Our approach

The social component of sustainable development evaluates the impact of a company or an organization on the society in which it operates.

A mission that is still relevant

Having the organization integrate the dimensions of sustainable development is an opportunity to make the Fonds’ mission and culture even more relevant. In this way we are looking to optimally integrate activities related to sustainable development and social responsibility, particularly at the organizational level, through a cohesive approach among our main sectors.

The Fonds is building the future by educating and raising awareness among its stakeholders on the global concept of sustainable development.

Sharing benefits with our partner companies

Accordingly, the Fonds has designed training for its specialists who manage investments in partner companies and those in the Other Investments sector, who invest on the major markets. This training will help them share the benefits with our partner companies, because doing nothing in terms of sustainable development (on the social, economic and environmental level) could negatively impact them.

The challenges, risks and business opportunities that sustainable development represents for companies are real, and we must understand the main issued involved. And the Fonds de solidarité FTQ will be there to support its partner companies as they take steps to modernize and grow.

The Fonds’ commitment: Place people at the forefront of development

From a social perspective, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ has made numerous contributions, as detailed in our Annual and Sustainability Reports. Examples include:

• Strong local social development that is integrated into economic growth and that is achieved through job creation;
• Values and practices in the area of labour relations and human rights that comply with the most rigorous requirements;
• A social audit before any investment that takes into account the labour profile, work conditions, the quality of communications within the company, compliance with health and safety principles and respect of the environment;
• Support for community projects, including the annual Centraide campaign and a multitude of foundations and community organizations across Québec;
• Sharing benefits with our partner companies.

Criteria used to assess the social performance of companies :

• Working conditions;
• Rate of unionization;
• Employee training;
• Respect of human rights;
• Social involvement; Etc.

The economic dimension of sustainable development calls for working together with society to build a vibrant economy that will be viable in the long run.

The Fonds’ commitment: Invest in the Québec economy

From an economic perspective, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ has made numerous contributions, as detailed in our Annual and Sustainability Reports. Examples include:

• Investing patient capital in Québec businesses and being involved in their development, thereby building wealth while contributing to create, maintain and save jobs;
• Providing workers with economic training to enhance their involvement in the organization's growth and the improvement of the company's performance;
• Educating Quebecers about the importance of saving and giving them access to an attractive retirement savings plan;
• Buying locally;
• Making responsible long-term investments with people in the regions.
  

Criteria used to assess the economic performance of companies :

• Creation, maintenance and protection of jobs;
• Economic training;
• Efforts to educate workers about the importance of saving;
• Local procurement.

The environmental aspect of sustainable development refers to all the steps taken by an organization to continually improve its environmental practices and those of its employees.

The Fonds' Commitment: reduce its negative impact on the environment

From an environmental point of view, the Fonds de solidarité FTQ's Annual and Sustainability Reports present the efforts made to improve its environmental performance in a continuous improvement perspective.

Certification LEED EB

The Fonds de solidarité FTQ also aims to obtain Gold Level LEED EB (existing buildings) certification by 2014, as well as the Level 4 certification of the BOMA BESt program, which is its highest certification level, for its head office. The Fonds is also a member of the COOP Carbone, which enables member businesses and organizations optimize the value of their carbon credits while helping them find various ways to reducing their eco-footprint.

Criteria used to assess the environmental performance of companies :

• Energy consumption, drinking water consumption and quantity of waste generated;
• Multi-materials recycling volume;
• Materials that are healthy, recycled, using reused and certified by recognized organizations;
• Elimination or reduction of the use of hazardous products or substances that deplete the ozone layer;
• Maintenance of superior indoor air quality in accordance with ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Engineers) standards.