The 2014 BRP - Cascades Golf Tournament certified eco-friendly
KINGSEY FALLS, QC, Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Today, on National Tree Day, partners of the 2014 BRP - Cascades Golf Tournament are proud to announce that the event earned a Level-2 rating according to the responsible event management standard of the Bureau de normalisation du Québec. A tree-planting project recently completed a series of green measures taken to achieve this objective: 58 deciduous trees were planted in Magog, which hosted the tournament, to offset greenhouse gas emissions generated by participants and volunteers travelling to the event.
Positive benefits for the environment and health
Organizers of the fundraising activity can also say "mission accomplished" in regard to the record amount collected for the Fondation du CHUS (Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke): $1,898,890 was raised on June 18 at the event's 17th edition held at the Venise golf club.
"Our health is dependent on the environment we live in. Over the past three years, we have come to realize that just a few simple initiatives can make an enormous difference for the planet. We at the Fondation du CHUS are proud to present one of the few eco-friendly golf tournaments in Québec," said Dany Lachance, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fondation du CHUS.
"BRP's Corporate Social Responsibility program provides a framework for organizing company events at our sites located across the globe," explained José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP. The 17th BRP • Cascades tournament was a remarkable success, both in terms of the amount of money raised for the Fondation du CHUS, and the Level-2 rating achieved for responsible management.
"We are very pleased that the tournament has developed a truly eco-friendly culture over the past years. Golfers, organizers, volunteers and suppliers join the movement of their own accord, notably in making efforts to reduce the amount of waste generated. While making the golf tournament an eco-friendly event was an innovative idea three years ago, it now seems completely natural, thanks to the dedication of everyone involved," added Alain Lemaire, co-founder of Cascades.
Water and waste: sound management
A "Cascades Green team" was deployed to the grounds to ensure sound waste management. The snacks and refreshments provided by local suppliers throughout the event generated waste that was, for the most part, recyclable or compostable. Recycling stations were strategically located to encourage participants to recycle as much as possible, and food vendors served most of their products in compostable dishware. Close to 72 kg of compost were collected over the course of the day.
Measures to reduce water consumption were also implemented: reusable water bottles were distributed, water stations were located onsite, and water reduction devices were installed in the washrooms.
Results that make a difference
In all, 91% of the waste collected was recycled and thus diverted from landfill. Only 22 kg of "final waste" were produced, which, when averaged over the 176 golfers and 105 volunteers, was equivalent to the weight of three golf balls per person.
All of the compostable and recyclable materials were sent to Cascades or to the Magog ecocentre, where they will be given a second life. Once again this year, the City of Magog's environment service offered its invaluable collaboration.
No less than 44% of participants and volunteers carpooled to the event. Transportation generated 5.2 tonnes of CO2 compared with 10 tonnes last year. The organization Compensation CO2 Québec took care of planting the 58 trees required to offset twice the amount of those greenhouse gas emissions.
Cascades relied on expertise provided by the Conseil québécois des événements écoresponsables (CQEER) in its efforts to meet the standards set out by the BNQ for eco-friendly events. According to the CQEER, "The BRP-Cascades Golf Tournament was an undeniable success from an environmental standpoint, thanks to the waste management initiatives, the offset of greenhouse gases and the commitment of the management and coordination team."
About Cascades:
Founded in 1964, Cascades produces, converts and markets packaging and tissue products that are composed mainly of recycled fibres. The Company employs close to 12,000 employees, who work in over 100 production units located in North America and Europe. With its management philosophy, half a century of experience in recycling, and continuous efforts in research and development as driving forces, Cascades continues to deliver the innovative products that customers have come to rely on. Cascades' shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol CAS.
About BRP:
BRP (TSX: DOO) is a global leader in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and marketing of powersports vehicles and propulsion systems. Its portfolio includes Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Can-Am all-terrain and side-by-side vehicles, Can-Am Spyder roadsters, Evinrude and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts, motorcycles and recreational aircraft. BRP supports its line of products with a dedicated parts, accessories and clothing business. With annual sales of over CA$3 billion from 105 countries, the Company employs approximately 7,100 people worldwide.
Ski-Doo, Lynx, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Rotax, Can-Am, Spyder and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
About the CHUS Foundation:
An autonomous philanthropic organization, the CHUS Foundation is a unique partner in the progress and development of the Centre hospitalier universitaire de Sherbrooke. Solidly rooted in the community, the Foundation has as its mission to raise and administer funds, and to allocate them according to CHUS patient priority needs. With the amounts raised, the Foundation can contribute towards the institution's medical equipment purchases and its research. Since the CHUS Foundation's incorporation in 1977, it has given the hospital nearly $70 million.
SOURCE Cascades Inc.
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