a focus to ensure positive environmental and socioeconomic spinoffs for the city and the whole region”

- Bernard Sévigny, Mayor of Sherbrooke and First Vice-President of the Games - 

“The Université de Sherbrooke is proud to contribute to these efforts that will yield concrete results in terms of waste management, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and prioritizing local foods”

- Alain Webster, Vice-President of Sustainable Development and Government Relations at the UdeS and board member of the Sherbrooke 2013 Games organization - 

The Host Society of the Canada Summer Games–Sherbrooke 2013 has developed a sustainable development policy and an environmental responsibility action plan and created a committee of partners to provide support. More than 25 specific efforts are involved, including the installation of a drinking water distribution system and 80% waste recovery.

“This will be a major challenge given the size of the event and the need to educate participants and visitors on the importance of helping us achieve our goals. We also hope to use this approach to encourage the public to adopt healthy lifestyles”

- Patrice Cordeau, Manager, Sustainable Development for the Games - 

To illustrate this green approach, the Games organization also planted 20 trees, representing the 20 sport disciplines, at the Université de Sherbrooke, and 13 trees, representing the provinces and territories, at Bishop’s University.

This symbolic gesture will offset most of the GHG emissions generated during the chefs de mission’s visit to Sherbrooke in May. 

Check out the photos taken for the occasion.