Pomerleau Commits to a More Sustainable Industry
ESG
Pomerleau is proud to once again be recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers. This national distinction highlights organizations that stand out through concrete environmental practices and a sustained commitment to sustainable development. It reflects the consistency of our approach, the mobilization of our teams, and our ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of our activities.
At a time when the construction industry plays a critical role in the environmental transition, this recognition reaffirms Pomerleau’s position as a committed player, capable of innovating, collaborating, and delivering projects that meet today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.
A Recognition Built on Concrete Actions
This distinction reflects an approach where environmental commitments translate into tangible results. At Pomerleau, sustainability is measured, monitored, and integrated across all operations.
Étienne Gravel, Director, Environment and Sustainable Development at Pomerleau, embodies this vision. He joined the company in 2013 as a project management intern on the expansion of the Montréal–Trudeau International Airport jetty and now has over nine years of experience within the organization. For the past three years, he has led environmental initiatives and actively contributed to structuring the company’s sustainable approach.
When we release our annual sustainability report, we have concrete results that we can talk about. It’s not just about marketing and branding.
Measurable Results Across the Organization
Pomerleau’s environmental commitment is reflected in measurable results across its activities.
In recent years, Pomerleau has:
- Increased its waste diversion rate to 72%
- Achieved over 200 sustainable construction certifications
- Maintained its ISO 14001:2025 certification since 2023
- Accelerated its carbon neutrality target to 2050
These initiatives are part of a broader vision aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of projects while creating long-term value for communities.
Accelerating the Path to Net-Zero
Pomerleau has set a clear objective: to achieve net zero emissions in its operations by 2050. This commitment is supported by a structured plan with ambitious interim targets, including a significant reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
In 2024, the company reached an important milestone by reducing its absolute greenhouse gas emissions for the first time, despite business growth. This reduction is driven by concrete initiatives deployed on job sites, such as optimizing temporary heating and gradually introducing electric vehicles into operations.
Beyond its own activities, Pomerleau is also taking action across its value chain by analyzing indirect emissions and collaborating with partners to reduce its overall footprint.
Embedding Sustainability at Every Stage of Projects
At Pomerleau, sustainability is not limited to a single phase of a project. It is integrated from the earliest design stages through to delivery.
Teams systematically assess opportunities to reduce environmental impact, whether through selecting lower-carbon materials, optimizing energy performance, or conducting life cycle analyses. This approach enables the delivery of high-performing infrastructure while meeting the highest environmental standards.
Today, a significant portion of Pomerleau’s projects aim for sustainable certifications or directly contribute to the energy transition, particularly through public transit solutions, renewable energy projects, and mass timber construction.
Innovating on Job Sites to Reduce Impact
On the job site, this commitment takes shape through practical innovations that improve both environmental performance and working conditions.
The Vaudreuil-Soulanges Hospital project is a strong example. On this large-scale site, teams implemented solutions to optimize energy management, including installing airlocks at main access points to reduce heat loss in a high-traffic environment.
Jonathan Johannesen, Superintendent on the project, highlights the direct impact of these measures:
We have about 1,500 people at the site. There is a lot of movement, a lot of deliveries and open doors. We implemented solutions to protect these sensitive points and retain heat inside.
This approach is part of a broader transformation of job site practices. The deployment of smart heating equipment significantly reduces energy consumption, while the gradual electrification of vehicles helps lower the carbon footprint of operations.
At the same time, Pomerleau is developing solutions to reduce waste and optimize resource use, notably by promoting material reuse and improved residual materials management. This approach aligns with a circular economy mindset aimed at rethinking the entire project lifecycle.
Mobilizing the Entire Construction Ecosystem
Transforming the industry requires collective action. Pomerleau plays an active role in advancing industry practices by collaborating with partners, suppliers, and clients to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable solutions.
This commitment is reflected in collaborative initiatives with other key players. As Étienne Gravel explains, collaboration is essential to achieving meaningful impact at scale:
The construction industry has so many players including subcontractors, consulting firms, suppliers, and general contractors. It’s hard to make sure they all change their ways. One of our big achievements is that we joined forces with eight of our main competitors. We created an alliance to work on a roadmap to decarbonize our industry, to make sure that we can move the needle together. And we put aside competition for that.
A Recognition That Reflects Ongoing Commitment
By once again being named among Canada’s Greenest Employers, Pomerleau confirms the consistency and strength of its commitment to sustainable development.
The company would like to thank all its teams. This recognition is made possible by their dedication, expertise, and willingness to do things differently. It belongs to everyone and reflects the collective impact achieved across the industry.
This distinction highlights not only the progress made, but also the determination to continue innovating, collaborating, and raising industry standards to build a more sustainable future. Every action counts, and by working together, we are helping transform construction for today and for generations to come.
