Last July, Air Liquide employees in Canada decided to challenge themselves to reduce their usage of single-use plastics inasmuch as possible by participating for one whole month in the PLASTIC-FREE EcoChallenge, organized by the North American platform EcoChallenge.org.
At month-end, supported by management, the Canadian team of about 140 volunteer participants and 30 local champions had collected 16,410 points, exceeding its 10,000 point target by 64%.
For Marie Bertrand, HSEQ Coordinator and Coordinator, EcoChallenge Team at Air Liquide Canada, this success proves that the culture of eco-responsibility and sustainable development are values that are solidly anchored within the company.
“I am very proud of the result of our collective commitment. Together we took up the challenge with enthusiasm and willingness to make a difference! Thanks to our efforts, more than 2,000 single-use plastic objects were not used and 10+ awareness events were held at several sites across Canada. In total, we collected 16,410 points on the EcoChallenge.org platform! By changing our habits and raising awareness among our colleagues and entourage about the challenges of plastic overconsumption, we have succeeded, on our own scale, in reducing our own sustainable footprint!”.
In addition, at the launch of the EcoChallenge, Air Liquide had committed to make a donation to an organization chosen by the participants, to underline their commitment to achieving the company’s Climate Objectives. So Air Liquide Canada donated $10,000 to the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), selected by employees from three Canada-wide environmental organizations.
At the end of the year, Bertrand Masselot, President and CEO of Air Liquide in Canada personally handed Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director, The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, a cheque representing Air Liquide’s donation to CPAWS. On this occasion, they discussed various Air Liquide projects in Canada, including the construction of the world’s largest PEM Electrolyser for the production of decarbonated hydrogen starting in the fall of 2020 in Bécancour, as well as the possibility of the two organizations continuing to work together.
“The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society applauds Air Liquide’s employee-led challenge to reduce the use of individual plastics. CPAWS is truly honored to be your charity of choice! We look forward to partnering with Air Liquide as we help Canada meet its international commitments for protecting land and water for 2020 and beyond.” declared Sandra Schwartz.
About Air Liquide in Canada
Created in 1911, Air Liquide in Canada has a team of more than 2,500 employees working to serve more than 200,000 customers and patients across Canada. In all of the country’s key industrial regions from coast to coast, Air Liquide offers innovative solutions — gas, equipment and services — in a wide variety of sectors, from oil and gas, mining, healthcare, automotive, aeronautics, metallurgy, metal fabrication to chemical, healthcare and agri-food industries.
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